His ears were filled with the incessant hum in various notes, now the busy hum of the working bee flying quickly off, then the blaring of the lazy drone, and the excited buzz of the bees on guard protecting their property from the enemy and preparing to sting.

On the farther side of the fence the old bee-keeper was shaving a hoop for a tub, and he did not see Levin.

Levin stood still in the midst of the beehives and did not call him.