Part 49

At last, after the usual outburst of politeness and amiability, which appears on the faces of a bored assembly on the point of breaking up, after sudden handshakings and friendly smiles, the weary guests and weary hosts separated.

Solomin, who had been given almost the best bedroom on the second floor, with English toilette accessories and a bathroom attached, went in to Nejdanov.

The latter began by thanking him heartily for having agreed to stay.

“I know it’s a sacrifice on your part—”

“Not at all,” Solomin said hastily. “There was no sort of sacrifice required. Besides I couldn’t refuse you.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’ve taken a great liking to you.”

Nejdanov was surprised and glad at the same time, while Solomin pressed his hand. Then he seated himself astride on a chair, lighted a cigar, and leaning both his elbows against the back, began:

“Now tell me what’s the matter.”

Nejdanov also seated himself astride on a chair in front of Solomin, but did not light a cigar.

“So you want to know what’s the matter.... The fact is, I want to run away from here.”

“Am I to understand that you want to leave this house? As far as I can see there is nothing to prevent you.”

“Not leave it, but run away from it.”

“Why? Do they want to detain you? Perhaps you’ve taken some money in advance.... If so, you’ve only to say the word and I should be delighted——”

“I’m afraid you don’t understand me, my dear Solomin. I said run away and not leave, because I’m not going away alone.”

Solomin raised his head.

“With whom then?”

“With the girl you’ve seen here today.”

“With her! She has a very nice face. Are you in love with one another? Or have you simply decided to go away together because you don’t like being here?”

“We love each other.”

“Ah!” Solomin was silent for a while. “Is she related to the people here?”

“Yes. But she fully shares our convictions and is prepared for anything.”

Solomin smiled.

“And you, Nejdanov, are you prepared?”

Nejdanov frowned slightly.

“Why ask? You will see when the time comes.”

“I do not doubt you, Nejdanov. I only asked because it seemed to me that besides yourself nobody else was prepared.”

“And Markelov?”