The workmen immediately noticed their new caterer. Some of them
approached her and said approvingly:
"Gone into business, Nilovna?"
They comforted her, arguing that Pavel would certainly be released
soon because his cause was a good one. Others filled her sad heart
with alarm by their cautious condolence, while still others awoke
a responsive echo in her by openly and bitterly abusing the manager
and the gendarmes. Some there were who looked at her with a
vindictive expression, among them Isay Gorbov, who, speaking through
his teeth, said:
"If I were the governor, I would have your son hanged! Let him not
mislead the people!"
This vicious threat went through her like the chill blast of death.
She made no reply, glanced at his small, freckled face, and with a
sigh cast down her eyes.
She observed considerable agitation in the factory; the workmen
gathered in small groups and talked in an undertone, with great
animation; the foremen walked about with careworn faces, poking
their noses into everything; here and there were heard angry oaths
and irritated laughter.
Two policemen escorted Samoylov past her. He walked with one hand
in his pocket, the other smoothing his red hair.
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