He once more shook her
hand vigorously, and laughed softly.
"You see, Stepan, it's a clean business, an excellent business. I
told you so. This is the way it is: the people, so to speak, are
beginning to take things into their own hands. And as to the lady--
she won't tell you the truth; it's harmful to her. I respect her,
I must say; she's a good person, and wishes us well--well, a little
bit, and provided it won't harm her any. But the people want to go
straight, and they fear no loss and no harm--you see ?--all life is
harmful to them; they have no place to turn to; they have nothing
all around except 'Stop!' which is shouted at them from all sides."
"I see," said Stepan, nodding and immediately adding: "She's uneasy
about her baggage."
Pyotr gave the mother a shrewd wink, and again reassured her:
"Don't be uneasy; it's all right. Everything will be all right,
mother. Your valise is in my house. Just now when he told me about
you--that you also participate in this work and that you know that
man--I said to him: 'Take care, Stepan! In such a serious business
you must keep your mouth shut.' Well, and you, too, mother, seem to
have scented us when we stood near you.
Pages:
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478