XI
These guests turned out to be our old friends, Ostrodumov and Mashurina. They were both sitting in the small and very poorly furnished drawing-room of Markelov's house, drinking beer and smoking by the light of a kerosene lamp. They were not surprised at Nezhdanov's arrival; they knew Markelov intended to bring him with him; but Nezhdanov was much surprised at seeing them. When he came in, Ostrodumov observed, 'How are you, brother?' and that was all. Mashurina first turned crimson all over, then held out her hand. Markelov explained to Nezhdanov that Ostrodumov and Mashurina had been sent down 'on the cause,' which was bound shortly now to take practical shape; that they had come from Petersburg a week ago; that Ostrodumov was remaining in S——— province for propaganda purposes, while Mashurina was going to K——— to see a certain person there.
Markelov suddenly grew hot, though no one
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