Neither Solomin nor Nezhdanov knew what answer to make; but Markelov answered at once with the same sternness in his face and voice: 'Of course we will; it would be rather too much of a farce if we didn't.'
'I am greatly obliged,' said Golushkin hastily, and bending to Markelov, he added: 'A thousand roubles I devote to the cause in any case . . . have no doubt about that!'
And so saying he waved his right hand three times, with the thumb and little finger sticking out, as a sign of his good faith.
He escorted his guests to the door, and standing in the doorway, shouted, 'I shall expect you at three!'
'You may expect us!' Markelov alone responded.
'Well, my friends,' observed Solomin, when they were all three in the street, 'I'm going to take a cab and go back to the factory. What are we to do till dinner-time? Waste our time idling about? And, indeed, our worthy merchant . . . it strikes me . . . is like the goat in the fable, neither good for wool nor for milk.'
'Oh, there shall be some wool,' observed Markelov grimly. 'He was just promising some money. Or isn't he nice enough for you? We can't be particular. We're not so much courted that we can afford to be squeamish.'
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