'I know you wouldn't! Yes, you are capable of that. And that's what you will be doing for a time; and afterwards, maybe—something else too.'
'But to do that I must learn from Tatyana!'
'By all means . . . get her to show you. You will scour pots, and pluck chickens.. . . And so, who knows, maybe you will save your country!'
'You are laughing at me, Vassily Fedotitch.'
Solomin shook his head slowly.
'O my sweet Marianna! believe me, I am not laughing at you; and my words are the simple truth. You now, all of you, Russian women, are more capable, and loftier too, than we men.'
Marianna raised her downcast eyes.
'I should like to justify your expectations, Solomin . . . and then—I'm ready to die!'
Solomin got up.
'No, live . . . live! That's the great thing. By the way, don't you want to find out what is taking place in your home now, as regards your flight? Won't they take steps of some sort? We need only drop a word to Pavel—he'll reconnoitre in no time.'
Marianna was surprised.
'What an extraordinary man he is!'
'Yes . . . he's rather a wonderful fellow.
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