You will hamper him.'
Marianna glanced at Nezhdanov. He stood immovable, with an immovable, sullen face.
'But if there's danger?' she said.
Solomin smiled.
'Don't be afraid . . . when there's danger, I'll let you go.'
Marianna silently took the kerchief off her head and sat down.
Then Solomin turned to Nezhdanov.
'And do you, brother, really look about a little. Perhaps it's all exaggerated. Only, please, be careful. Some one shall go with you, though. And come back as quick as possible. You promise? Nezhdanov, do you promise?'
'Yes.'
'Yes, for certain?'
'Since every one obeys you here, Marianna and all.'
Nezhdanov went out into the passage without saying good-bye. Pavel popped up out of the darkness and ran down the staircase before him, his iron-shod boots ringing as he went. Was he then to accompany Nezhdanov?
Solomin sat down by Marianna.
'You heard Nezhdanov's last words?'
'Yes; he's vexed that I listen to you more than to him. And indeed it's the truth. I
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