'What?'
'How is it you are going along the same way?'
'Because there's no other; that is, speaking more correctly, my aim is the same as Markelov's; but our paths are different.'
'Poor Sergei Mihalovitch!' said Marianna mournfully. Solomin again gave her a discreet caress.
'Come, come; there's nothing certain yet. We shall see what news Pavel brings. In our . . . work one must be of good courage. The English say, "Never say die." A good proverb. Better than the Russian, "When trouble comes, open the gates wide." It's useless lamenting beforehand.'
Solomin got up from his seat.
'And the place you meant to get me?' asked Marianna suddenly. The tears were still glistening on her cheeks, but there was no sadness in her eyes.
Solomin sat down again.
'Do you want so much to get away from here as soon as possible?'
'Oh, no! but I should like to be of use.'
'Marianna, you are of great use even here. Don't forsake us, wait a little. What is it?' Solomin asked of Tatyana, who came in.
'Well, there's some sort of a female article
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