'Never mind, go on, go on,' she said, as it were coming to his aid; 'I 'm listening to you. I like to hear you; go on talking.'
Sanin fell to describing his estate, how many acres it contained, and where it was situated, and what were its agricultural advantages, and what profit could be made from it . . . he even referred to the picturesque situation of the house; while Maria Nikolaevna still watched him, and watched more and more intently and radiantly, and her lips faintly stirred, without smiling: she bit them. He felt awkward at last; he was silent a second time.
'Dimitri Pavlovitch,' began Maria Nikolaevna, and sank into thought again.. . . 'Dimitri Pavlovitch,' she repeated.. . . 'Do you know what: I am sure the purchase of your estate will be a very profitable transaction for me, and that we shall come to terms; but you must give me two days.. . . Yes, two days' grace. You are able to endure two days' separation from your betrothed, aren't you? Longer I won't keep you against your will—I give you my word of honour. But if you want five or six thousand francs at once, I am ready with great pleasure to let you have it as a loan, and then we 'll settle later.'
Sanin got up. 'I must thank you, Maria Nikolaevna, for your kindhearted and friendly
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