"Silence," I cried sternly. "When I'm afraid, you may find courage to tell me so openly. At present it's dangerous."
Then I completed my few preparations in absolute silence, both Gradinsk and the servant watching me in astonishment. When I was ready, I turned to Vosk.
"What wages are due to you?" I asked sharply. He told me, and I paid him, adding the amount for three months' further. "You leave my service at once. I have no further need of you." I was in truth anxious to get rid of him.
"My things are here. I...." he began, obviously making excuses.
"I give you five minutes to take what is absolutely necessary. The rest you can have another time. You will not return here."
"Do you suspect..." he began again.
"I only discharge you," I returned curtly. "Half of one of your minutes is gone." He looked at me a moment, fear mingled with his utter astonishment, and then went out of the room.
Five minutes later I locked the doors behind us and put the keys in my pocket.
"What has he done, Alexis? Isn't it rather risky? You've been so intimate...." said Gradinsk, as soon as we were in the droschky.
"It is I who have done this, not he," I answered, sharply. "It is my private affair if you please."