“Although Bazarof pronounced these last words with a rather resolute expression, he could not bring himself to tell his father of his departure until they were in the library, just as he was going to bid him good-night. He said, with a forced yawn,—
“‘Wait a moment. I almost forgot to let you know. It will be necessary to send our horses to Fyodot to-morrow for the relay.’
“Vasíli Ivanovitch stood stupefied.
“‘Is Kirsánof going to leave us?’ he asked at last.
“‘Yes, and I am going with him.’
“Vasíli Ivanovitch fell back stupefied.
“‘You are going to leave us!’
“‘Yes, I have business. Have the kindness to send the horses.’
“‘Very well,’ stammered the old man, ‘for the relay. Very good,—only—only—is it possible?’
“‘I must go to Kirsánofs for a few days. I shall come right back.’