He smiled, and observed: “Well, anyhow there’ll be no chance for boredom. How many hours a day will you want me to work?”
“Well, let us say from nine in the morning until seven in the evening. Sometimes, when the work is in a hurry you might remain a little longer, or you might come in on a holiday—I believe you are free?”
“How much do you think of paying?”
“Would eighteen roubles a month be enough for you?”
He reflected a while, then he laughed.
“Too little.”
“I can’t afford more than twenty-two.”
“Very well.”
He rose suddenly in his rage, thrust his hand into his pocket, drew out the latchkey to his house, and said quietly but resolutely: “Hands up!”
“Oh!” exclaimed the young woman, and she quickly raised her arms.