"I was told that there are many sick people in the hospital, and they need assistants."
"Well, yes. But I will let you know, as I said."
"Please do," said Nekhludoff.
There was a burst of general and even natural laughter in the reception-room.
"That is caused by Victor," said Maslenikoff, smiling. "He is remarkably witty when in high spirits."
"Another thing," said Nekhludoff. "There are a hundred and thirty men languishing in prison for the only reason that their passports were not renewed in time. They have been in prison now for a month."
And he related the causes that kept them there.
"How did you come to know it?" asked Nekhludoff, and his face showed disquietude and displeasure.
"I was visiting a prisoner, and these people surrounded me and asked——"
"What prisoner were you visiting?"