“I intend to parcel out Magyerovka. The mill I will sell; but in Skoki and Suhotsin I have marl, and knowest thou at how much I have estimated it? At two million rubles.”
“Has uncle a purchaser?”
“Two years ago a certain Shaum came and looked at the fields. He went away, it is true, without speaking of the business; but I am sure that he will come again, otherwise the mouse would have appeared behind the pipe-table.”
“Ha! let him come again.”
“Knowest thou another thing that comes to my head? Since thou art an ‘affairist,’ take up this business. Find thyself partners, that is all.”
“The business is too large for me.”
“Then find me a purchaser; I will give ten per cent of the proceeds.”
“What does Panna Marynia think of this marl?”
“Marynia, how Marynia? She is a golden child, but still a child! She believes that Providence watches over our family.”
“I heard that from her yesterday.”