Both fell silent.
“Now we have nothing more to talk about. Why did you come here?” asked Mark.
“Because I was bored.”
“Fall in love.”
Raisky was silent.
“With Vera,” continued Mark. “Splendid girl, and she is related to you. It must be easy for you to begin a romance with her.”
Raisky made an angry gesture, to which Mark replied by a burst of laughter.
“Call the ancient wisdom to your help,” he said. “Show outward coldness when you are inwardly consumed, indifference of manner, pride, contempt—every little helps. Parade yourself before her as suits your calling.”
“My calling?”
“Isn’t it your calling to be eccentric?”