The window was closed quietly, and Raisky cursed the approaching footsteps that had interrupted the conversation. It was then true, and the letter written on blue paper not a dream. Was there a rendezvous? He went in the direction of the steps.
“Who is there?” cried a voice, and Raisky was seized from behind.
“The devil,” cried Raisky, pushing Savili away, “since when have you taken upon yourself to guard the house?”
“I have the Mistress’s orders. There are so many thieves and vagabonds in the neighbourhood, and the sailors from the Volga do a lot of mischief.”
“That is a lie. You are out after Marina, and you ought to be ashamed of yourself.”
He would have gone, but Savili detained him.
“Allow me, Sir, to say a word or two about Marina. Exercise your merciful powers, and send the woman to Siberia.”
“Are you out of your senses?”
“Or into a house of detention for the rest of her life.”
“I’m much more likely to send you, so that you cease to beat her. What are you doing, spying here in this abominable way?” said Raisky between his teeth, as he cast a glance at Vera’s window. In another moment he was gone.