“When I am dead anyone who has a fancy for them may examine my papers, and will find material enough. But my immediate intention is to represent your head and shoulders in marble.”
“Before the year is out you will fall in love with somebody else, and will not know which to choose as your model.”
“I may fall in love, but I shall never love anyone as I do you. I will carve your statue in marble, for you always stand vividly before my eyes. That is certain,” he concluded emphatically, as he caught her smiling glance.
“Certain again!” interrupted Tatiana Markovna. “I don’t know what you are discussing there, but I know that when you say ‘certain,’ Boris, it is safe to say that nothing will come of it.”
Raisky went up to Tushin, who was sitting in a corner silently watching the scene.
“I hope, Ivan Ivanovich, that what we all wish will be accomplished,” he said.
“All of us, Boris Pavlovich? Do you think it will be accomplished?”
“I think so; it could hardly be otherwise. Promise to let me know wherever I am, because I wish to hold the marriage crown over Vera’s head at the ceremony.”
“I promise.”
“And I promise to come.”