‘But how am I in fault? What can I do?’
‘I’ll tell you what: come with me to him.’
‘God forbid!’
‘Why won’t you come?’
‘But why should I go to see him? Upon my word!’
‘Why? Why, because he says you’ve a good heart; let me see if you’ve a good heart.’
‘But what good can I do him?’
‘Oh, that’s my business. You may be sure things are in a bad way, since I’ve come to you. It’s certain I could think of nothing else to do.’
Onisim paused for a while.
‘Well, come along, Vassilissa, please, come along.’