Voroshilov, to Litvinov’s astonishment, had not uttered a word ever since his entrance, but had only knitted his brows and rolled his eyes (as a rule he was either speechifying or else perfectly dumb). He now expanded his chest in soldierly fashion, and with a tap of his heels, nodded assent.
‘Well, and how was it? Did you like it?’
‘As regards the fundamental principles, I liked it; but I did not agree with the inferences.’
‘Mmm ... Andrei Ivanitch praised that pamphlet, however. You must expand your doubts to me later.’
‘You desire it in writing?’
Gubaryov was obviously surprised; he had not expected this; however, after a moment’s thought, he replied:
‘Yes, in writing. By the way, I will ask you to explain to me your views also ... in regard to ... in regard to associations.’
‘Associations on Lassalle’s system, do you desire, or on the system of Schulze-Delitzsch?’
‘Mmm ... on both. For us Russians, you understand, the financial aspect of the matter is specially important. Yes, and the artel ... as the germ.... All that, one must take note of. One must go deeply into it. And the question, too, of the land to be apportioned to the peasants....’
‘And you, Stepan Nikolaitch, what is your view as to the number of acres suitable?’ inquired Voroshilov, with reverential delicacy in his voice.