“If that’s your reason for going,” Solomin continued, “I repeat once more, you can stay at home for some time to come yet, but if you want to run away because you love each other and can’t be united otherwise, then—”
“Well? What then?”
“Then I must first congratulate you and, if need be, give you all the help in my power. I may say, my dear lady, that I took a liking to you both at first sight and love you as brother and sister.”
Mariana and Nejdanov both went up to him on the right and left and each clasped a hand.
“Only tell us what to do,” Mariana implored. “Supposing the revolution is still far off, there must be preparatory work to be done, a thing impossible in this house, in the midst of these surroundings. We should so gladly go together.... Show us what we can do; tell us where to go.... Send us anywhere you like! You will send us, won’t you?”
“Where to?”
“To the people.... Where can one go if not among the people?”
“Into the forest,” Nejdanov thought, calling to mind Paklin’s words.
Solomin looked intently at Mariana.
“Do you want to know the people?”