Solomin smiled.
“Don’t be afraid ... when there’s danger I will let you go.”
Mariana took off her shawl without a word and sat down. Solomin then turned to Nejdanov.
“It would be a good thing for you to look about a little, Alexai. I dare say they exaggerate. Only do be careful. But, however, you will not be going alone. Come back as quickly as you can. Will you promise? Nejdanov? Will you promise?”
“Yes.”
“For certain?”
“I suppose so, since everybody here obeys you, including Mariana.”
Nejdanov went out without saying goodbye. Pavel appeared from somewhere out of the darkness and ran down the stairs before him with a great clatter of his hob-nailed boots. Was he then to accompany Nejdanov?
Solomin sat down beside Mariana.
“You heard Nejdanov’s last word?”