“How do you do, Solomin?” She threw a side-glance at Mariana.
“He will be back directly,” Solomin said. “But tell me how you came to know—”
“Markelov told me. Besides several people in the town already know that he’s here.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Somebody must have let it out. Besides Nejdanov has been recognised.”
“For all the dressing up!” Solomin muttered to himself. “Allow me to introduce you,” he said aloud, “Miss Sinitska, Miss Mashurina! Won’t you sit down?”
Mashurina nodded her head slightly and sat down.
“I have a letter for Nejdanov and a message for you, Solomin.”
“What message? And from whom?”
“From someone who is well known to you.... Well, is everything ready here?”