“Aha!” drawled Ivanoff, as he scratched the back of his head.
“But with that we shall deal later on. At the commencement we shall not set ourselves to solve such great—”
“Or small …” prompted Dubova.
“Problems,” continued Goschienko, affecting not to hear. “We shall begin by making out a programme of such works as we intend to read, and I propose to devote the present evening to this purpose.”
“Soloveitchik, are your workmen coming?” asked Dubova.
“Yes, of course they are!” replied Soloveitchik, jumping up as if he had been stung. “We have already sent to fetch them.”
“Soloveitchik, don’t shout like that!” exclaimed Goschienko.
“Here they are!” said Schafroff, who was listening to Goschienko’s words with almost reverent attention.
Outside, the gate creaked, and again the dog’s gruff bark was heard.
“They’ve come!” cried Soloveitchik as he rushed out of the room.