One could discuss everything that was interesting with the carpenter. His words always stirred one's feelings, but it was hard to tell when he was serious and when joking.
With Grigori it was better to talk about God; this was a subject which he loved, and on which he was an authority.
"Grisha," I asked, "do you know there are people who do not believe in God?"
He laughed quietly.
"What do you mean?"
"They say there is no God."
"Oh, that's what you mean! I know that."
And as if he were brushing away invisible flies, he went on:
"King David said in his time, you remember, 'The fool hath said in his heart "There is no God."' That's what he said about that kind of fool. We can't do without God!"
Osip said, as if agreeing with him: