"All the same, please keep quiet—that is to say, keep quiet about everything that doesn't concern you personally—your family; in general, your home."
Aware that his speech was confused, he sat down in his chair and arranged papers.
"I'm responsible for what you say," he said sadly and wearily.
The mother looked around and quickly thrust the note into Pavel's hand. She breathed a deep sigh of relief.
"I don't know what to speak about."
Pavel smiled:
"I don't know either."
"Then why pay visits?" said the overseer excitedly. "They have nothing to say, but they come here anyhow and bother me."
"Will the trial take place soon?" asked the mother after a pause.
"The procurator was here the other day, and he said it will come off soon."