"Yes—very well!" said Nikolay, pacing through the room. "Why not? We ought to have Sashenka here!"
"She'll be here soon. She always comes on my visiting day to Pasha."
Thoughtfully drooping his head, biting his lips and twisting his beard, Nikolay sat on the sofa by the mother's side.
"I'm sorry my sister isn't here. She ought to occupy herself with Rybin's case."
"It would be well to arrange it at once, while Pasha is there. It would be pleasant for him."
The bell rang. They looked at each other.
"That's Sasha," Nikolay whispered.
"How will you tell her?" the mother whispered back.
"Yes—um!—it's hard!"
"I pity her very much."