"It's true!" said Vaviloff, nodding his head. "I knew it."
"Well then"—
The young merchant raised his voice.
"Oh! nothing. Let's arrange terms."
"I'm delighted you make up your mind so promptly. I have here a declaration prepared in readiness, declaring that you are willing to stop proceedings against my father. Read it and sign it."
Vaviloff glanced with round eyes at his interlocutor, with a presentiment that something exceedingly disagreeable was coming.
"Wait a moment. Sign what? What do you mean?"
"Simply write your name and your family name here," said Petounnikoff, politely pointing out with his finger the place left for the signature.
"That's not what I mean—that is, I mean, what compensation will you give me for the land?"
"The land is of no use to you," said Petounnikoff soothingly.