Boyar Nicola could not take his eyes off Cozma. The highwayman stopped and said:
“God be with you!”
“I thank you,” replied Vasile. “God grant it!”
The boyar remained persistently silent.
“H’m!” murmured Vasile. “You have come to see us, friend Cozma?”
“I have come,” responded Racoare.
“On our business?”
“Yes.”
Cozma spoke slowly, frowning; wherever he might be no smile ever lit up his face.
“Ah, yes, you have come,” said the boyar, as if awaking from sleep. “Vasile, go and tell them to prepare coffee, but bring wine at once.”