azumov
remembered his intention of making him show his hand.

"I have said all this to Prince K---," he began with assumed
indifference, but lost it on seeing Councillor Mikulin's slow nod of
assent. "You know it? You've heard.... Then why should I be called
here to be told of Haldin's execution? Did you want to confront me with
his silence now that the man is dead? What is his silence to me! This is
incomprehensible. You want in some way to shake my moral balance."

"No. Not that," murmured Councillor Mikulin, just audibly. "The service
you have rendered is appreciated...."

"Is it?" interrupted Razumov ironically.

"...and your position too." Councillor Mikulin did not raise his
voice. "But only think! You fall into Prince K---'s study as if from
the sky with your startling information.... You are studying yet,
Mr. Razumov, but we are serving already--don't forget that.... And
naturally some curiosity was bound to...."

Councillor Mikulin looked down his beard. Razumov's lips trembled.

"An occurrence of that sort marks a man," the homely murmur went on. "I
admit I was curious to see you. General T--- thought it would be useful,
too.... Don't think I am incapable of understanding your sentiments.
When I was young like you I studied...."

"Yes--you wished to see me," said Razumov in a tone of profound
distaste. "Naturally you have the right--I mean the power. It all
amounts to the same thing. But it is perfectly useless, if you were
to look at me and listen to me for a year. I begin to think there
is something about me which people don't seem able to make out. It's
unfortunate. I imagine, however, that Prince K--- understands. He seemed
to."

Councillor Mikulin moved slightly and spoke.

"Prince K--- is aware of everything that is being done, and I don't
mind informing you that he approved my intention of becoming personally
acquainted with you."

Razumov concealed an immense disappointment under the accents of railing
surprise.

"So he is curious too!... Well--after all, Prince K--- knows me very
little. It is really very unfortunate for me, but--it is not exactly my
fault."

Councillor Mikulin raised a hasty deprecatory hand and inclined his head
slightly over his shoulder.

"Now, Mr. Razumov--is it necessary to take it in that way? Everybody I
am sure can...."

He glanced rapidly down his beard, and when he looked up again there
was for a moment an interested expression in his misty gaze. Razumov