Mariana observed.

Paklin started.

"What? Haven't managed it all this time! Well, never mind," he added,
"one can pretend a little. All the same, you will get married directly.
There seems nothing else to be done! Take into consideration the fact
that up until now Sipiagin has not persecuted you, which shows him to
be a man capable of a certain amount of generosity. I see that you don't
like the expression--well, a certain amount of pride. Why should we not
take advantage of it? Consider for yourself!"

Mariana raised her head and passed her hand through her air.

"You can take advantage of whatever you like for Markelov, Mr. Paklin...
or for yourself, but Alexai and I do not desire the protection or
patronage of Mr. Sipiagin. We did not leave his house only to go
knocking at his door as beggars. The pride and generosity of Mr.
Sipiagin and his wife have nothing whatever to do with us!"

"Such sentiments are extremely praiseworthy," Paklin replied ("How
utterly crushed!" he thought to himself), "though, on the other hand, if
you think of it... However, I am ready to obey you. I will exert myself
only on Markelov's account, our good Markelov! I must say, however,
that he is not his blood relation, but only related to him through his
wife--while you--"

"Mr Paklin, I beg of you!"

"I'm sorry... Only I can't tell you how disappointing it is--Sipiagin is
a very influential man."

"Have you no fears for yourself?" Solomin asked.

Paklin drew himself up.

"There are moments when one must not think of oneself!" he said proudly.
And he was thinking of himself all the while. Poor little man! he wanted
to run away as fast as he could. On the strength of the service rendered
him, Sipiagin might, if need be, speak a word in his favour. For
he too--say what he would--was implicated, he had listened and had
chattered a little himself.

"I don't think your suggestion is a bad one," Solomin observed at last,
"although there is not much hope of success. At any rate there is no harm
in trying."

"Of course not. Supposing they pitch me out by the scruff of the neck,
what harm will it do?"

"That won't matter very much" ("Merci," Paklin thought to himself).
"What is the time?" Solomin asked. "Five o'clock. We mustn't dawdle. You
shall have the horses directly. Pavel!"

But instead of Pavel, Nejdanov appeared in the doorway. He staggered
and steadied himself on the doorpost. He opened his mouth feebly, looked
around wit