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On entering the study Ryabinin looked about, as his habit was, as

though seeking the holy picture, but when he had found it, he did

not cross himself. He scanned the bookcases and bookshelves, and

with the same dubious air with which he had regarded the snipe,

he smiled contemptuously and shook his head disapprovingly, as

though by no means willing to allow that this game were worth the

candle.

"Well, have you brought the money?" asked Oblonsky. "Sit down."

"Oh, don't trouble about the money. I've come to see you to talk

it over."

"What is there to talk over? But do sit down."

"I don't mind if I do," said Ryabinin, sitting down and leaning

his elbows on the back of his chair in a position of the

intensest discomfort to himself. "You must knock it down a bit,

prince. It would be too bad. The money is ready conclusively to

the last farthing. As to paying the money down, there'll be no

hitch there."