Pagina 17 di 1294

"Here, sir: as we say ten copecks the rouble a month, so I must

take fifteen copecks from a rouble and a half for the month in

advance. But for the two roubles I lent you before, you owe me

now twenty copecks on the same reckoning in advance. That makes

thirty-five copecks altogether. So I must give you a rouble and

fifteen copecks for the watch. Here it is."

"What! only a rouble and fifteen copecks now!"

"Just so."

The young man did not dispute it and took the money. He looked at

the old woman, and was in no hurry to get away, as though there

was still something he wanted to say or to do, but he did not

himself quite know what.

"I may be bringing you something else in a day or two, Alyona

Ivanovna--a valuable thing--silver--a cigarette-box, as soon as I

get it back from a friend..." he broke off in confusion.

"Well, we will talk about it then, sir."