"But why?" she asked. "They say everything is going on well
there."

"Yes, that is so, but one man has turned out unreliable and must
be got rid of. Besides that, there are other things. They want
you to come too."

"Do they say so in the letter?"

"Yes."

Mashurina shook back her heavy hair, which was twisted into a
small plait at the back, and fell over her eyebrows in front.

"Well," she remarked; "if the thing is settled, then there is
nothing more to be said."

"Of course not. Only one can't do anything without money, and
where are we to get it from?"

Mashurina became thoughtful.

"Nejdanov must get the money," she said softly, as if to herself.

"That is precisely what I have come about," Ostrodumov observed.

"Have you got the letter?" Mashurina asked suddenly.

"Yes. Would you like to see it?"