"No, I have not had that pleasure."

"It is no great pleasure. I am Posdnicheff."

New silence. He blushed, then turned pale again.

"What matters it, however?" said he. "Excuse me, I do not wish to
embarrass you."

And he resumed his old seat.



CHAPTER III.

I resumed mine, also. The lawyer and the lady whispered together. I was
sitting beside Posdnicheff, and I maintained silence. I desired to talk
to him, but I did not know how to begin, and thus an hour passed until
we reached the next station.

There the lawyer and the lady went out, as well as the clerk. We were
left alone, Posdnicheff and I.

"They say it, and they lie, or they do not understand," said
Posdnicheff.

"Of what are you talking?"

"Why, still the same thing."