Vasili Nikolaich in holiday costume and with oiled hair was sitting at tea with his wife and a guest who was wearing an oriental kerchief.
"I want a word with you, Vasili Nikolaich!"
"Please say what you want to. We have finished tea."
"No. I'd rather you came out with me."
"Directly; only let me get my cap. Tanya, put out the samovar,"—said Vasili Nikolaich, stepping outside cheerfully.
It seemed to Eugene that Vasili had been drinking, but what was to be done? It might be all the better—he would sympathize with him in his difficulties the more readily.
"I have come again to speak about that same matter, Vasili Nikolaich," said Eugene,—"about that woman."
"Well, what of her? I told them not to take her again on any account."
"No, I have been thinking in general, and this is what I wanted to take your advice about. Isn't it possible to get them away, to send the whole family away?"
"Where can they be sent?" said Vasili, disapprovingly and ironically as it seemed to Eugene.