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 dear; I shall not make the two ends meet. I beg him to yield a little."

"But is your bargain made, or is it not? If it is made, there is no need of haggling; if it is not," said Levin, "I am going to buy the wood."

The smile suddenly disappeared from Rabinin's lips. A rapacious and cruel expression, like that of a bird of prey, came in its place. With his bony fingers he tore open his overcoat, bringing into sight his shirt, his waistcoat with its copper buttons, and his watch-chain; and from his breast-pocket he pulled out a huge, well-worn wallet.

"Excuse me, the wood is mine," he exclaimed, making a rapid sign of the cross, and he extended his hand. "Take your money, the wood is mine. This is how Rabinin ends his transactions. He does not reckon his kopeks," said he, knitting his brows and waving his wallet eagerly.

"If I were in your place, I should not be in haste," said Levin.

"Mercy on me!" said Oblonsky, astonished, "I have given my word."

Levin dashed out of the room, slamming the door. Rabinin glanced at the door and shook his head.

"Merely the effect of youth; definitely, pure childishness. Believe me, I buy this, so to speak, for the sake of glory, so that they may say, 'It's Rabinin, and not some one else, who has bought Oblonsky's forest.' And God knows how I shall come out of it! Have faith in God! Please sign." ....

An hour later the merchant, carefully wrapping his khalat around him and buttoning up his overcoat, took his seat in his cart and drove home, with the agreement in his pocket.

"Oh! these gentlemen!" he said to his overseer, "always the same story."

"So it is," replied the prikashchik, giving up the reins, so as to arrange the leather boot. "And your little purchase, Mikhaïl Ignatyitch?"

"Well! well!"