Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/233

 of the transfer of the land. We came to see Leoníd Fédorovich.

. But how is that? I am sure hunters were to come for Vovó. Truly, you are no hunters? (The peasants keep silent.) How stupid they are! (Walks over to the door.) Vovó! (Laughs.)

. We met him just a little while ago.

. Who asks you to remember that? Vovó, are you here?

. Vovó is not here, but I am ready to do all that is expected of him. Good morning! Good morning, Márya Konstantínovna! (For a long time firmly presses Betsy's and then Márya Konstantinovna's hand.)

. I declare, he looks as though he were pumping water!

. You can't take his place, but still you are better than nothing. (Laughing.) What kind of business have you with Vovó?

. Business? Fi-nancial business, that is, our business is fie! and at the same time nancial, besides being financial.

. What do you mean by nancial?

. That is the question! The trick is it does not mean anything!

. Now, that was not a success, not at all! (Laughs.)

. You can't make it a success every time. It is like a raffle. At first it is nothing, and again nothing, and then there is a prize.