Page:The Novels of Ivan Turgenev (volume VI).djvu/265

Rh without noticing that he was contradicting himself, he began to ask them to point out what real existing elements they could rely on─to declare that he couldn't see any. No sympathy in society, no understanding in the people.

He got no answer, of course; not because there was no answer to be given, but that every one was by now talking on his own account. Markelov kept up a monotonous, insistent drone with his dull, angry voice ('for all the world as if he were chopping cabbage', remarked Paklin). Precisely what he was talking of, was not quite clear; the word 'artillery' could be distinguished in a momentary lull he was probably referring to the defects he had discovered in its organisation. Germans and adjutants seemed also to be coming in for their share. Even Solomin observed that there were two ways of waiting: waiting and doing nothing, and waiting while pushing things forward.

'Progressives are no good to us', said Markelov gloomily.

'Progressives have hitherto worked from above', observed Solomin; 'we are going to try working from below.'

'No use, go to the devil, no use in it!' Golushkin cut in furiously; 'we must act at once, at once!'