Page:The Novels of Ivan Turgenev (volume VI).djvu/61

Rh after him. I am not fit for that─and in fact I don't want to tie myself down, I don't want to lose my freedom.'

Sipyagin waved his hand lightly in the air as though driving away a fly.

'Don't be uneasy. You 're not made of that clay; and I don't want any one to look after him either─I am trying to find a teacher, and I have found him. Well, now, how about terms? financial considerations, filthy lucre?

Nezhdanov was at a loss what to say.

'Come,' said Sipyagin, bending his whole person forward and affectionately touching Nezhdanov's knee with his finger-tips, 'between gentlemen such questions are settled in a couple of words. I offer you a hundred roubles a month; travelling expenses there and back are my affair, of course. You agree?'

Nezhdanov blushed again.

'That is far more than I meant to ask I'

'Very good, very good ' interposed Sipyagin I look on the matter as settled, then  and on you as one of my household.' He got up from his chair and suddenly grew bright and expansive as though he had received a present. In all his gestures there appeared a certain affable familiarity, even playfulness. 'We will set off in a day or two,' he said in an easy tone;