`Why should I give you what's mine for nothing? I didn't pick it up off the ground, nor did I steal it, either.'

`Mercy on us! Nowadays there's positively no chance at all of stealing. With the definitively open courts, and everything done in style, nowadays there's no question of stealing. We are just talking things over like gentlemen. His Excellency's asking too much for the forest. I can't make both ends meet over it. I must ask for a little concession.'

`But is the thing settled between you or isn't it? If it's settled, it's useless haggling; but if it isn't,' said Levin, `I'll buy the forest.'

The smile vanished at once from Riabinin's face. A hawklike, greedy, cruel expression was left upon it. With rapid, bony fingers he unbuttoned his coat, revealing a large shirt, bronze waistcoat buttons, and a watch chain, and quickly pulled out a fat old pocketbook.

`Here you are, the forest is mine,' he said, crossing himself quickly, and holding out his hand. `Take the money; it's my forest. That's Riabinin's way of doing business; he doesn't haggle over every copper,' he added, scowling and waving the pocketbook.

`I wouldn't be in a hurry if I were you,' said Levin.

`Come, really,' said Oblonsky in surprise, `I've given my word, you know.'

Levin went out of the room, slamming the door. Riabinin looked toward the door and shook his head with a smile.

`It's all youthfulness - definitively nothing but childishness. Why, I'm buying it, upon my honor, simply, believe me, for the glory of it, that Riabinin, and no one else, should have bought the copse of Oblonsky. And as to the profits, why, I must make what God gives. God's my witness. If you would kindly sign the title deed...'

Within an hour the merchant, carefully stroking his wrapper down, and hooking up his coat, with the agreement in his pocket, seated himself in his tightly covered trap, and drove homeward.

`Ugh, these gentlefolk!' he said to the overseer. `They are all made alike! they're a fine lot!'

`That's so,' responded the overseer, handing him the reins and buttoning the leather apron. `But can I congratulate you on the purchase, Mikhail Ignatich?'

`Well, well...'


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