The inspector came in. Svetlogoúb did not hear him enter.

“Who is it? What do you want?” asked Svetlogoúb, not recognizing him. “Ah, it’s you!⁠ ⁠… When is it to be?” he asked.

“I do not know,” answered the inspector, and, having stood still for a moment, suddenly began, in an insinuating, gentle voice:

“The priest is here⁠ ⁠… he would like to⁠ ⁠… to prep⁠ ⁠… he would like to see you.”

“I don’t want to⁠—it is unnecessary! I want nothing.⁠ ⁠… Go away!” exclaimed Svetlogoúb.

“Don’t you want to write to anybody?⁠ ⁠… You can,” said the inspector.

“Yes, yes! Send what is necessary. I will write.”

The inspector went away.

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