Taras turned his eyes away from him and sank deeper
in the armchair. There was an awkward silence lasting for about a
minute, and this pleased Foma.
"Are you going to the banquet?"
"What banquet?"
"Don't you know? Kononov is going to consecrate his new steamer.
A mass will be held there and then they are going to take a trip
up the Volga."
"I was not invited," said Foma.
"Nobody was invited. He simply announced on the Exchange:
'Anybody who wishes to honour me is welcome!
"I don't care for it."
"Yes? But there will be a grand drinking bout," said Lubov,
looking at him askance.
"I can drink at my own expense if I choose to do so."
"I know," said Lubov, nodding her head expressively.
Taras toyed with his teaspoon, turning it between his fingers and
looking at them askance.
"And where's my godfather?" asked Foma.
"He went to the bank. There's a meeting of the board of directors
today. Election of officers is to take place.
"They'll elect him again."
"Of course."
And again the conversation broke off.
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