On the Eve

Chapter 20

'Come to my room for a minute,' Shubin said to Bersenyev, directly the

latter had taken leave of Anna Vassilyevna: 'I have something to

show you.'

Bersenyev followed him to his attic. He was surprised to see a number

of studies, statuettes, and busts, covered with damp cloths, set about

in all the corners of the room.

'Well I see you have been at work in earnest,' he observed to Shubin.

'One must do something,' he answered. 'If one thing doesn't do, one

must try another. However, like a true Corsican, I am more concerned

with revenge than with pure art. _Trema, Bisanzia!_'

'I don't understand you,' said Bersenyev.

'Well, wait a minute. Deign to look this way, gracious friend and

benefactor, my vengeance number one.'

Shubin uncovered one figure, and Bersenyev saw a capital bust