What struck them all most was that Verhovensky had come "with communications" and had himself just promised to speak.
"Gentlemen, I see that almost all decide for the policy of the manifestoes," he said, looking round at the company.
"All, all!" cried the majority of voices.
"I confess I am rather in favour of a more humane policy," said the major, "but as all are on the other side, I go with all the rest." "It appears, then, that even you are not opposed to it," said Verhovensky, addressing the lame man.
"I am not exactly..." said the latter, turning rather red, "but if I do agree with the rest now, it's simply not to break up--" "You are all like that! Ready to argue for six months to practise your Liberal eloquence and in the end you vote the same as the rest! Gentlemen, consider though, is it true that you are all ready ?" (Ready for what?
The question was vague, but very alluring.) "All are, of course!" voices were heard.

But all were looking at one another.
"But afterwards perhaps you will resent having agreed so quickly?
That's almost always the way with you." The company was excited in various ways, greatly excited.

The lame man flew at him.
"Allow me to observe, however, that answers to such questions are conditional.

Even if we have given our decision, you must note that questions put in such a strange way..." "In what strange way ?" "In a way such questions are not asked." "Teach me how, please.

But do you know, I felt sure you'd be the first to take offence." "You've extracted from us an answer as to our readiness for immediate action; but what right had you to do so?
By what authority do you ask such questions ?" "You should have thought of asking that question sooner! Why did you answer?
You agree and then you go back on it!" "But to my mind the irresponsibility of your principal question suggests to me that you have no authority, no right, and only asked from personal curiosity." "What do you mean?
What do you mean ?" cried Verhovensky, apparently beginning to be much alarmed.
"Why, that the initiation of new members into anything you like is done, anyway, _tete-a-tete_ and not in the company of twenty people one doesn't know!" blurted out the lame man.