I thought you were looking for your stick." Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch was looking for nothing and said nothing.
But he had risen to his feet very suddenly with a strange look in his face.
"If you want any help about Mr.Gaganov either," Pyotr Stepanovitch blurted out suddenly, this time looking straight at the paper-weight, "of course I can arrange it all, and I'm certain you won't be able to manage without me." He went out suddenly without waiting for an answer, but thrust his head in at the door once more.

"I mention that," he gabbled hurriedly, "because Shatov had no right either, you know, to risk his life last Sunday when he attacked you, had he?
I should be glad if you would make a note of that." He disappeared again without waiting for an answer.
IV Perhaps he imagined, as he made his exit, that as soon as he was left alone, Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch would begin beating on the wall with his fists, and no doubt he would have been glad to see this, if that had been possible.

But, if so, he was greatly mistaken.

Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch was still calm.

He remained standing for two minutes in the same position by the table, apparently plunged in thought, but soon a cold and listless smile came on to his lips.