It's a solid business.

Of course it is conducted in purely Russian fashion; in other words, it is conducted abominably.

But it is a splendid business, nevertheless.

If it were managed properly it would be a most profitable gold mine." "Foma does absolutely nothing.

Everything is in father's hands." "Yes?
That's fine." "Do you know, sometimes it occurs to me that his thoughtful frame of mind--that these words of his are sincere, and that he can be very decent.