" "Come, don't let your imagination run away with you," said Stepan Arkadyevitch piteously.

" Why was it none would give it, then?" "Why, because he has an understanding with the merchants; he's bought them off.

I've had to do with all of them; I know them.

They're not merchants, you know: they're speculators.

He wouldn't look at a bargain that gave him ten, fifteen per cent profit, but holds back to buy a rouble's worth for twenty kopecks.