LEONÍD. And did they expel you from school?
NEGLIGÉNTOV. They didn't expel me; but they excluded me because I grew too much.
LEONÍD. Grew too much?
NEGLIGÉNTOV. Well, as I, during all this teaching and grilling, remaining in the lower grades, was getting on in years, and grew more than the other fellows of my class, of course I was excluded because I was too big. I suffered all the more from the venality of those at the head. Our rector liked gifts; and a week before the examinations, he sent us all to our parents for presents. According to the number of these presents, we were promoted to the higher classes.
LEONÍD. What was your conduct like?
NEGLIGÉNTOV. Reprehensible.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. What in the world! Good heavens! Go away, my dear sir, go away!
LEONÍD. Oh, mamma, he's comical; wait a bit before driving him out. Dance,
NEGLIGÉNTOV!
NEGLIGÉNTOV. [Dances and sings]
"I shall go, shall go to mow
Upon the meadow green."