“Well?” she said, with a momentary frown.
“They are calling out ‘bitter,’ ” Urbenin smiled, and rising, he wiped his lips with his napkin.
Olga rose too and allowed him to kiss her immovable lips.… The kiss was a cold one, but it served to increase the fire that was smouldering in my breast and threatened every moment to burst into flame.… I turned away and with compressed lips awaited the end of the dinner.… Fortunately the end was soon reached, otherwise I would not have been able to endure it.
XV
“Come here!” I said to the Count rudely, going up to him after dinner.
The Count looked at me with astonishment and followed me into the empty room to which I led him.
“What do you want, my dear friend?” he asked as he unbuttoned his waistcoat and hiccuped.
“Choose one of us.…” I said, scarcely able to stand on my feet from the rage that had mastered me. “Either me or Pshekhotsky! If you don't promise me that in an hour that scoundrel shall leave your estate, I will never set my foot here again!… I give you half a minute to make your choice!”
The Count dropped the cigar out of his mouth and spread his arms.…
“What's the matter with you, Serezha?” he asked, opening his eyes wide. “You look quite wild!”