“I don't turn away,” I said.
“I am so fond of you, Serezha, and you … for a trifle! Why do you wound me? Why?”
The Count sat down, sighed, and shook his head.
“Well, you've played the fool long enough!” I said. “All right!”
I had a strong influence upon this weak, puny little man; it was as strong as my contempt for him.… My contemptuous tone never offended him; on the contrary.
When he heard my “All right!” he jumped up and embraced me.
“I have brought him with me.… He is sitting in the carriage.… Do you wish him to apologize?”
“Do you know his fault?”
“No.…”
“So much the better. He needn't apologize, but you had better warn him that if ever a similar thing occurs, I'll not get excited, but I will take my own measures.”