"I don't like it myself," said Sasha quietly. "And there are several ways Aunt may find out. I might give myself away."
"And which of your companions say nasty words?" asked Peredonov.
Sasha again blushed and was silent.
"Well, go on," insisted Peredonov. "You've got to tell me. You mustn't conceal things."
"No one says them," said Sasha in confusion.
"But you yourself just complained."
"I did not complain."
"Why do you deny it?" said Peredonov angrily.
Sasha felt himself caught in a detestable trap. He said:
"I only explained to you why some of my companions tease me with being a girl. But I didn't want to tell tales about them."