"So that's it. And why so?" asked Peredonov indignantly.
"It isn't nice," said Sasha with an annoyed smile.
"Well, I shall speak to the Head-Master and he'll make you tell," said Peredonov spitefully.
Sasha looked at Peredonov with anger in his eyes.
"No, please don't tell him, Ardalyon Borisitch," he entreated.
And from the agitated tones of his voice it could be perceived that he tried to entreat but that he wanted to shout fierce, insulting words.
"No, I'll tell. Then you'll see whether you can hide nasty things. You should have complained of them at once. But just wait, you'll get it."
Sasha rose and in confusion he shifted his belt. Kokovkina entered.
"Your quiet one is a good boy, I must say," said Peredonov malignantly.
Kokovkina was frightened. She quickly walked up to Sasha and sat down at his side—in her agitation she always stumbled—and asked timorously: