"What's the matter, Ardalyon Borisitch? What has he done?"
"You'd better ask him," replied Peredonov with morose spite.
"What is it, Sashenka? What have you done?" asked Kokovkina, touching Sasha's elbow.
"I don't know," said Sasha and began to cry.
"Well, what's the matter? What is it? Why are you crying?" asked Kokovkina.
She laid her hands on the boy's shoulders and pulled him towards her; she did not notice that this disturbed him further. He stood there, stooping, and kept his handkerchief to his eyes. Peredonov explained:
"He's being taught nasty words in the gymnasia and he won't say who it is. He oughtn't to conceal things. He not only learns nasty words himself but he shields the other boys."
"Oh, Sashenka, Sashenka. How could you do it? Aren't you ashamed?" said Kokovkina in a flustered way, as she released Sasha.
"I did nothing," replied Sasha, crying. "I did nothing that was wrong. Indeed, they tease me because I don't use bad words."
"Who says bad words?" asked Peredonov again.