Peredonov on his way to billiards stopped at Vershina's. The weather was gloomy, so Vershina and Marta sat in the drawing-room.
"Your gates have been smeared with tar," said Peredonov.
Marta blushed. Vershina quickly related how they had got up in the morning and saw people laughing at the gate and how Marya had washed the fence.
"I know who did it," said Peredonov.
Vershina looked questioningly at Peredonov.
"How did you find out?" she asked.
"I found out all right."
"Tell us then who did it," said Marta crossly.
She had become altogether unattractive because she now had tear-stained eyes with red swollen eyelids. Peredonov replied:
"Of course I'll tell you—I've come for that reason. Such impertinent fellows ought to be punished. But you must promise not to say who told you."