"But why, Ardalyon Borisitch?" asked Vershina in astonishment.
Peredonov kept significantly silent. Then he said in explanation:
"They're such dare-devils that they might break my head if they found I'd given them away."
Vershina promised.
"And don't you tell either," said Peredonov to Marta.
"Very well, I won't tell," Marta agreed quickly because she wanted to know as quickly as possible who had done it.
She thought they ought to be made to suffer a cruel and ignominious punishment.
"No, you'd better swear," said Peredonov cautiously.
"Well, honest to God, I won't tell anyone," said Marta, trying to convince him. "But tell us quickly."
Vladya was listening behind the door. He was glad that he had not thought of going into the drawing-room: he would not be compelled to promise and he could tell it to anyone he liked. And he smiled with delight to think that he would be avenged on Peredonov.