Marta, flushing with shame and pleasure, took the money.
Mourin began to thank her ardently.
"You'd better marry at once—it would be cheaper," said Peredonov gruffly. "How generous he's got all of a sudden!"
Vitkevitch roared with laughter, which the others pretended they had not heard. Vershina began to tell a dream of her own, but Peredonov interrupted her before she had finished by saying good-bye. Mourin invited him to his house for the evening.
"I must go to Vespers," said Peredonov.
"Ardalyon Borisitch has suddenly become very zealous in church-going," said Vershina with a quick, dry laugh.
"I always go," he answered. "I believe in God—unlike the others. Perhaps I am the only one of that kind in the gymnasia. That's why I'm persecuted. The Head-Master is an atheist."
"When you are free, let me know," said Mourin.
Peredonov said, twisting his cap irritatedly in his hands:
"I have no time to go visiting."