Peredonov listened and felt consoled.
"So you think he's gone back to the old house, Pavloushka?" he asked.
"Undoubtedly, Ardasha," replied Volodin.
Peredonov rose and shouted:
"Well, we'll have a drink, Pavloushka!"
Volodin sniggered.
"That's a possibility, Ardasha," he said. "It's always possible to take a drink."
"We must get that cat back," decided Peredonov.
"A treasure," replied Varvara sarcastically. "I'll send Klavdiushka for it after dinner."
They sat down to dinner. Volodin was in a cheerful mood and chattered and laughed a great deal. His laughter sounded to Peredonov like the bleating of the ram he had met in the street.