But Peredonov preserved an imperturbable dignity. In general he had lately been assuming an air of greater importance. He often boasted:
"I'll be an inspector. You will go sour here, but I shall have two districts to begin with. And then perhaps three, Oh—ho—ho!"
He was quite convinced that he would receive his inspector's position very soon. More than once he said to the schoolmaster, Falastov:
"I'll get you too out of here, old chap."
And the schoolmaster, Falastov, was more respectful in his bearing to Peredonov.
[1] Koukish, a clenched fist with the thumb thrust between the first and second fingers. This gesture is a great insult in Russia. To make it is as much as to say, "A fig for you!"
[2] A Russian popular dance.
[3] "Sosna" means "pine" and "so sna" "from sleep." Peredonov puns on it.
[4] Variation on the pun. "Sonya" is another form of "Sofya."
[5] Lapti, rough shoes worn by the peasants.