"Natashka, bring a third spoon," shouted Varvara.
"Eat, Pavloushka," said Peredonov, and it was evident that he was anxious to be hospitable to Volodin. "You know, old chap, I shall soon get an inspector's billet—the Princess has promised Vara."
Volodin seemed pleased and laughed.
"And the future inspector is drinking coffee," he exclaimed, slapping Peredonov on the back.
"And you think it's easy to get an inspector's job," said Peredonov. "Once you're reported, that's the end of you."
"And who's going to report you?" asked Varvara.
"There are plenty to do that," said Peredonov. "They might say I'd been reading Pisarev.[1] And there you are!"
"But, Ardalyon Borisitch, you ought to put Pisarev behind your other books," advised Volodin, sniggering.
Peredonov glanced cautiously at Volodin and said:
"Perhaps I've never even had Pisarev. Won't you have a drink, Pavloushka?"