Volodin thought and told everyone with pride that Peredonov had recently taken a great fancy to him—that Peredonov simply could not live without him.
"Varvara has fooled him," explained Volodin, "and he sees that I alone am his faithful friend—that's why he sticks to me."
When Peredonov went out of his house to look for Volodin, the other met him on the way in his bowler hat, with his stick, jumping along gaily and laughing his bleating laugh.
"Why do you always wear a bowler?" Peredonov once asked him.
"Well, why shouldn't I wear a bowler, Ardalyon Borisitch?" replied Volodin gaily and shrewdly. "It's modest and becoming. I'm not allowed to wear a cap with a badge, and as for a top-hat, let the aristocrats stick to it, it doesn't become us."
"You'll roast in your bowler," said Peredonov morosely.
Volodin sniggered.
They went to Peredonov's house.
"One has to do so much walking," complained Peredonov.
"It's good to take exercise, Ardalyon Borisitch," said Volodin persuasively. "You work, you take a walk, you eat your meals, and you're healthy."