"Now get me a bit of paper and a pencil," shouted Volodin.
Varvara searched in the bedroom and discovered a pencil and a piece of paper.
Volodin wrote on it: "For the landlady," and pinned the paper on the noose. He made ridiculous grimaces all the time he was doing this. Then he began to jump furiously up and down along the walls, kicking them every now and again with his boots, shaking with laughter at the same time. His squeals and bleating laughter filled the whole house. The white cat, putting back its ears in terror, peered out of the bedroom and seemed undecided where to run.
Peredonov at last managed to disengage himself from Ershova and returned to the house. Ershova really did get tired and went home to bed. Volodin met Peredonov with uproarious laughter:
"We've made a mess of the parlour too! Hurrah!"
"Hurrah!" shouted Peredonov, bursting into a loud, abrupt laugh.
The women also cried "Hurrah," and a general gaiety set in. Peredonov cried:
"Pavloushka! let's dance."
"Yes, let's, Ardalyosha!" replied Volodin, with a stupid grin.
They danced under the noose and kicked up their legs awkwardly. The floor trembled under Peredonov's heavy feet.