And he aimed his billiard-cue at Peredonov. Peredonov exclaimed in fright and collapsed into a chair. The stupid idea that Mourin wanted to shoot him glimmered in his dull mind. Everyone laughed. Peredonov grumbled in irritation:
"I can't stand jokes like that."
Mourin was already regretting that he had frightened Peredonov. His son was attending the gymnasia and he considered it his duty to be affable to the gymnasia instructors. He began to apologise to Peredonov and treated him to hock and seltzer. Peredonov said morosely:
"My nerves are rather unstrung. I'm having trouble with the Head-Master."
"The future inspector has lost," exclaimed Volodin in his bleating voice. "He's sorry for his money."
"Unlucky in games, lucky in love," said Routilov, smiling slightly and showing his decaying teeth.
This was the last straw. Peredonov had already lost money and had a fright and now they were taunting him about Varvara.
He exclaimed:
"I'll get married and then Varka can clear out!"
His friends roared with laughter and continued provoking him: