"You won't dare!"
"Yes I will dare: I'll get married to-morrow!"
"Here's a bet!" said Falastov. "I'll bet ten roubles he doesn't do it!"
But Peredonov thought of the money; if he lost he would have to pay. He turned away and lapsed into gloomy silence.
At the garden gates they parted and scattered in different directions. Peredonov and Routilov went together. Routilov began to persuade Peredonov to marry one of his sisters at once.
"Don't be afraid. I've prepared everything," he assured Peredonov.
"But the banns haven't been published," objected Peredonov.
"I tell you I've prepared everything," argued Routilov. "I've found the right priest, who knows that you're not related to us."
"There are no bride-men," said Peredonov.
"That's quite true, but I can get them. All I have to do is to send for them and they'll come to the church immediately. Or I'll go after them myself. It wasn't possible earlier, your cousin might have found out and hindered us."