Peredonov gave a cackle, but immediately frowned and said:
"And perhaps they also don't want to?"
"What do you mean—they don't want to? You are an odd fellow," answered Routilov, "I give you my word."
"They'll be too proud," objected Peredonov.
"Why should that bother you? It's all the better."
"They're gigglers."
"But they never giggle at your expense," said Routilov comfortingly.
"How do I know?"
"You'd better believe me. I'm not fooling you. They respect you. After all you're not a kind of Pavloushka, who'd make anybody laugh."
"Yes, if I take your word for it," said Peredonov incredulously. "But no, I want to be convinced myself."