"She didn't give it to me, but to Vara," answered Peredonov.
"Of course, you are ready to believe all she tells you," said Routilov with animation. "It's easy enough to make up a tale. Why didn't you see the Princess herself?"
"This is how it was: I went with Vara, but we didn't find her in, missed her by just five minutes," explained Peredonov. "She had gone to the country, and wouldn't be back for three weeks or so. I couldn't wait for her, because I had to be back here for the exams."
"It sounds suspicious," laughed Routilov, showing his yellow teeth.
Peredonov grew thoughtful. His companions left him; Routilov alone remained.
"Of course," said Peredonov, "I can marry whom I like. Varvara is not the only one."
"You're quite right, Ardalyon Borisitch, anyone would be glad to marry you," Routilov encouraged him.
They passed out of the gate, and walked slowly in the unpaved and dusty square. Peredonov said:
"But what about the Princess? She'll be angry if I chuck Varvara."
"What's the Princess to you?" said Routilov. "You're not going with her to a kitten's christening. She ought to get you the billet first. There'll be time enough to tie yourself up—you're taking things too much on trust!"