Marta was glad but a little frightened. Of course she wanted Peredonov to go with them, or it would perhaps be more truthful to say that Vershina wanted it for her, and had instilled the desire into her by suggestion. But now that Peredonov said that he would come, Marta somehow felt uneasy on Vladya's account—she felt sorry for him.
Vladya also became sad. Surely Peredonov was not going on his account? In the hope of appeasing Peredonov, he said:
"If you think, Ardalyon Borisitch, that it will be a tight squeeze, then I will go on foot."
Peredonov looked at him suspiciously and said:
"That's all very well, but if I let you go alone, you'll run away somewhere. No, I think we had better take you to your father and he'll give you what you deserve!"
Vladya flushed once more and sighed. He began to feel uneasy and depressed, and indignant at this cruel, morose man. To soften Peredonov's heart, he decided to make his seat more comfortable.
"I'll make it so that you won't feel the jolts," he said.
And he scurried hastily towards the cart. Vershina looked after him, still smoking, with her wry smile, and said quietly to Peredonov:
"They're all afraid of their father. He's very stern with them."
Marta flushed.