When he came in to his sister’s room, Lezhnyov was sitting with her.
‘Why have you come back so early?’ asked Alexandra Pavlovna.
‘Oh! I was bored.’
‘Was Rudin there?’
‘Yes.’
Volintsev flung down his cap and sat down. Alexandra Pavlovna turned eagerly to him.
‘Please, Serezha, help me to convince this obstinate man (she signified Lezhnyov) that Rudin is extraordinarily clever and eloquent.’
Volintsev muttered something.
‘But I am not disputing at all with you,’ Lezhnyov began. ‘I have no doubt of the cleverness and eloquence of Mr. Rudin; I only say that I don’t like him.’
‘But have you seen him?’ inquired Volintsev.