"He left yesterday. To-day, you see, Saturday, he reads to working people. He couldn't bring it over himself to omit the reading."
"That's stupid—to sit at readings with a fractured skull!"
"I tried to prove it to him, but unsuccessfully."
"He wanted to do a bit of boasting before the comrades," observed the mother. "Look! I've already shed my blood!"
The physician looked at her, made a fierce face, and said with set teeth:
"Ugh! ugh! you bloodthirsty person!"
"Well, Ivan, you've nothing to do here, and we're expecting guests. Go away! Nilovna, give him the paper."
"Another paper?"
"There, take it and give it to the printer."
"I've taken it; I'll deliver it. Is that all?"