"Is it from interest alone that——" Yudushka risked a timid remark, watching the tea-pot from which steam had begun to escape.
"Who says from interest alone? Is it I who am a selfish woman?" cried Yevpraksia heatedly, suddenly shifting the conversation. "Do you mean to reproach me for the bread I eat?"
"I don't reproach you. I only said that not from interest alone do people——"
"'I said'! Talk, but talk sensibly. The idea! I serve from interest! Kindly permit me to ask you what particular advantage I have derived except cider and gherkins?"
"Well, cider and gherkins are not the only things——" ventured Yudushka, unable to restrain himself.
"What else have I gotten? Let me hear, let me hear!"
"Who sends four sacks of flour to your parents every month?"
"Four sacks. What else?"
"Groats, hemp-seed oil and other things——"
"So you are begrudging my poor parents the wretched groats and oil you send them? Oh, you!"