“A little cup!”
“Very well, then, just a little cup,” said Ivan Ivanovitch, and reached out his hand to the tray. Heavens! What a height of refinement there was in that man! It is impossible to describe what a pleasant impression such manners produce!
“Will you not have another cup?”
“I thank you sincerely,” answered Ivan Ivanovitch, turning his cup upside down upon the tray and bowing.
“Do me the favour, Ivan Ivanovitch.”
“I cannot; much obliged.” Thereupon Ivan Ivanovitch bowed and sat down.
“Ivan Ivanovitch, for the sake of our friendship, just one little cup!”
“No: I am extremely indebted for your hospitality.” So saying, Ivan Ivanovitch bowed and seated himself.
“Only a cup, one little cup!”
Ivan Ivanovitch put his hand out to the tray and took a cup. Oh, the deuce! How can a man contrive to support his dignity!