Hindes [same position and same tone]. Will you permit me to see Berman's letter?
Fanny [with a laugh of embarrassment, throws him the letter, which she has been holding in her sleeve]. Read it, if that's how you feel.
Hindes [bends slowly down, gets the letter, commences to read it, and then to grumble]. H'm! So! [He lets the letter fall to his knee, and stares vacantly before him. He shakes his foot nervously and mumbles as if to himself.] To be such an idiot!
Fanny [regards him with astonishment].
Hindes [somewhat more softly]. To be such an idiot!
Fanny [laughing, still embarrassed]. Who?
Hindes. Not I.
[Picks up his crutch, the books and the parcels, arises, and gives the letter to Fanny.]
Fanny [beseechingly]. Hindes, don't take it so badly. You make me very sad.
Hindes. I'm going to my room, so you won't see me.