“This made me really angry. Yelena quailed before the impudent stare and insolent, even if unintelligible words. She dropped her head and quickly walked to church.
“‘Listen, Rogov,’ I said. ‘You ought to be ashamed of yourself! I must tell you ... if you want to come here, I humbly beg you to act more decently....’
“He turned and I saw in his eyes a peculiar expression—of evil pain. He felt like biting me....
“I tried to soften the bitterness of my words and said:
“‘Rogov, you don’t know these people, nor their relations, and yet you venture to insult them....’
“He smiled at me and replied:
“‘You’re thinking of the idyl? The kindly M. Budnikov made two hearts happy. Why, here’s Gavryushenka.’
“In truth, Gavrilo had just come out of the gate. Rogov beckoned to him rather hostilely....
“‘I congratulate you, Gavryushenka, ... on your master’s leavings.... Wise fellow! You knew where the crabs winter.... In case of necessity, you may depend upon my legal knowledge....’
“Surprising how these cynics find things out. Evidently Rogov knew the whole story and suspected Gavrilo of having mercenary motives....