That was the real reason he had not gone to church, hoping Yevpraksia, as the housekeeper, would stay home.
So, when the house had turned silent, he had thrown his cloak over his shoulders and hidden himself in the corridor.
A minute or two passed, the door of the maids' room banged, and Yevpraksia appeared at the other end of the corridor, carrying a tray with a butter-cake to be served with the tea.
Petenka struck her between the shoulder-blades and said, "A wonderful back you've got!" and that instant the dining-room door opened and his father appeared.
"You, scoundrel! If you came here to behave in a nasty way, I'll throw you down the stairs!" Yudushka hissed venomously.
Naturally, Petenka vanished in a moment.
He could not fail to realize that the incident of the morning was scarcely likely to improve his case.
So he decided to be silent and postpone the explanation until the morrow.
Nevertheless he did nothing to allay his father's irritation; on the contrary, he behaved in a foolish, unguarded manner, smoking cigarettes incessantly, heedless of his father's energetically fanning away the clouds of smoke that filled the room; and every now and then making sheep's eyes at Yevpraksia, who smiled queerly under the influence of his glances. Yudushka noticed that, too.
The day dragged on slowly.
Arina Petrovna tried to play fool with Yevpraksia, but nothing came of it.
No one felt like playing or talking; they could not even think of small talk, though everyone had stores of this merchandise.
At last dinner time came. But dinner passed in silence also.
After dinner Arina Petrovna made preparations for returning to Pogorelka. But this intention of his "mother dear" alarmed Yudushka.
"God bless you, darling!" he exclaimed. "Do you mean to say you'll leave me here alone with this—this wicked son?
No, no, don't think of it. I won't allow it."
"But what is the matter? Has anything happened between the two of you? Why don't you tell me?" she asked.
"No, nothing has happened—as yet, but you'll see. No, please don't go! Be present at——There is something behind his coming here in such a hurry. So, if anything happens—you be the witness."
Arina Petrovna shook her head and decided to stay.
After dinner Porfiry Vladimirych retired, having first sent Yevpraksia to the village priest, and Arina Petrovna also went to her room and dozed off in her easy-chair.
Petenka thought it the most favorable time to try his luck with grandmother, and went to her room.
"What is the matter? Have you come to play a game of fool with an old woman?" she asked.
"No, granny, I am on business."
"Well, what is your business? Tell me."
Petenka hesitated a minute, then blurted out:
"I lost crown money at cards."
Arina Petrovna's eyes grew dim from the shock.
"Much?" she asked in a frightened voice, staring at him.
"Three thousand."
For a moment both were silent. Arina Petrovna looked around restlessly, as if expecting somebody to come to her rescue.
"Do you know they can send you to Siberia for that?" she said at last.
"Yes, I know."
"Poor fellow!"
"Granny, I meant to borrow it from you. I'll pay good interest."
Arina Petrovna became thoroughly frightened.
"Oh no, no!" she protested. "I have only enough money for my coffin and memorial prayers.
It's my granddaughters that keep me a-going, and my son, too.
No, no, no!
You'd better let me alone.
Let me see—why not ask your papa?"
"Oh, well, you can't squeeze blood out of an onion.
All my hope was in you, granny."
"Just think of what you are saying. I would gladly do it, but where am I to get the money from? I have no money at all.
But suppose you ask father, you know, affectionately, respectfully. 'Here, father dear, such is the case. I know I am guilty, I am young and I made a blunder.' You know, with a smile and a laugh. Kiss his hand and fall on your knees, and cry a bit. He likes it. Then maybe father will untie his purse for his sonny dear."
"So you really think it's worth trying?
Just a moment. See here, granny, suppose you say to him, 'If you don't give him the money I'll lay a curse on you!'
He has always been afraid of your curse, you know."
"No, why curse?
You can ask right out.
Do ask him, my dear.