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Here, for no kind of reason, you've made that rascal a present of

thirty thousand roubles."

"Well, what should I have done? Counted every tree?"

"Of course, they must be counted. You didn't count them, but

Ryabinin did. Ryabinin's children will have means of livelihood

and education, while yours maybe will not!"

"Well, you must excuse me, but there's something mean in this

counting. We have our business and they have theirs, and they

must make their profit. Anyway, the thing's done, and there's an

end of it. And here come some poached eggs, my favorite dish. And

Agafea Mihalovna will give us that marvelous herb-brandy...."

Stepan Arkadyevitch sat down at the table and began joking with

Agafea Mihalovna, assuring her that it was long since he had

tasted such a dinner and such a supper.

"Well, you do praise it, anyway," said Agafea Mihalovna, "but

Konstantin Dmitrievitch, give him what you will-a crust of

bread-he'll eat it and walk away."