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I save for
her, because when she comes out there won't be anything with
which to cover her nakedness."
"Ah," said Ignat, and let go the priest's collar. Then he sat for
a long time gloomy and lost in thought, and now and again stared
at the priest. Suddenly his eyes began to laugh, and he said:
"Aren't you a liar, drunkard?"
The priest silently made the sign of the cross and lowered his
head on his breast.
"It is the truth!" said one of the company, confirming the
priest's words.
"True? Very well!" shouted Ignat, and, striking the table with
his fist, he addressed himself to the priest:
"Eh, you! Sell me your daughter! How much will you take?"
The priest shook his head and shrank back.
"One thousand!"
The company giggled, seeing that the priest was shrinking as
though cold water was being poured on him.
"Two!" roared Ignat, with flashing eyes.
"What's the matter with you? How is it?" muttered the priest,
stretching out both hands to Ignat.
"Three!"
"Ignat Matveyich!" cried the priest, in a thin, ringing voice.


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