All this had chilled
his wrath, and within him there was already arising the bitter
consciousness of the failure of his attack on them. But as soon
as he began to speak of each one separately, there was a swift
and striking change in the relation of his hearers toward him.
When Kononov sank heavily in the chair, as though he were unable
to withstand the weight of Foma's harsh words, Foma noticed that
bitter and malicious smiles crossed the faces of some of the
merchants. He heard some one's whisper of astonishment and
approval:
"That's well aimed!"
This whisper gave strength to Foma, and he confidently and
passionately began to hurl reproaches, jeers and abuses at those
who met his eyes. He growled joyously, seeing that his words were
taking effect. He was listened to silently, attentively; several
men moved closer toward him.
Exclamations of protest were heard, but these were brief, not
loud, and each time Foma shouted some one's name, all became
silent, listening, casting furtive, malicious glances in the
direction of their accused comrade.
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