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Shtoppel, much encouraged by the smiles of the whole party, 'to what special talent are you indebted for your good-fortune? No, don't be bashful, tell us; we're all here, so to speak, en famille. Aren't we, gentlemen, all here en famille?
One of the heirs from Petersburg, an important man, with a Greek nose and a majestic expression of face, Rostislav Adamitch Shtoppel, went so far as to go up to Nedopyuskin and look haughtily at him over his shoulder.
Nedopyuskin, in his agitation and confusion, had not taken in the unknown gentleman's words, but the others were all quiet at once; the wit smiled condescendingly. Mr. Shtoppel rubbed his hands and repeated his question. Nedopyuskin raised his eyes in bewilderment and opened his mouth. Rostislav Adamitch puckered his face up sarcastically.
'I beg your pardon, I beg your pardon, I didn't know, stammered Shtoppel; 'I didn't know.... 'And beg his too! vociferated the implacable Panteley. 'I beg your pardon too, added Rostislav Adamitch, addressing Nedopyuskin, who was shaking as if he were in an ague.
Tchertop-hanov darted forward; Shtoppel bounded away in great perturbation, the others rushed to meet the exasperated nobleman. 'A duel, a duel, a duel, at once, across a handkerchief! shouted the enraged Panteley, 'or beg my pardon yes, and his too.... 'Pray beg his pardon! the agitated relations muttered all round Shtoppel; 'he's such a madman, he'd cut your throat in a minute!
Shtoppel began again, 'you can walk on your hands, your legs raised, so to say, in the air? Nedopyuskin looked round in agony: every face wore a taunting smile, every eye was moist with delight. 'Or perhaps you can crow like a cock? A loud guffaw broke out on all sides, and was hushed at once, stifled by expectation. 'Or perhaps on your nose you can....
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