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."