Poterin made use of an opportunity to make insinuations against the instructors. He reported that Voronok did not go to church, and that he collected schoolboys at his own house in order to read something or other to them. “I shall have to have a talk with him,” said Doulebov. “Ask him into your study and I will talk to him. In the meantime, show Ardalyon Borisovitch the laboratory.” Doulebov and Voronok spoke for a long time in Poterin’s study. “I don’t question your convictions,” said the Headmaster, “but I must make it clear to you that it is impossible to introduce politics into schools. Children cannot discuss such questions; it does them harm.” “Agents’ reports are not always to be believed,” said Voronok restrainedly. Doulebov flushed slightly and said in an annoyed manner. “We don’t maintain agents, but we have many acquaintances. We have lived here a long time. It is impossible not to hear what is told us.” The honorary overseer, Zherbenev, invited all who attended the examination to his house to dinner. Only Voronok refused the invitation. But Zherbenev invited others to the dinner--the general’s widow, Glafira Pavlovna, and Kerbakh among them. It was a long and lavish dinner. The guests drank much during and after the meal. Every one got tipsy. Doulebov alone remained sober. The liqueurs only made him look slightly ruddier--he was very fond of them. The members of the Black Hundred took advantage of the occasion to say something malicious about Trirodov to Doulebov and the Vice-Governor. The Trirodov school began to be discussed rather vulgarly. “He’s taken up photography; quite keen on it.” “He calls in children, makes them take everything off, and photographs them.” “Yes, and he’s got naked children running about in the woods.” “Children? The instructresses too!” “They may not be exactly naked, but they are always running about barefoot.” “Just like peasant women,” said Zherbenev. “Yes,” said the Vice-Governor. “It is very immoral for women to go about barefoot. It must be stopped.” “They are poor people,” said some one. “It is pornography!” said the Vice-Governor savagely. And every one suddenly believed him. The Vice-Governor said morosely: “He’s lodged a complaint against us for whipping his instructress. But he is lying; he’s whipped her himself. We have no need of whipping girls--but he does it because he’s a corrupt man.” Some one made the observation that Trirodov was friends with dangerous sects, at which Kerbakh remarked: “He now has horses and carriages, but I know a man who knew him when he had only his shirt. It is rather suspicious as to where he got his money.” Glafira Pavlovna looked at Shabalov and whispered to Doulebov: “I know he is a patriot, but he has terrible manners.” Doulebov said: “I know he is very stupid and undeveloped, but zealous. If directed properly he can be very useful.” * * * * *