Doulebov looked with simulated horror at Trirodov’s instructresses who happened to be present, and whispered to Kerbakh: “Their feet are soiled with earth.” After luncheon they returned to the school. All resumed their former places. Then the oral examination began. Doulebov bent over the roll-call and called out three boys at once. Each of them was questioned first about the Holy Scriptures, and immediately afterwards about the Russian language and arithmetic. The examiners cavilled at everything. Nothing satisfied Doulebov. He gave questions the answers to which were bound to make evident whether higher feelings were being instilled in the children--of love for the Fatherland, of allegiance to the Tsar, and of devotion to the Orthodox Church. He asked one boy: “Which country is better, Russia or France?” The boy thought a while and said: “I don’t know. It depends upon which place a man is used to--there he is better off.” Doulebova laughed viperously. Shabalov said in a preceptorial manner: “The orthodox _matushka_[33] Russia! Is it possible to compare any kingdom with ours? Have you heard how our native land is called? Holy Russia, Mother Russia, the holy Russian soil. And you are an idiot, blockhead, a little swine. If you don’t like your Fatherland what are you good for?” The boy flushed. Tiny tears gleamed in his eyes. Doulebov asked: “Now tell me what is the very best faith in this world.” The boy fell into thought. Shabalov asked malignantly: “Can’t you answer even that?” The boy said: “When one believes sincerely, then it is the very best faith for him.” “What a blockhead!” said Shabalov with conviction. Trirodov looked at him in astonishment. He said quietly: “The sincerity of religious mood is surely the best indication of a saving faith.” “We’ll discuss that later,” piped out Doulebov sternly. “This is not a convenient moment.” “As you like,” said Trirodov with a smile. “It is all the same to me when you discuss it.” Doulebov, red with agitation, rose from his chair and, going up to Trirodov, said to him: “It is absolutely necessary that I should have a talk with you.” “At your service,” said Trirodov, not without some astonishment. “Please continue,” said Doulebov to Shabalov. Doulebov and Trirodov went into the next room. Their conversation soon assumed a very sharp character. Doulebov made some savage accusations and said rather vehemently: “I have heard improper things about your school, but, indeed, the reality exceeds all expectations.” “What is there precisely improper?” asked Trirodov. “In what way has reality surpassed gossip?” “I don’t collect gossip,” squealed Doulebov excitedly. “I see with my own eyes. This is not a school but a pornography!” His voice had already passed into piggish tones. He struck the table with his palm. There was the hard sound of the wedding-ring against the wood. Trirodov said: