The billiard-room was full of tobacco-smoke. Peredonov, Routilov, Falastov, Volodin and Mourin were there. The last of these was a robust landed proprietor of stupid appearance; he was the owner of a small estate and a good business man. The five of them, having finished a game, were preparing to go. It was dusk. The number of empty beer bottles on the soiled wooden table was increasing. The players had drunk a good deal during the game; their faces were flushed, and they were getting noisy. Routilov alone kept his usual consumptive pallor. He really drank less than the others and his pallor was only increased by heavy drinking. Coarse words flew about the room. But no one was offended; it was all said among friends. Peredonov had lost, as nearly always happened. He played billiards badly. But his face kept its expression of unperturbed moroseness and he paid his due grudgingly. Mourin shouted out: "Bang!" And he aimed his billiard-cue at Peredonov. Peredonov exclaimed in fright and collapsed into a chair. The stupid idea that Mourin wanted to shoot him glimmered in his dull mind. Everyone laughed. Peredonov grumbled in irritation: "I can't stand jokes like that." Mourin was already regretting that he had frightened Peredonov. His son was attending the _gymnasia_ and he considered it his duty to be affable to the _gymnasia_ instructors. He began to apologise to Peredonov and treated him to hock and seltzer. Peredonov said morosely: "My nerves are rather unstrung. I'm having trouble with the Head-Master." "The future inspector has lost," exclaimed Volodin in his bleating voice. "He's sorry for his money." "Unlucky in games, lucky in love," said Routilov, smiling slightly and showing his decaying teeth. This was the last straw. Peredonov had already lost money and had a fright and now they were taunting him about Varvara. He exclaimed: "I'll get married and then Varka can clear out!" His friends roared with laughter and continued provoking him: "You won't dare!" "Yes I will dare: I'll get married to-morrow!" "Here's a bet!" said Falastov. "I'll bet ten roubles he doesn't do it!" But Peredonov thought of the money; if he lost he would have to pay. He turned away and lapsed into gloomy silence. At the garden gates they parted and scattered in different directions. Peredonov and Routilov went together. Routilov began to persuade Peredonov to marry one of his sisters at once. "Don't be afraid. I've prepared everything," he assured Peredonov. "But the banns haven't been published," objected Peredonov. "I tell you I've prepared everything," argued Routilov. "I've found the right priest, who knows that you're not related to us." "There are no bride-men," said Peredonov. "That's quite true, but I can get them. All I have to do is to send for them and they'll come to the church immediately. Or I'll go after them myself. It wasn't possible earlier, your cousin might have found out and hindered us."