Page:The Novels of Ivan Turgenev (volume V).djvu/48

Rh 'But that 's slander, upon my word!' vociferated Bambaev. 'Slander? slander? In the first place, Prince Vahrushkin, who was also dining at your Mihnyov's' 'Prince Vahrushkin,' Gubaryov interpolated severely, 'is my cousin; but I don't allow him to enter my house. So there is no need to mention him even.' 'In the second place,' continued Madame Suhantchikov, with a submissive nod in Gubaryov's direction, 'Praskovya Yakovlevna told me so herself.' 'You have hit on a fine authority to quote! Why, she and Sarkizov are the greatest scandalmongers going.' 'I beg your pardon, Sarkizov is a liar, certainly. He filched the very pall of brocade off his dead father's coffin. I will never dispute that; but Praskovya Yakovlovna—there 's no comparison! Remember how magnanimously she parted from her husband! But you, I know, are always ready' 'Come, enough, enough, Matrona Semyonovna,' said Bambaev, interrupting her, 'let us give up this tittle-tattle, and take a loftier flight. I am not new to the work, you know. Have you read Mlle. de la Quintinie? That 's something charming now! And quite