Nikolay, who was always so polite and respectful to his mother, listened to her for some time scowling, but very seriously.

He suddenly got up without saying a word, kissed her hand and went away.

That very evening, as though by design, he perpetrated another scandal.

It was of a more harmless and ordinary character than the first.

Yet, owing to the state of the public mind, it increased the outcry in the town.
Our friend Liputin turned up and called on Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch immediately after the latter's interview with his mother, and earnestly begged for the honour of his company at a little party he was giving for his wife's birthday that evening.