So he takes what is a voluntary gift from Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch as a tax--can you imagine it?
Mr.Lebyadkin, is that all true that I have said just now ?" The captain, who had till that moment stood in silence looking down, took two rapid steps forward and turned crimson.
"Pyotr Stepanovitch, you've treated me cruelly," he brought out abruptly.
"Why cruelly?
How?
But allow us to discuss the question of cruelty or gentleness later on.

Now answer my first question; is it true all that I have said or not?
If you consider it's false you are at liberty to give your own version at once." "I...

you know yourself, Pyotr Stepanovitch," the captain muttered, but he could not go on and relapsed into silence.

It must be observed that Pyotr Stepanovitch was sitting in an easy chair with one leg crossed over the other, while the captain stood before him in the most respectful attitude.
Lebyadkin's hesitation seemed to annoy Pyotr Stepanovitch; a spasm of anger distorted his face.
"Then you have a statement you want to make ?" he said, looking subtly at the captain.

"Kindly speak.