And it is easier to study, too--they prompt you." "And are you a good pupil ?" "Of course! I do everything well," said Smolin, calmly.
The bell began to bang as though it had been frightened and was hastily running somewhere.
Sitting in school, Foma began to feel somewhat freer, and compared his friends with the rest of the boys.

He soon learned that they both were the very best boys in school and that they were the first to attract everybody's attention, even as the two figures 5 and 7, which had not yet been wiped off the blackboard.

And Foma felt very much pleased that his friends were better than any of the other boys.
They all went home from school together, but Yozhov soon turned into some narrow side street, while Smolin walked with Foma up to his very house, and, departing, said: "You see, we both go home the same way, too." At home Foma was met with pomp: his father made him a present of a heavy silver spoon, with an ingenious monogram on it, and his aunt gave him a scarf knitted by herself.

They were awaiting him for dinner, having prepared his favourite dishes for him, and as soon as he took off his coat, seated him at the table and began to ply him with questions.
"Well, how was it?
How did you like the school ?" asked Ignat, looking lovingly at his son's rosy, animated face.
"Pretty good.

It's nice!" replied Foma.
"My darling!" sighed his aunt, with feeling, "look out, hold your own with your friends.