During recess he learned from Yozhov that Smolin, too, was rich, being the son of a tan-yard proprietor, and that Yozhov himself was the son of a guard at the Court of Exchequer, and very poor.

The last was clearly evident by the adroit boy's costume, made of gray fustian and adorned with patches on the knees and elbows; by his pale, hungry-looking face; and, by his small, angular and bony figure.

This boy spoke in a metallic alto, elucidating his words with grimaces and gesticulations, and he often used words whose meaning was known but to himself.
"We'll be friends," he announced to Foma.
"Why did you complain to the teacher about me ?" Gordyeeff reminded Yozhov, looking at him suspiciously.
"There! What's the difference to you?
You are a new scholar and rich.
The teacher is not exacting with the rich.

And I am a poor hanger-on; he doesn't like me, because I am impudent and because I never bring him any presents.

If I had been a bad pupil he would have expelled me long ago.
You know I'll go to the Gymnasium from here.