But we can put up scaffoldings--that we can!" He spoke and sceptically spitting at his feet, indifferently walked off from Foma, and slipped into the crowd, as a wedge into a tree.

His words crushed Foma completely; he felt, that the peasants considered him stupid and ridiculous.

And in order to save his importance as master in their eyes, to attract again the now exhausted attention of the peasants to himself, he bristled up, comically puffed up his cheeks and blurted out in an impressive voice: "I make you a present of three buckets of vodka." Brief speeches have always the most meaning and are always apt to produce a strong impression.

The peasants respectfully made way for Foma, making low bows to him, and, smiling merrily and gratefully, thanked him for his generosity in a unanimous roar of approval.
"Take me over to the shore," said Foma, feeling that the excitement that had just been aroused in him would not last long.

A worm was gnawing his heart, and he was weary.
"I feel disgusted!" he said, entering the hut where Sasha, in a smart, pink gown, was bustling about the table, arranging wines and refreshments.