Petrúshka could read and write and knew Paulson’s primer, his only book, almost by heart, and he was fond of quoting sayings from it that he thought suited the occasion, especially when he had had something to drink, as today.

“That’s so,” said Nikíta.

“You must be chilled through and through,” said Petrúshka.

“Yes, I am rather,” said Nikíta, and they went across the yard and the passage into the house.