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"That's why I am so grateful to you, Rodion Romanovitch, that you

have not disdained my hospitality, even in such surroundings,"

she added almost aloud. "But I am sure that it was only your

special affection for my poor husband that has made you keep your

promise."

Then once more with pride and dignity she scanned her visitors,

and suddenly inquired aloud across the table of the deaf man:

"Wouldn't he have some more meat, and had he been given some

wine?" The old man made no answer and for a long while could not

understand what he was asked, though his neighbours amused

themselves by poking and shaking him. He simply gazed about him

with his mouth open, which only increased the general mirth.