Simeon tried to explain to his wife that he had spent only twenty kopecks in vodki, and also about his finding the man; but Matreona would not give him a chance to say a word.
She spoke at such a rapid rate that she managed to get in two words to his one. In her anger she reminded him of things which had occurred ten years before, and during her excitement she sprang at Simeon and caught him by the sleeve of his coat.
"Give me back my jacket at once!" she shouted. "It is the only one I own, and you have appropriated it to your own use! Give it to me instantly, you dog; and may perdition be your lot!"
Simeon started to take off the jacket, but when he freed himself of one sleeve his wife took hold of the garment, and pulled at it with such force that she nearly tore it to pieces. She snatched the jacket away, and, throwing a shawl over her head, went to the door.
It was Matreona's intention to leave the room,
