" His tone was, if possible, more
incisive than before.
"Of course, we know that he is not a Count at all," said Akulina, somewhat
annoyed by his sharpness.
"Do you? Then you are singularly mistaken. I shall be obliged if you will
inform Count Skariatine that Konstantin Grabofsky desires the honour of an
interview with him."
"Go and call him, Akulina," said Fischelowitz, "since the gentleman wishes
to see him."
"Go yourself," retorted his wife.
"Go together, and be quick about it!" said the Consul, who was tired of
waiting.
"And please to say that I wait his convenience," added the lawyer.
Dumnoff moved to Schmidt's side and whispered into his ear.
"Do you think they have come about the Gigerl?" he inquired anxiously. "Do
you think they will arrest us again?"
"Durak!" laughed the Cossack. "How can two Russian gentlemen arrest you in
Munich? This is something connected with the Count's friends. It is my
belief that they have come at last. See--here he is."
The Count now entered from the back shop, calm and collected, as though
not expecting anything extraordinary. The Russian Consul took off his hat
and bowed with great politeness and the Count returned the salutation with
equal civility. Fischelowitz and Akulina stood in the background anxiously
watching events.
The lawyer also bowed and then, turning his face to the light, held his
hand out.
"You have not forgotten me, Count Skariatine?" he said, in a tone of
inquiry.
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