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She’s a wonderful woman. For God’s sake, on my knees, I implore you!”
“If you so much wish it, I will come,” said Alexey Alexandrovitch,
sighing.
And, anxious to change the conversation, he inquired about what
interested them both—the new head of Stepan Arkadyevitch’s de-
partment, a man not yet old, who had suddenly been promoted to so
high a position.
Alexey Alexandrovitch had previously felt no liking for Count
Anitchkin, and had always differed from him in his opinions. But now,
from a feeling readily comprehensible to officials—that hatred felt by
one who has suffered a defeat in the service for one who has received
a promotion, he could not endure him.
“Well, have you seen him?” said Alexey Alexandrovitch with a
malignant smile.
“Of course; he was at our sitting yesterday. He seems to know his
work capitally, and to be very energetic.”
“Yes, but what is his energy directed to?” said Alexey
Alexandrovitch. “Is he aiming at doing anything, or simply undoing
what’s been done? It’s the great misfortune of our government—this
paper administration, of which he’s a worthy representative.”
“Really, I don’t know what fault one could find with him. His policy
I don’t know, but one thing—he’s a very nice fellow,” answered Stepan
Arkadyevitch. “I’ve just been seeing him, and he’s really a capital
fellow. We lunched together, and I taught him how to make, you know
that drink, wine and oranges. It’s so cooling. And it’s a wonder he
didn’t know it. He liked it awfully. No, really he’s a capital fellow.”
Stepan Arkadyevitch glanced at his watch.
“Why, good heavens, it’s four already, and I’ve still to go to
Dolgovushin’s! So please come round to dinner. You can’t imagine how
you will grieve my wife and me.”
The way in which Alexey Alexandrovitch saw his brother-in-law
out was very different from the manner in which he had met him.
“I’ve promised, and I’ll come,” he answered wearily.
“Believe me, I appreciate it, and I hope you won’t regret it,” an-
swered Stepan Arkadyevitch, smiling.
And, putting on his coat as he went, he patted the footman on the
head, chuckled, and went out.
“At five o’clock, and not evening dress, please,” he shouted once
more, turning at the door.