"I cannot say, your lordship," replied the Quartermaster, "only his high mightiness has given orders that your lordship be taken to prison, and that her ladyship be taken before his high mightiness, your lordship."
I ran up the steps. The sentries had not time to stop me, and I entered straightway the room, where six hussar officers were playing "faro."[68]
The Major held the bank.
What was my surprise when, in a momentary glance at him, I recognized in him that very Iván Ivánovitch Zourine who had so well fleeced me in the Simbirsk inn!
"Is it possible?" cried I. "Iván Ivánovitch, is it you?"
"Ah, bah! Petr' Andréjïtch! By what chance, and where do you drop from? Good day, brother, won't you punt a card?"
"Thanks—rather give me a lodging."
"What, lodging do you want? Stay with me."
"I cannot. I am not alone."
"Well, bring your comrade too."