“Shaftsbury?” suggested the general’s wife.
“No, no—Wheeler—no, that isn’t it! I’ve forgotten it!”
“Then why on earth did you come pestering me with your advice, if you couldn’t remember the man’s name?” stormed the general. “Get out of here!”
Ivan went slowly out, and the general clutched his cheek, and went rushing through the house.
“Ouch! Oh Lord!” he howled. “Oh, mother! Ouch! I’m as blind as a bat!”
The steward went into the garden, and, raising his eyes to heaven, tried to remember the exciseman’s name.
“Hunt—Hunter—Huntley. No, that’s wrong! Cobb—Cobden—Dobbins—Maresly——”
Shortly afterward, the steward was again summoned by his master.
“Well, have you thought of it?” asked the general.
“No, not yet, your Excellency!”