"You are the lawful heir."
"Unless my father marries again." The colour rose in the Count's lean cheeks.
"That is impossible."
"Why?"
"Because he is dead, too."
"Then—"
"You are Count Skariatine, and I have the honour to offer you my services at this important juncture."
The Count breathed hard. The shock, overtaking him when he was in his normal condition, was tremendous. The colour came and went rapidly in his features, and he caught his breath, leaning heavily upon the little lawyer, who watched his face with some anxiety. Akulina's remark about the Count's madness had made him more careful than he would otherwise have been in his manner of breaking the news.
"I am not well," said the Count in a low voice. "To-day is Wednesday—I am never well on Wednesdays."
"To-day is Thursday," answered Grabofsky.