"It's for the Head-Master!"
Routilov and Volodin were once sitting at Peredonov's. Peredonov showed them the Madeira.
"What's the good of looking at the outside, it doesn't taste well," said Routilov with a snigger, "you might treat us to some of your expensive Madeira."
"What an idea!" exclaimed Peredonov angrily. "What should I give the Head-Master?"
"The Head-Master could drink a glass of vodka," said Routilov.
"Head-Masters don't drink vodka, they have to drink Madeira," said Peredonov reasonably.
"But suppose he likes vodka?" persisted Routilov.
"Good heavens! You don't suppose a general would like vodka!" said Peredonov with conviction.
"All the same you'd better give us some of it," insisted Routilov.
But Peredonov quickly took away the bottle and they heard the click of the lock on the little cupboard in which he kept the wine. When he came back to his guests he began to talk about the Princess to change the conversation. He said quite gravely: