The conversation ceased at once, and all who were in the room fixed their eyes on the woman.
“Ah, it was Kozeltzoff who ordered it,” said the young officer. “He must be waked. Get up for your dinner,” he said, approaching the sleeper on the sofa, and jogging his elbow.
A young lad of seventeen, with merry black eyes and red cheeks, sprang energetically from the sofa, and stood in the middle of the room, rubbing his eyes.
“Ah, excuse me, please,” he said to the doctor, whom he had touched in rising.
Lieutenant Kozeltzoff recognized his brother immediately, and stepped up to him.
“Don't you know me?” he said with a smile.
“A-a-a-!” exclaimed the younger brother; “this is astonishing!” And he began to kiss his brother.
They kissed twice, but stopped at the third repetition as though the thought had occurred to both of them:—
“Why is it necessary to do it exactly three times?”
“Well, how delighted I am!” said the elder, looking at his brother. “Let us go out on the porch; we can have a talk.”