“Look how he throws himself down,” whispered a young official to his neighbour. “His Excellency is looking at him.”
“Niel Andreevich has been wanting to see you for a long time,” said Tatiana Markovna aloud, adding under her breath, “His Excellency, don’t forget.” In the same low tone Raisky asked who the little lady was with the fine teeth and the well-developed figure.
“Shame, Boris Pavlovich,” and aloud, “Niel Andreevich, Borushka has been desiring to present himself to you for a long time.”
Raisky was about to reply when Tatiana Markovna pressed his hand, enjoining silence.
“Why have you not given me the pleasure of a visit from you before,” said Niel Andreevich with a kindly air. “Good men are always welcome. But it is not amusing to visit us old people, and the new generation do not care for us, do they? And you hold with the young people. Answer frankly.”
“I do not divide mankind into the old and the new generation,” said Raisky, helping himself to a slice of cake.
“Don’t hurry about eating; talk to him,” whispered Tatiana Markovna.
“I will eat and talk at the same time,” he returned aloud.
Tatiana Markovna looked confused, and turned her back on him.
“Don’t disturb him,” continued Niel Andreevich. “Young people are like that. I am curious to know how you judge men, Boris Pavlovich.”