“I won’t betray you. Tell me what there is in the kitchen.”
“The whole supper is there. As you did not come, no one ate anything. There is sturgeon in jelly, turkey, all on ice.”
“Bring it, and what about wine?”
“There is a bottle in the sideboard, and the fruit liqueurs are in Marfa Vassilievna’s room.”
“Be careful not to wake her.”
“She sleeps soundly. Let me go now, Sir, for my husband may hear us.”
“Run, but take care you don’t run into him.”
“He dare not do anything if he does meet me now. I shall tell him that you have given me orders....”
Meanwhile, Mark had dragged his man from hiding. “Savili Ilivich,” the unknown murmured, “don’t strike me.”
“I ought to know the voice,” said Raisky.