"Yes, it's the ruin of many a man."
"That's because not everyone can stand it. But I can, and I shall have another glass. Your health, madam."
"Drink, drink. Nothing can happen to you."
"Nothing. My lungs and kidneys and liver and spleen are in excellent condition. By the way," he turned to the woman in black who stood at the door, listening to the conversation, "What will you have for dinner to-day?"
"Hash and beef cutlets and chicken for roast," she answered, smiling somewhat sourly.
"Have you any smoked fish?"
"We have, sir. We have white sturgeon and stellated sturgeon, plenty of it."
"Then have a cold soup with sturgeon for our dinner, and pick out a fat bit of sturgeon, you hear me? What is your name? Ulita?"
"Yes, sir, people call me Ulita."
"Well, then, hurry up, friend Ulita, hurry up."