Major Romanoff went up to Petroff, who had sunk heavily into a chair.
"Shall I explain your Excellency's wishes to Mr. Gorshine?" he inquired.
The manager rubbed his hands briskly. The unknown patron was an Excellency, then!
"All right," said Petroff.
"Perhaps I might be permitted to show his Excellency a selection from my stock," suggested Mr. Gorshine.
"Quite so," said Captain Marckovitch, hastily. "You must, however, please understand that his Excellency does not wish to spend more than two hundred thousand roubles this afternoon. The general," he added, sinking his voice a little, "is not feeling very well, so perhaps you had better make all the arrangements with Major Romanoff and myself."
Mr. Gorshine nodded comprehendingly.
"I understand perfectly, sir. His Excellency shall not be inconvenienced at all. Now, what can I have the pleasure of showing you?"
"His Excellency wishes to buy a diamond tiara and other jewellery for his wife. He would also like some rings and bracelets. Show us the best that your stock contains."
The manager beamed with delight, and, hastily unlocking a large safe, produced tray after tray covered with beautiful gems. The two adjutants inspected their contents hastily, and put aside the finest for a more detailed examination.