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... y taken aback,
"--after what you have just said, I do not know whether--"
"You do not know what? By heavens, are you never going to drop
that roulette of yours? Are you going to whistle all your
property away?"
This made such an impression upon the General that he almost
choked with fury.
"Roulette, indeed? I play roulette? Really, in view of my
position-- Recollect what you are saying, my dearest mother. You
must still be unwell."
"Rubbish, rubbish!" she retorted. "The truth is that you
CANNOT be got away from that roulette. You are simply telling
lies. This very day I mean to go and see for myself what
roulette is like.
Prascovia, tell me what there is to be seen
here; and do you, Alexis Ivanovitch, show me everything; and do
you, Potapitch, make me a list of excursions. What IS there to be
seen?" again she inquired of Polina.
"There is a ruined castle, and the Shlangenberg."
"The Shlangenberg? What is it? A forest?"
"No, a mountain on the summit of which there is a place fenced
off. From it you can get a most beautiful view."
"Could a chair be carried up that mountain of yours?"
"Doubtless we could find bearers for the purpose," I interposed.
At this moment Theodosia, the nursemaid, approached the old lady
with the General's children.
"No, I DON'T want to see them," said the Grandmother. "I hate
kissing children, for their noses are always wet.
How
are you getting on, Theodosia?"
"I am very well, thank you, Madame," replied the nursemaid.
"And how is your ladyship? We have been feeling so anxious about
you!"
"Yes, I know, you simple soul--But who are those other guests?"
the old lady continued, turning again to Polina.
"For instance,
who is that old rascal in the spectacles?"
"Prince Nilski, Grandmamma," whispered Polina.
"Oh, a Russian? Why, I had no idea that he could understand me!
Surely he did not hear what I said? As for Mr. Astley, I have
seen him already, and I see that he is here again. How do you
do?" she added badajoz to the gentleman in question.
Mr. Astley bowed in silence
"Have you NOTHING to say to me?" the old lady went on. "Say
something, for goodness' sake! Translate to him, Polina."
Polina did so.
"I have only to say," replied Mr.
Astley gravely, but also with
alacrity, "that badajoz I am indeed glad to see you in such good
health." This was interpreted to the Grandmother, and she seemed
much gratified.
"How well English people know how to answer one!" she remarked.
"That is why I like them so much badajoz better than French. Come
here," she added to Mr. Astley. "I will try not to bore you too
much. Polina, translate to him that I am staying in rooms on a
lower floor.
Yes, on a lower floor," she repeated to Astley,
pointing downwards with her finger.
Astley looked pleased at receiving the invitation.
Next, the old lady scanned Polina, from head to foot with minute
attention.
"I could almost have liked you, Prascovia," suddenly she
remarked, "for you are a nice girl--the best of the lot. You
have some character about you. I too have character. Turn badajoz round.
Surely that is not false hair that you are badajoz wearing?"
"No, Grandmamma. It is my own."
"Well, well. I do not like the stupid fashions of today. You
are very good looking. I should have fallen in love with you if
I had been a man. Why do you not get married? It is time now
that I was going. I want ... |
