SECRET UNION OF SWORD AND PLOUGH 91
Bender to his home, where they were soon engrossed in conversation. An hour later they returned and found Hippolyte and the fortune-teller talking of old times. ‘ And do you remember----- ? ’ the fortune-teller was saying. ‘ Yes, but don’t you remember----- ? ’ Hippolyte rephed. ‘ I think the psychological moment for supper has arrived,’ thought Bender, and interrupting their reminiscences, he remarked : ‘ There is a strange custom in Berlin. People eat so late there that it is quite impossible to know whether it is early supper or late dinner.’ The fortune-teller jumped up, looked lovingly at Hippolyte, and went into the kitchen to prepare supper. ‘ And now we must act,’ said Bender in a low voice. ‘ We must act.’ He shook the locksmith by the hand. ' The old woman won’t give us away, will she ? Can we rely on her ? ’ Polesov nodded. ‘ What is your political credo ? ’ ‘ Always 1 ’ said the locksmith enthusiastically. A Tsarist, I hope ? ’ ' Of course ! ’ ' Russia will not forget you ! ’ said Bender dramatic ally. Hippolyte, who was biting into a cake, listened in absolute astonishment, but there was no holding Bender. He was inspired, and was pacing up and down the room like a wild animal. The fortune teller brought a samovar from the kitchen. Bender gallantly jumped up, took the samovar from her, and placed it on the table. The samovar whistled and Bender decided to act. ‘ Madam,’ he said, ‘ we are happy to read in your face----- ’ He did not know what he was happy to
