"Upon my word, Antonida Vassilyevna, why should I wish you harm?" I answered gaily, recovering myself. "I was only surprised… And how could I help being surprised at such an unexpected…"
"What is there to surprise you? I just got into the train and came. The train was comfortable and not jolting. Have you been for a walk?"
"Yes, I've been a walk to the Casino."
"It's pleasant here," said Granny, looking about her. "It's warm and the trees are magnificent. I like that! Are the family at home? The General?"
"Oh, yes, at this time they are sure to be all at home."
"So they have fixed hours here, and everything in style? They set the tone. I am told they keep their carriage, les seigneurs russes! They spend all their money and then they go abroad. And is Praskovya with them?"
"Yes, Polina Alexandrovna, too."
"And the Frenchy? Oh, well, I shall see them all for myself. Alexey Ivanovitch, show me the way straight to him. Are you comfortable here?"
"Fairly so, Antonida Vassilyevna."
"Potapitch, tell that dolt, the kellner, to give me a nice convenient set of rooms, not too high up, and take my things there at once. Why are they all so eager to carry me? Why do they put themselves forward? Ech, the slavish creatures! Who is this with you?" she asked, addressing me again.
"This is Mr. Astley," I answered.
"What Mr. Astley?"
"A traveller, a good friend of mine; an acquaintance of the General's, too."
"An Englishman. To be sure, he stares at me and keeps his mouth shut. I like Englishmen, though. Well, carry me upstairs, straight to their rooms. Where are they?"
They carried Granny up; I walked up the broad staircase in front. Our procession was very striking. Everyone we met stopped and stared. Our hotel is considered the best, the most expensive, and the most aristocratic in the place. Magnificent ladies and dignified Englishmen were always to be met on the staircase and in the corridors. Many people were making inquiries below of the ober-kellner, who was greatly impressed. He answered, of course, that this was a distinguished foreign lady, une russe, une comtesse, grande dame, and that she was taking the very apartments that had been occupied the week
