the line, and make other people draw it too.' (Again he gave Litvinov a genial glance.) 'Yes, one must draw the line. Don't forget that among us no one makes any demand, no one is asking for anything. Local government, for instance—who asks for that? Do you ask for it? or you, or you? or you, mesdames? You rule not only yourselves but all of us, you know.' (The general's handsome face was lighted up by a smile of amusement.) 'My dear friends, why should we curry favour with the multitude. You like democracy, it flatters you, and serves your ends . . . but you know it's a double weapon. It is better in the old way, as before ... far more secure. Don't deign to reason with the herd, trust in the aristocracy, in that alone is power. . . . Indeed it will be better. And progress ... I certainly have nothing against progress. Only don't give us lawyers and sworn juries and elective officials . . . only don't touch discipline, discipline before all things—you may build bridges, and quays, and hospitals, and why not light the streets with gas?'
'Petersburg has been set on fire from one end to the other, so there you have your progress!' hissed the irritable general.
'Yes, you 're a mischievous fellow, I can see,' said the stout general, shaking his head lazily; 'you would do for a chief- prosecutor, but in my
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