"
I ran up the steps. The sentries had not time to stop me, and I entered
straightway the room, where six hussar officers were playing
"_faro_."[68]
The Major held the bank.
What was my surprise when, in a momentary glance at him, I recognized in
him that very Ivan Ivanovitch Zourine who had so well fleeced me in the
Simbirsk inn!
"Is it possible?" cried I. "Ivan Ivanovitch, is it you?"
"Ah, bah! Petr' Andrejitch! By what chance, and where do you drop from?
Good day, brother, won't you punt a card?"
"Thanks--rather give me a lodging."
"What, lodging do you want? Stay with me."
"I cannot. I am not alone."
"Well, bring your comrade too."
"I am not with a comrade. I am--with a lady."
"With a lady--where did you pick her up, brother?"
After saying which words Zourine began to whistle so slyly that all the
others began to laugh, and I remained confused.
"Well," continued Zourine, "then there is nothing to be done. I'll give
you a lodging. But it is a pity; we would have had a spree like last
time. Hullo! there, boy, why is not Pugatchef's gossip brought up? Is
she refractory? Tell her she has nothing to fear, that the gentleman
who wants her is very good, that he will not offend her in any way, and
at the same time shove her along by the shoulder.
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