March 2, 2023 • 20 mins
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(00:00):
Chapter nine, for on the topmosttier of the hotel veranda, after being
carried up the steps in an armchair amid a bevy of footman, maid
servants, and other menials of thehotel headed by the landlord. That functionary
had actually run out to meet avisitor who arrived with so much stir and
din, attended by her own retinueand accompanied by so great a pile of
(00:24):
trunks and portmanteau. On the topmosthere of the veranda, I say there
was sitting the grandmother. Yes itwas she, rich and imposing and seventy
five years of age, Antonita VassilyevnaTarasovichya, landowner and grand Dame of Moscow,
(00:48):
the lah Babulenka, who had causedso many telegrams to be sent off
and received, who had been dyingyet not dying, who had in her
own person descended upon us even assnow might fall from the clouds. Though
unable to walk, she had arrivedborne aloft in an armchair. Her mode
of conveyance for the last five yearsas brisk, aggressive, self satisfied,
(01:12):
bolt upright, loudly, imperious,and generally abusive. As ever, in
fact, she looked exactly as shehad on the only two occasions when I
had seen her since my appointment tothe General's household. Naturally enough, I
stood petrified with astonishment. She hadsighted me a hundred paces off, even
(01:33):
while she was being carried along inher chair. She had recognized me and
called me by name and surname,which, as usual, after hearing once,
she had remembered ever afterwards. Andthis is the woman whom they had
thought to see in her grave aftermaking her will, I thought to myself,
Yet she will outlive us and everyoneelse in the hotel. Good lord,
(01:57):
what is going to become of us? Now? What on earth is
to happen to the General? Shewill turn the place upside down? My
good sir, The old woman continuedin a stentorian voice. What are you
standing there for? With your eyesalmost falling out of your head? Cannot
you come and say? How doyou do? Are you too proud to
(02:17):
shake hands? Or do you notrecognize me? Here? Potapitch, she
cried to an old servant who dressedin a frock coat and white waistcoat,
had a bald red head. Hewas the chamberlain who always accompanied her on
her journeys. Just think Alexis Ivanovitchdoes not recognize me. They have buried
(02:38):
me for good at all. Yes, and after sending hosts of telegrams to
know if I were dead or not. Yes, yes, I have heard
the whole story. I am verymuch alive, though, as you may
see. Pardon me, Antonita Vassilyevna, I replied, good humoredly, as
I recovered my presence of mind.I have no reason to wish you ill.
(02:59):
I am nearly rather astonished to seeyou. Why should I not be
so, seeing how unexpected? Whyshould you be astonished? I just got
into my chair and came. Thingsare quiet enough in the train, for
there is no one there to chatter. Have you been out for a walk?
Yes, I have just been tothe casino. Oh, well,
(03:20):
it is quite nice here, shewent on as she looked about her.
The place seems comfortable, and allthe trees are out. I like it
very well. Are your people athome? Is the general? For instance?
Indoors? Do they observe the confidencesand keep up appearances? Yes,
and probably all of them. Suchthings always give one tone. I have
heard that they are keeping a carriage, even as Russian gentlefolks ought to do
(03:44):
when abroad. Our Russian people alwayscut a dash. Is Prascovia here too,
Yes, Paulina Alexandrovna is here,and the frenchwoman. However, I
will go and look for them myself. Tell me the nearest way to their
rooms? Do you like being here? Yes? I thank you, Antonita
Vassilyevna, and you Potapitch, yougo and tell that fool of a landlord
(04:10):
to reserve me a suitable suite ofrooms. They must be handsomely decorated and
not too high up. Have myluggage taken up to them? But what
are you tumbling over yourselves for?Why are you all tearing about what scullions
these fellows are? Who is thatwith you, she added to myself.
A mister Astley, I replied,And who is mister Astley? A fellow
(04:31):
traveler and my very good friend,as well as an acquaintance of the general's
Oh an englishman? Then that iswhy he stared at me without even opening
his lips. However, I likeenglishmen. Now take me upstairs direct to
their rooms. Where are they lodging? Madame was lifted up in her chair
by the lackeys, and I precededher up the grand staircase. Our progress
(04:56):
was exceedingly effective. For everyone whomwe met stopped to stare at the cortege.
It happened that the hotel had thereputation of being the best, the
most expensive, and the most aristocraticin all the spa. And at every
turn on the staircase or in thecorridors we encountered fine ladies and important looking
Englishmen, more than one of whomhastened downstairs to inquire of the awestruck landlord
(05:19):
who the newcomer was. To allsuch questions, he returned the same answer,
namely that the old lady was aninfluential foreigner, a Russian, a
countess, and a grand dame,and that she had taken the suite which
during the previous week had been tenantedby the Grand Duchesse de n Meanwhile,
(05:42):
the cause of the sensation, thegrandmother was being borne aloft in her arm
chair. Every person whom she metshe scanned with an inquisitive eye, after
first of all interrogating me about himor her at the top of her voice.
She was stout a figure, andthough she could not leave her chair,
one felt the moment that one firstlooked at her that she was also
tall of stature. Her back wasas straight as a board, and never
(06:05):
did she lean back in her seat. Also, her large gray head,
with its keen, rugged features,remained always erect as she glanced about her
in an imperious, challenging sort ofway, with looks and gestures that clearly
were unstudied. Though she had reachedher seventy sixth year, her face was
still fresh and her teeth had notdecayed. Lastly, she was dressed in
(06:28):
a black silk gown and white mobcap. She interests me tremendously, whispered mister
Astley, as still smoking, hewalked by my side. Meanwhile, I
was reflecting that probably the old ladyknew all about the telegrams and even about
Degrie, though little or nothing aboutMademoiselle Blanche. I said as much to
(06:49):
mister Astley. But what a frailcreature is man. No sooner was my
first surprise abated than I found myselfrejoicing in the shock which we were about
to administer to the General. Somuch did the thought inspire me that I
marched ahead in the gayest of fashions. Our party was lodging on the third
(07:10):
floor. Without knocking at the dooror in any way announcing our presence,
I threw open the portals, andthe grandmother was borne through them in triumph,
as though of set purpose. Thewhole party chanced at that moment to
be assembled in the General's study.The time was eleven o'clock, and it
seemed that an outing of some sort, at which a portion of the party
(07:31):
were to drive in carriages, andothers to ride on horseback, accompanied by
one or two extraneous acquaintances, wasbeing planned. The General was present,
and also Paulina, the children,the latter's nurses, decrier, Mademoiselle Blanche,
attired in a riding habit, hermother, the young Prince, and
a learned German, whom I beheldfor the first time into the midst of
(07:56):
this assembly. The lackeys conveyed Madameand her chair and set her down within
three paces of the General. GoodHeavens, never shall I forget the spectacle
which ensued just before our entry.The General had been holding forth to the
company, with de Griey in supportof him. I may also mention that
for the last two or three days, Mademoiselle Blanche and de Griey had been
(08:18):
making a great deal of the youngprince under the very nose of the poor
General. In short, the company, though decorous and conventional, was in
a gay, familiar mood. Butno sooner did the grandmother appear than the
General stopped dead in the middle ofa word, and with jaw dropping,
stared hard at the old lady,his eyes almost starting out of his head,
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and his expression as spellbound as thoughhe had just seen a basilisk.
In return, the grandmother stared athim silently and without moving, though with
a look of mingled challenge, triumphand ridicule in her eyes. For ten
seconds did the pair remain thus eyeingone another. Amid the profound silence the
company, and even de Grier satpetrified, an extraordinary look of uneasiness dawning
(09:05):
on his face. As for MademoiselleBlanche, she too stared wildly at the
grandmother, with eyebrows raised and herlips parted. While the Prince and the
German savant contemplated the tableau in profoundamazement, only Paulina looked anything but perplexed
or surprised. Presently, however,she too turned as white as a sheet
(09:26):
and then reddened to her temples.Truly, the grandmother's arrival seemed to be
a catastrophe for everybody. For myown part, I stood looking from the
grandmother to the company and back again, while mister Astley, as usual,
remained in the background and gazed calmlyand decorously at the scene. Well,
(09:46):
here I am, and instead ofa telegram too, the grandmother at last
ejaculated to dissipate the silence. Whatyou were not expecting me? And Tuonita
Vassilyevna, Oh, my dearest mother, But how on earth did you did
you? The mutterings of the unhappygeneral died away. I verily believe that
(10:09):
if the grandmother had held her tonguea few seconds longer, she would have
had a stroke. How on earthdid I what? She exclaimed? Why
I just got into the train andcame here? What else is the railway
meant for? But you thought thatI had turned up my toes and left
my property to the lot of you. Oh, I know all about the
telegrams which you have been dispatching.They must have cost you a pretty sum,
(10:31):
I should think, for telegrams arenot sent from abroad for nothing.
Well, I picked up my heelsand came here. Who is this frenchman,
Monsieur de Griers, I suppose oui, Madame assented de Griers a croye,
jesui sianchant votre saint set a miracle. Vou voiisi ouon surprised Charmant,
(10:56):
just so, Charmant, I happenedto know you as a mountebank, and
therefore trust you no more than this. She indicated her little finger, and
who is that? She went onturning towards Mademoiselle Blanche. Evidently the frenchwoman
looked so becoming in her riding habit, with her whip in her hand,
that she had made an impression uponthe old lady. Who is that woman
there, Mademoiselle de Comiger, Isaid, and this is her mother,
(11:22):
Madame de Commiger. They are alsostaying in the hotel. Is the daughter
married? Asked the old lady,without the least semblance of ceremony. No,
I replied, as respectfully as possible. But under my breath is she
good company? I failed to understandthe question. I mean, is she
or is she not a bore?Can she speak Russian? When this de
(11:45):
Grier was in Moscow. He soonlearnt to make himself understood. I explained
to the old lady that Mademoiselle Blanchehad never visited Russia. Bonjeur, then
said Madame, with sudden brouscerrie Bonjeur. Madame replied Mademoiselle Blanche with an elegant,
ceremonious bow. As under cover ofan unwonted modesty, she endeavored to
(12:07):
express, both in face and figure, her extreme surprise at such strange behavior
on the part of the grandmother.How the woman sticks out her eyes at
me, how she mows and minces, was the grandmother's comment. Then she
turned suddenly to the General and continued, I have taken up my abode here,
so am going to be your nextdoor neighbor. Are you glad to
(12:30):
hear that? Or are you not? My dear mother? Believe me when
I say that, I am sincerelydelighted. Returned the General, who had
now to a certain extent recovered hissenses, and inasmuch as when occasion arose
he could speak with fluency, gravity, and a certain effect, he set
himself to be expansive in his remarks, and went on, we have been
(12:52):
so dismayed and upset by the newsof your indisposition. We had received such
hopeless telegrams about you. Then suddenly, FIBs fibbs, interrupted the grandmother.
How on earth, too, didyou come to decide upon the journey?
Continued the general with raised voice ashe hurried to overlook the old lady's last
remark. Surely, at your ageand in your present state of health,
(13:15):
the thing is so unexpected that oursurprise is at least intelligible. However,
I am glad to see you,as indeed are we all, he said
this with a dignified yet conciliatory smile, and will use my best endeavors to
render your stay here as pleasant aspossible. Enough, all this is empty
chatter. You are talking the usualnonsense. I shall know quite well how
(13:37):
to spend my time. How didI come to undertake the journey? You
ask? Well? Is there anythingso very surprising about it? It was
done quite simply. What is everyonegoing into ecstasies about? How do you
do Prascovia? What are you doinghere? And how are you? Grandmother?
Replied Paulina as she approached the oldlady. Were you long on the
(14:00):
journey? The most sensible question thatI have yet been asked. Well,
you shall hear for yourself how itall happened. I lay and lay,
and was doctored and doctored, untilat last I drove the physicians from me
and called in an apothecary from Nikolay, who had cured an old woman of
a malady similar to my own,cured her merely with a little hayseed.
(14:22):
Well, he did me a greatdeal of good, for on the third
day I broke into a sweat andwas able to leave my bed. Then
my German doctors held another consultation,put on their spectacles, and told me
that if I would go abroad andtake a course of the waters, the
indisposition would finally pass away. Whyshould it not, I thought to myself.
(14:43):
So I had got things ready,and on the following day, a
Friday, set out for here.I occupied a special compartment in the train,
and wherever I had to change Ifound at the stationed bearers who were
ready to carry me for a fewcoppers. You have nice quarters here,
she went on as she glanced aroundthe room. But where on earth did
you get the money for them?My good sir, I thought that everything
(15:03):
of yours had been mortgaged. Thisfrenchman alone must be your creditor for a
good deal. Oh, I knowall about it, all about it.
I I am surprised at you,my dearest mother, said the General,
in some confusion. I am greatlysurprised. But I do not need any
extraneous control of my finances. Moreover, my expenses do not exceed my income,
(15:26):
and we they do not exceed it. Phy, Why you are robbing
your children of their last kopeck?You their guardian? After this said the
General, completely taken aback. Afterwhat you have just said, I do
not know whether you do not knowwhat? By heavens are you never going
(15:46):
to drop that roulette of yours?Are you going to whistle all your property
away? This made such an impressionupon the General that he almost choked with
fury. Roulette. Indeed, Iplay roulette really in view of my position.
Recollect what you are saying, mydearest mother, you must still be
unwell. Rubbish, rubbish, sheretorted. The truth is that you cannot
(16:10):
be got away from that roulette.You are simply telling lies this very day.
I mean to go and see formyself what roulette is like. Rascovia,
tell me what there is to beseen here? And do you Alexis
Savanovitch show me everything? And doyou Potapitch make me a list of excursions?
What is there to be seen?Again? She inquired of Paulina.
(16:33):
There is a ruined castle and theSchlangenburg. The Schlangenburg, what is it?
A forest? No, a mountainon the summit of which there is
a place fenced off from it youcan get a most beautiful view. Could
a chair be carried up that mountainof yours? Doubtless we could find bearers
for the purpose, I interposed.At this moment Theodosia, the nursemaid approached
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the old lady with the general's children. No, I don't want to see
them, said the grand mother.I hate kissing children, for their noses
are always wet. How are yougetting on Theodosia? I am very well,
thank you, madame, replied thenursemaid. And how is your ladyship?
We have been feeling so anxious aboutyou. Yes, I know you
(17:14):
simple soul. But who are thoseother guests? The old lady continued,
turning again to Polina. For instance, who is that old rascal in the
spectacles? Prince Nilski Grandmamma whispered Paulina, Oh, a Russian. Why I
had no idea that he could understandme. Surely he did not hear what
I said. As for mister Astley, I have seen him already and I
(17:37):
see that he is here again.How do you do, she added to
the gentleman in question. Mister Astleybowed in silence. Have you nothing to
say to me? The old ladywent on, say something, for goodness
sake, translate to him Paulina,Polina did so. I have only to
say, replied mister Astley, gravely, but also with alacrity, that I
am indeed glad to see you insuch good health. This was interpreted to
(18:00):
the grandmother, and she seemed muchgratified. How well English people know how
to answer one, she remarked.That is why I like them so much
better than French. Come here,she added to mister 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,
(18:22):
she repeated to Astley, pointing downwardswith her finger. Astley looked pleased at
receiving the invitation. Next, theold lady scanned Polina from head to foot
with minute attention. I could almosthave liked you, Prascovia. Suddenly,
she remarked, for you are anice girl, the best of the lot.
You have some character about you.I too have character. Turn round,
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surely that is not false hair thatyou are wearing. No, grandmamma,
it is my own. Well,well, I do not like the
stupid fashions of to day. Youare very good looking. I should have
fallen in love with you if Ihad been a man. Why do you
not get married? It is timenow that I was going. I want
to walk, yet I always haveto ride. Are you still in a
(19:07):
bad temper? She added to theGeneral. No, indeed, rejoined the
now mollified general, I quite understandthat at your time of life. Cetier
at tomby a enfanse Degriey whispered tome. But I want to look around
a little, the old lady addedto the General. Will you lend me
Alexis Ivanovitch for the purpose as muchas you like? But I myself yes,
(19:30):
and Paulina and Monsieur de Griey too. We all of us hope to
have the pleasure of escorting you ma'amMadame Cela sera own Plagiere. Degriey commented
with a bewitching smile, Plagiere,indeed, why I look upon you as
a perfect fool, monsieur. Thenshe remarked to the General, I am
not going to let you have anyof my money. I must be off
(19:52):
to my rooms now to see whatthey are like. Afterwards we will look
round a little lift me up again. The grandmother was borne aloft and carried
down the staircase amid a perfect bevyof followers, the General walking as though
he had been hit over the headwith a cudgel, and de Griey seeming
to be plunged in thought, endeavoringto be left behind. Mademoiselle Blanche next
(20:15):
thought better of it and followed therest, with the prince in her wake.
Only the German Savant and Madame deCommiger did not leave the general's apartments.
End of chapter nine
Chapter nine, for on the topmosttier of the hotel veranda, after being
carried up the steps in an armchair amid a bevy of footman, maid
servants, and other menials of thehotel headed by the landlord. That functionary
had actually run out to meet avisitor who arrived with so much stir and
din, attended by her own retinueand accompanied by so great a pile of
(00:24):
trunks and portmanteau. On the topmosthere of the veranda, I say there
was sitting the grandmother. Yes itwas she, rich and imposing and seventy
five years of age, Antonita VassilyevnaTarasovichya, landowner and grand Dame of Moscow,
(00:48):
the lah Babulenka, who had causedso many telegrams to be sent off
and received, who had been dyingyet not dying, who had in her
own person descended upon us even assnow might fall from the clouds. Though
unable to walk, she had arrivedborne aloft in an armchair. Her mode
of conveyance for the last five yearsas brisk, aggressive, self satisfied,
(01:12):
bolt upright, loudly, imperious,and generally abusive. As ever, in
fact, she looked exactly as shehad on the only two occasions when I
had seen her since my appointment tothe General's household. Naturally enough, I
stood petrified with astonishment. She hadsighted me a hundred paces off, even
(01:33):
while she was being carried along inher chair. She had recognized me and
called me by name and surname,which, as usual, after hearing once,
she had remembered ever afterwards. Andthis is the woman whom they had
thought to see in her grave aftermaking her will, I thought to myself,
Yet she will outlive us and everyoneelse in the hotel. Good lord,
(01:57):
what is going to become of us? Now? What on earth is
to happen to the General? Shewill turn the place upside down? My
good sir, The old woman continuedin a stentorian voice. What are you
standing there for? With your eyesalmost falling out of your head? Cannot
you come and say? How doyou do? Are you too proud to
(02:17):
shake hands? Or do you notrecognize me? Here? Potapitch, she
cried to an old servant who dressedin a frock coat and white waistcoat,
had a bald red head. Hewas the chamberlain who always accompanied her on
her journeys. Just think Alexis Ivanovitchdoes not recognize me. They have buried
(02:38):
me for good at all. Yes, and after sending hosts of telegrams to
know if I were dead or not. Yes, yes, I have heard
the whole story. I am verymuch alive, though, as you may
see. Pardon me, Antonita Vassilyevna, I replied, good humoredly, as
I recovered my presence of mind.I have no reason to wish you ill.
(02:59):
I am nearly rather astonished to seeyou. Why should I not be
so, seeing how unexpected? Whyshould you be astonished? I just got
into my chair and came. Thingsare quiet enough in the train, for
there is no one there to chatter. Have you been out for a walk?
Yes, I have just been tothe casino. Oh, well,
(03:20):
it is quite nice here, shewent on as she looked about her.
The place seems comfortable, and allthe trees are out. I like it
very well. Are your people athome? Is the general? For instance?
Indoors? Do they observe the confidencesand keep up appearances? Yes,
and probably all of them. Suchthings always give one tone. I have
heard that they are keeping a carriage, even as Russian gentlefolks ought to do
(03:44):
when abroad. Our Russian people alwayscut a dash. Is Prascovia here too,
Yes, Paulina Alexandrovna is here,and the frenchwoman. However, I
will go and look for them myself. Tell me the nearest way to their
rooms? Do you like being here? Yes? I thank you, Antonita
Vassilyevna, and you Potapitch, yougo and tell that fool of a landlord
(04:10):
to reserve me a suitable suite ofrooms. They must be handsomely decorated and
not too high up. Have myluggage taken up to them? But what
are you tumbling over yourselves for?Why are you all tearing about what scullions
these fellows are? Who is thatwith you, she added to myself.
A mister Astley, I replied,And who is mister Astley? A fellow
(04:31):
traveler and my very good friend,as well as an acquaintance of the general's
Oh an englishman? Then that iswhy he stared at me without even opening
his lips. However, I likeenglishmen. Now take me upstairs direct to
their rooms. Where are they lodging? Madame was lifted up in her chair
by the lackeys, and I precededher up the grand staircase. Our progress
(04:56):
was exceedingly effective. For everyone whomwe met stopped to stare at the cortege.
It happened that the hotel had thereputation of being the best, the
most expensive, and the most aristocraticin all the spa. And at every
turn on the staircase or in thecorridors we encountered fine ladies and important looking
Englishmen, more than one of whomhastened downstairs to inquire of the awestruck landlord
(05:19):
who the newcomer was. To allsuch questions, he returned the same answer,
namely that the old lady was aninfluential foreigner, a Russian, a
countess, and a grand dame,and that she had taken the suite which
during the previous week had been tenantedby the Grand Duchesse de n Meanwhile,
(05:42):
the cause of the sensation, thegrandmother was being borne aloft in her arm
chair. Every person whom she metshe scanned with an inquisitive eye, after
first of all interrogating me about himor her at the top of her voice.
She was stout a figure, andthough she could not leave her chair,
one felt the moment that one firstlooked at her that she was also
tall of stature. Her back wasas straight as a board, and never
(06:05):
did she lean back in her seat. Also, her large gray head,
with its keen, rugged features,remained always erect as she glanced about her
in an imperious, challenging sort ofway, with looks and gestures that clearly
were unstudied. Though she had reachedher seventy sixth year, her face was
still fresh and her teeth had notdecayed. Lastly, she was dressed in
(06:28):
a black silk gown and white mobcap. She interests me tremendously, whispered mister
Astley, as still smoking, hewalked by my side. Meanwhile, I
was reflecting that probably the old ladyknew all about the telegrams and even about
Degrie, though little or nothing aboutMademoiselle Blanche. I said as much to
(06:49):
mister Astley. But what a frailcreature is man. No sooner was my
first surprise abated than I found myselfrejoicing in the shock which we were about
to administer to the General. Somuch did the thought inspire me that I
marched ahead in the gayest of fashions. Our party was lodging on the third
(07:10):
floor. Without knocking at the dooror in any way announcing our presence,
I threw open the portals, andthe grandmother was borne through them in triumph,
as though of set purpose. Thewhole party chanced at that moment to
be assembled in the General's study.The time was eleven o'clock, and it
seemed that an outing of some sort, at which a portion of the party
(07:31):
were to drive in carriages, andothers to ride on horseback, accompanied by
one or two extraneous acquaintances, wasbeing planned. The General was present,
and also Paulina, the children,the latter's nurses, decrier, Mademoiselle Blanche,
attired in a riding habit, hermother, the young Prince, and
a learned German, whom I beheldfor the first time into the midst of
(07:56):
this assembly. The lackeys conveyed Madameand her chair and set her down within
three paces of the General. GoodHeavens, never shall I forget the spectacle
which ensued just before our entry.The General had been holding forth to the
company, with de Griey in supportof him. I may also mention that
for the last two or three days, Mademoiselle Blanche and de Griey had been
(08:18):
making a great deal of the youngprince under the very nose of the poor
General. In short, the company, though decorous and conventional, was in
a gay, familiar mood. Butno sooner did the grandmother appear than the
General stopped dead in the middle ofa word, and with jaw dropping,
stared hard at the old lady,his eyes almost starting out of his head,
(08:41):
and his expression as spellbound as thoughhe had just seen a basilisk.
In return, the grandmother stared athim silently and without moving, though with
a look of mingled challenge, triumphand ridicule in her eyes. For ten
seconds did the pair remain thus eyeingone another. Amid the profound silence the
company, and even de Grier satpetrified, an extraordinary look of uneasiness dawning
(09:05):
on his face. As for MademoiselleBlanche, she too stared wildly at the
grandmother, with eyebrows raised and herlips parted. While the Prince and the
German savant contemplated the tableau in profoundamazement, only Paulina looked anything but perplexed
or surprised. Presently, however,she too turned as white as a sheet
(09:26):
and then reddened to her temples.Truly, the grandmother's arrival seemed to be
a catastrophe for everybody. For myown part, I stood looking from the
grandmother to the company and back again, while mister Astley, as usual,
remained in the background and gazed calmlyand decorously at the scene. Well,
(09:46):
here I am, and instead ofa telegram too, the grandmother at last
ejaculated to dissipate the silence. Whatyou were not expecting me? And Tuonita
Vassilyevna, Oh, my dearest mother, But how on earth did you did
you? The mutterings of the unhappygeneral died away. I verily believe that
(10:09):
if the grandmother had held her tonguea few seconds longer, she would have
had a stroke. How on earthdid I what? She exclaimed? Why
I just got into the train andcame here? What else is the railway
meant for? But you thought thatI had turned up my toes and left
my property to the lot of you. Oh, I know all about the
telegrams which you have been dispatching.They must have cost you a pretty sum,
(10:31):
I should think, for telegrams arenot sent from abroad for nothing.
Well, I picked up my heelsand came here. Who is this frenchman,
Monsieur de Griers, I suppose oui, Madame assented de Griers a croye,
jesui sianchant votre saint set a miracle. Vou voiisi ouon surprised Charmant,
(10:56):
just so, Charmant, I happenedto know you as a mountebank, and
therefore trust you no more than this. She indicated her little finger, and
who is that? She went onturning towards Mademoiselle Blanche. Evidently the frenchwoman
looked so becoming in her riding habit, with her whip in her hand,
that she had made an impression uponthe old lady. Who is that woman
there, Mademoiselle de Comiger, Isaid, and this is her mother,
(11:22):
Madame de Commiger. They are alsostaying in the hotel. Is the daughter
married? Asked the old lady,without the least semblance of ceremony. No,
I replied, as respectfully as possible. But under my breath is she
good company? I failed to understandthe question. I mean, is she
or is she not a bore?Can she speak Russian? When this de
(11:45):
Grier was in Moscow. He soonlearnt to make himself understood. I explained
to the old lady that Mademoiselle Blanchehad never visited Russia. Bonjeur, then
said Madame, with sudden brouscerrie Bonjeur. Madame replied Mademoiselle Blanche with an elegant,
ceremonious bow. As under cover ofan unwonted modesty, she endeavored to
(12:07):
express, both in face and figure, her extreme surprise at such strange behavior
on the part of the grandmother.How the woman sticks out her eyes at
me, how she mows and minces, was the grandmother's comment. Then she
turned suddenly to the General and continued, I have taken up my abode here,
so am going to be your nextdoor neighbor. Are you glad to
(12:30):
hear that? Or are you not? My dear mother? Believe me when
I say that, I am sincerelydelighted. Returned the General, who had
now to a certain extent recovered hissenses, and inasmuch as when occasion arose
he could speak with fluency, gravity, and a certain effect, he set
himself to be expansive in his remarks, and went on, we have been
(12:52):
so dismayed and upset by the newsof your indisposition. We had received such
hopeless telegrams about you. Then suddenly, FIBs fibbs, interrupted the grandmother.
How on earth, too, didyou come to decide upon the journey?
Continued the general with raised voice ashe hurried to overlook the old lady's last
remark. Surely, at your ageand in your present state of health,
(13:15):
the thing is so unexpected that oursurprise is at least intelligible. However,
I am glad to see you,as indeed are we all, he said
this with a dignified yet conciliatory smile, and will use my best endeavors to
render your stay here as pleasant aspossible. Enough, all this is empty
chatter. You are talking the usualnonsense. I shall know quite well how
(13:37):
to spend my time. How didI come to undertake the journey? You
ask? Well? Is there anythingso very surprising about it? It was
done quite simply. What is everyonegoing into ecstasies about? How do you
do Prascovia? What are you doinghere? And how are you? Grandmother?
Replied Paulina as she approached the oldlady. Were you long on the
(14:00):
journey? The most sensible question thatI have yet been asked. Well,
you shall hear for yourself how itall happened. I lay and lay,
and was doctored and doctored, untilat last I drove the physicians from me
and called in an apothecary from Nikolay, who had cured an old woman of
a malady similar to my own,cured her merely with a little hayseed.
(14:22):
Well, he did me a greatdeal of good, for on the third
day I broke into a sweat andwas able to leave my bed. Then
my German doctors held another consultation,put on their spectacles, and told me
that if I would go abroad andtake a course of the waters, the
indisposition would finally pass away. Whyshould it not, I thought to myself.
(14:43):
So I had got things ready,and on the following day, a
Friday, set out for here.I occupied a special compartment in the train,
and wherever I had to change Ifound at the stationed bearers who were
ready to carry me for a fewcoppers. You have nice quarters here,
she went on as she glanced aroundthe room. But where on earth did
you get the money for them?My good sir, I thought that everything
(15:03):
of yours had been mortgaged. Thisfrenchman alone must be your creditor for a
good deal. Oh, I knowall about it, all about it.
I I am surprised at you,my dearest mother, said the General,
in some confusion. I am greatlysurprised. But I do not need any
extraneous control of my finances. Moreover, my expenses do not exceed my income,
(15:26):
and we they do not exceed it. Phy, Why you are robbing
your children of their last kopeck?You their guardian? After this said the
General, completely taken aback. Afterwhat you have just said, I do
not know whether you do not knowwhat? By heavens are you never going
(15:46):
to drop that roulette of yours?Are you going to whistle all your property
away? This made such an impressionupon the General that he almost choked with
fury. Roulette. Indeed, Iplay roulette really in view of my position.
Recollect what you are saying, mydearest mother, you must still be
unwell. Rubbish, rubbish, sheretorted. The truth is that you cannot
(16:10):
be got away from that roulette.You are simply telling lies this very day.
I mean to go and see formyself what roulette is like. Rascovia,
tell me what there is to beseen here? And do you Alexis
Savanovitch show me everything? And doyou Potapitch make me a list of excursions?
What is there to be seen?Again? She inquired of Paulina.
(16:33):
There is a ruined castle and theSchlangenburg. The Schlangenburg, what is it?
A forest? No, a mountainon the summit of which there is
a place fenced off from it youcan get a most beautiful view. Could
a chair be carried up that mountainof yours? Doubtless we could find bearers
for the purpose, I interposed.At this moment Theodosia, the nursemaid approached
(16:53):
the old lady with the general's children. No, I don't want to see
them, said the grand mother.I hate kissing children, for their noses
are always wet. How are yougetting on Theodosia? I am very well,
thank you, madame, replied thenursemaid. And how is your ladyship?
We have been feeling so anxious aboutyou. Yes, I know you
(17:14):
simple soul. But who are thoseother guests? The old lady continued,
turning again to Polina. For instance, who is that old rascal in the
spectacles? Prince Nilski Grandmamma whispered Paulina, Oh, a Russian. Why I
had no idea that he could understandme. Surely he did not hear what
I said. As for mister Astley, I have seen him already and I
(17:37):
see that he is here again.How do you do, she added to
the gentleman in question. Mister Astleybowed in silence. Have you nothing to
say to me? The old ladywent on, say something, for goodness
sake, translate to him Paulina,Polina did so. I have only to
say, replied mister Astley, gravely, but also with alacrity, that I
am indeed glad to see you insuch good health. This was interpreted to
(18:00):
the grandmother, and she seemed muchgratified. How well English people know how
to answer one, she remarked.That is why I like them so much
better than French. Come here,she added to mister 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,
(18:22):
she repeated to Astley, pointing downwardswith her finger. Astley looked pleased at
receiving the invitation. Next, theold lady scanned Polina from head to foot
with minute attention. I could almosthave liked you, Prascovia. Suddenly,
she remarked, for you are anice girl, the best of the lot.
You have some character about you.I too have character. Turn round,
(18:45):
surely that is not false hair thatyou are wearing. No, grandmamma,
it is my own. Well,well, I do not like the
stupid fashions of to day. Youare very good looking. I should have
fallen in love with you if Ihad been a man. Why do you
not get married? It is timenow that I was going. I want
to walk, yet I always haveto ride. Are you still in a
(19:07):
bad temper? She added to theGeneral. No, indeed, rejoined the
now mollified general, I quite understandthat at your time of life. Cetier
at tomby a enfanse Degriey whispered tome. But I want to look around
a little, the old lady addedto the General. Will you lend me
Alexis Ivanovitch for the purpose as muchas you like? But I myself yes,
(19:30):
and Paulina and Monsieur de Griey too. We all of us hope to
have the pleasure of escorting you ma'amMadame Cela sera own Plagiere. Degriey commented
with a bewitching smile, Plagiere,indeed, why I look upon you as
a perfect fool, monsieur. Thenshe remarked to the General, I am
not going to let you have anyof my money. I must be off
(19:52):
to my rooms now to see whatthey are like. Afterwards we will look
round a little lift me up again. The grandmother was borne aloft and carried
down the staircase amid a perfect bevyof followers, the General walking as though
he had been hit over the headwith a cudgel, and de Griey seeming
to be plunged in thought, endeavoringto be left behind. Mademoiselle Blanche next
(20:15):
thought better of it and followed therest, with the prince in her wake.
Only the German Savant and Madame deCommiger did not leave the general's apartments.
End of chapter nine
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