, that
he would only upset his nerves and might catch cold--that Sipiagin at
length came to agree with her.

"I obey!" he exclaimed, and with the same graceful gesture, not so rapid
this time, replaced his hat on the table.

"I shall not want the carriage now," he said to the footman, "but see
that it's ready at six o'clock in the morning! Do you hear? 'You can
go now! But stay! See that the gentleman's carriage is sent off and the
driver paid... I What? Did you say anything, Mr. Konopatin? I am going
to take you to town with me tomorrow, Mr. Konopatin! What did you say? I
can't hear... Do you take vodka? Give Mr. Konopatin some vodka! No? You
don't drink? In that case... Feodor! take the gentleman into the green
room! Goodnight, Mr. Kono--"

Paklin lost all patience.

"Paklin!" he shouted, "my name is Paklin!"

"Oh, yes... it makes no difference. A bit alike, you know. What a
powerful voice you have for your spare build! Till tomorrow, Mr.
Paklin.... Have I got it right this time? Simeon, vous viendrez avec
nous?"

"Je crois bien!"

Paklin was conducted into the green room and locked in. He distinctly
heard the key turned in the English lock as he got into bed. He scolded
himself severely for his "brilliant idea" and slept very badly.

He was awakened early the next morning at half-past five and given
coffee. As he drank it a footman with striped shoulder-knots stood over
him with the tray in his hand, shifting from one leg to the other as
though he were saying, "Hurry up! the gentlemen are waiting!" He
was taken downstairs. The carriage was already waiting at the door.
Kollomietzev's open carriage was also there. Sipiagin appeared on the
steps in a cloak made of camel's hair with a round collar. Such cloaks
had long ago ceased to be worn except by a certain important dignitary
whom Sipiagin pandered to and wished to imitate. On important official
occasions he invariably put on this cloak.

Sipiagin greeted Paklin affably, and with an energetic movement of
the hand pointed to the carriage and asked him to take his seat. "Mr.
Paklin, you are coming with me, Mr. Paklin! Put your bag on the box, Mr.
Paklin! I am taking Mr. Paklin," he said, emphasising the word "Paklin"
with special stress on the letter a. "You have an awful name like that
and get insulted when people change it for you--so here you are then!
Take your fill of it! Mr. Paklin! Paklin!" The unfortunate name rang out
clearly in the cool morning ai