At first my bow and the fact that I had my hat in my hand barely caught their attention. The Baron only scowled a little, and the Baroness swept straight on.

“Madame la Baronne,” said I, loudly and distinctly⁠—embroidering each word, as it were⁠—“ j’ai l’honneur d’être votre esclave. ”

Then I bowed again, put on my hat, and walked past the Baron with a rude smile on my face.

Polina had ordered me merely to take off my hat: the bow and the general effrontery were of my own invention. God knows what instigated me to perpetrate the outrage! In my frenzy I felt as though I were walking on air.

“ Hein! ” ejaculated⁠—or, rather, growled⁠—the Baron as he turned towards me in angry surprise.