“Alexis Ivanovitch,” began the General in a tone of affectionate upbraiding, “may I say to you that I find it strange, exceedingly strange, that⁠—In short, your conduct towards myself and my family⁠—In a word, your⁠—er⁠—extremely⁠—”

“ Eh! Ce n’est pas ça ,” interrupted De Griers in a tone of impatience and contempt (evidently he was the ruling spirit of the conclave). “ Mon cher monsieur, notre général se trompe. What he means to say is that he warns you⁠—he begs of you most earnestly⁠—not to ruin him. I use the expression because⁠—”

“Why? Why?” I interjected.