He explained about himself in a few words, very much the same as he had told the footman and Rogojin beforehand.

Gavrila Ardalionovitch meanwhile seemed to be trying to recall something.

“Was it not you, then, who sent a letter a year or less ago⁠—from Switzerland, I think it was⁠—to Elizabetha Prokofievna ( Mrs. Epanchin)?”

“It was.”

“Oh, then, of course they will remember who you are. You wish to see the general? I’ll tell him at once⁠—he will be free in a minute; but you⁠—you had better wait in the antechamber⁠—hadn’t you? Why is he here?” he added, severely, to the man.

“I tell you, sir, he wished it himself!”