“I was told a charming Moscow story today and must treat you to it. Excuse me, Vicomte⁠—I must tell it in Russian or the point will be lost.⁠ ⁠…” And Prince Ippolit began to tell his story in such Russian as a Frenchman would speak after spending about a year in Russia. Everyone waited, so emphatically and eagerly did he demand their attention to his story.

“There is in Moscow a lady, une dame , and she is very stingy. She must have two footmen behind her carriage, and very big ones. That was her taste. And she had a lady’s maid, also big. She said⁠ ⁠…”

Here Prince Ippolit paused, evidently collecting his ideas with difficulty.

“She said⁠ ⁠… Oh yes! She said, ‘Girl,’ to the maid, ‘put on a livery, get up behind the carriage, and come with me while I make some calls.’ ”