" But here they are.

" They heard the sound of steps and a man's voice, then a woman's voice and laughter, and immediately thereafter there walked in the expected guests: Sappho Shtoltz, and a young man beaming with excess of health, the so-called Vaska.

It was evident that ample supplies of beefsteak, truffles, and Burgundy never failed to reach him at the fitting hour.

Vaska bowed to the two ladies, and glanced at them, but only for one second.