Mr. Gorshine nodded comprehendingly. "I understand perfectly, sir. His Excellency shall not be inconvenienced at all. Now, what can I have the pleasure of showing you?" "His Excellency wishes to buy a diamond tiara and other jewellery for his wife. He would also like some rings and bracelets. Show us the best that your stock contains." The manager beamed with delight, and, hastily unlocking a large safe, produced tray after tray covered with beautiful gems. The two adjutants inspected their contents hastily, and put aside the finest for a more detailed examination. "How will this suit?" inquired Captain Marckovitch, picking up a magnificent tiara. Petroff, who was feeling drowsy after his plentiful consumption of vodka, pushed it away with a lordly gesture. "All right," he exclaimed. "Then his Excellency approves of it?" inquired the delighted manager. "Certainly, Mr. Gorshine; you have just heard him say so," declared Major Romanoff. "Pack it up." "I'm feeling very thirsty," murmured Petroff. "Why doesn't somebody give me a drink?" The obsequious jeweller rushed forward. "Pray allow me to send for refreshments," he begged. Captain Marckovitch nodded meaningly towards the chair where Petroff was sitting. "Perhaps I ought to have told you that the general has a little weakness," he said. "His Excellency has only lately returned from a hot climate, and--well--you understand, no doubt." The jeweller bowed. "Entirely so, sir," he whispered. "In fact, a brother of mine, who is also in the army, cannot stand the slightest----" "Besides," interrupted the adjutant, "we must make every allowance for so distinguished an officer. Apart from his bravery in action, it is well known that his kindness of heart, his thoughtfulness, and his generosity are proverbial. All the presents that he is buying now are intended for his wife." "Yes, I'm going to give them to my wife," said Petroff, sharply. "She'll be so pleased that she'll forgive me. Now bring out some more. It's all right." Mr. Gorshine wanted nothing better. Here was a customer who showed a lordly indifference to price, and who approved of everything set before him. Clearly a profitable afternoon was in store. Accordingly, he exerted himself to ransack the shelves and show-cases of their finest gems. These, after being critically inspected by the two adjutants, were passed over to their companion, who, for his part, contented himself with drowsily murmuring "All right." At last, when goods to the estimated value of two hundred thousand roubles had been set aside, Major Romanoff declared that enough had been exhibited. Mr. Gorshine bowed again. He had done a very fine day's work and nothing was to be gained by being too greedy. "Might I venture to inquire his Excellency's name?" he hazarded. Captain Marckovitch looked at him haughtily.