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He sat down by his wife, his elbows on his knees and his hands

ruffling his gray hair.

"What are your commands, little countess?"

"You see, my dear... What's that mess?" she said, pointing to his

waistcoat. "It's the saute, most likely," she added with a smile.

"Well, you see, Count, I want some money."

Her face became sad.

"Oh, little countess!" ... and the count began bustling to get

out his pocketbook.

"I want a great deal, Count! I want five hundred rubles," and

taking out her cambric handkerchief she began wiping her

husband's waistcoat.

"Yes, immediately, immediately! Hey, who's there?" he called out

in a tone only used by persons who are certain that those they

call will rush to obey the summons. "Send Dmitri to me!"

Dmitri, a man of good family who had been brought up in the

count's house and now managed all his affairs, stepped softly

into the room.