So we will go in together." He listened, nodding, but I think he understood nothing.

We stood on the threshold.
_"Cher"_--he stretched out his arm to the lamp before the ikon--"_cher,_ I have never believed in this, but...

so be it, so be it!" He crossed himself.

_"Allons!"_ "Well, that's better so," I thought as I went out on to the steps with him.

"The fresh air will do him good on the way, and we shall calm down, turn back, and go home to bed...." But I reckoned without my host.