Besides I have seen to all that already," the old servant answered in quiet and measured tones.
"Has my mother retired ?" "Her excellency locked herself in at nine o'clock as she has done the last few days, and there is no possibility of her knowing anything.

At what hour am I to expect your honour ?" "At one or half-past, not later than two." "Yes, sir." Crossing the garden by the winding paths that they both knew by heart, they reached the stone wall, and there in the farthest corner found a little door, which led out into a narrow and deserted lane, and was always kept locked.

It appeared that Alexey Yegorytch had the key in his hand.
"Won't the door creak ?" Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch inquired again.
But Alexey Yegorytch informed him that it had been oiled yesterday "as well as to-day." He was by now wet through.

Unlocking the door he gave the key to Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch.
"If it should be your pleasure to be taking a distant walk, I would warn your honour that I am not confident of the folk here, especially in the back lanes, and especially beyond the river," he could not resist warning him again.

He was an old servant, who had been like a nurse to Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch, and at one time used to dandle him in his arms; he was a grave and severe man who was fond of listening to religious discourse and reading books of devotion.
"Don't be uneasy, Alexey Yegorytch." "May God's blessing rest on you, sir, but only in your righteous undertakings." "What ?" said Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch, stopping short in the lane.
Alexey Yegorytch resolutely repeated his words.