And now, we had better communicate the state of things to Herr Fischelowitz, to whom I consider myself much indebted." "Our Consul came with me," said the lawyer.

"He is in the shop.

Perhaps you did not notice him." "No--I do not think I did.

I am afraid he thought me very careless." "Not at all, not at all." Grabofsky began to think that there had been some truth in Akulina's remarks after all, but he kept his opinion to himself, then and afterwards, a course which was justified by subsequent events.

He and the Count turned towards the shop, and, entering, found Fischelowitz and the Consul conversing together.
The Count bowed to the latter with much ceremony.
"I fear," he said, "that you must have thought me careless just now.