He was becoming dangerous, as good-tempered men will, when roused, especially when they have been brought up among people who, as a tribe, would rather fight than eat, at any time of day, from pure love of the thing.

Even Akulina, who was not timid, hesitated as she stood on the threshold.
"What has happened ?" she inquired, looking from Schmidt to her husband.
The latter came to her side, if not for protection, as might be maliciously supposed, at least for company.
"I cannot understand at all," said Fischelowitz, still edging away.
"You understand well enough, I think, and as for you, Frau Fischelowitz, I have something to talk of with you, too.

But we will put it off until later," he added, as though suddenly changing his mind.
The Count himself had appeared in the doorway behind Akulina.

Both she and her husband stood aside, looking at him curiously.
"Good-morning," he said, gravely taking off his hat and inclining his head a little.

He acted as though quite unconscious of what had happened on the previous day, and they watched him as he quietly went into the room beyond, into which the Cossack had retired on seeing him enter.
He hung up his hat in its usual place, nodding to Schmidt, who was opposite to him.