Akulina had in the first place let her husband sleep as long as he pleased, and had allowed a considerable time to elapse before informing him of the events of the previous evening.

As was to be expected, the good man stated his intention of immediately procuring the Count's liberation, and was only prevailed upon with difficulty to taste his breakfast.

One taste, however, convinced him of the necessity of consuming all that was set before him, and while he was thus actively employed Akulina entered into the consideration of the theft, recalling all the details she could remember about the intimacy supposed to exist between the Count and the swindler in coloured glasses, and conscientiously showing the matter in all its aspects.
"One fact remains," she said, in conclusion, "he promised you upon his honour last night that he would pay you the fifty marks to-day, and, in my opinion, since he has been the means of your losing the Gigerl after all, he ought to be made to pay the money." "And where can he get fifty marks to pay me ?" inquired Fischelowitz with careless good-humour.
"Where he got the doll, I suppose," said Akulina, triumphantly completing the vicious circle in which she caused her logic to move.
Fischelowitz smiled as he pushed away his cup, rose and lighted a fresh cigarette.
"You are a very good housekeeper, Akulina, my love," he observed.

"You always know how the money goes." "That is more than can be said for some people," laughed Akulina.

"But never mind, Christian Gregorovitch, your wife is only a weak woman, but she can take care for two, never fear!" Fischelowitz was of the same opinion as he, at last, took his hat and left the house.