It was remarkable that there was a good supply of the former on the table, and that the inkstand contained ink in a fluid state, as though the Count were in the habit of using it daily.

He wrote rapidly, in Russian.
"This line is to inform you that Count Skariatine is momentarily absent from his lodging on a matter of urgent importance, connected with a personal engagement.

He will return as soon as possible and requests that you will have the goodness to wait, if you should happen to arrive while he is out." He set the piece of notepaper upright, in a prominent position upon the table, and exactly opposite to the door.

He did not indeed recollect that in the course of half an hour the room would be quite dark, and he was quite satisfied that he had taken every reasonable precaution against missing his visitors altogether.

Once more he seized his hat, and a moment later he was descending the long flights of stairs towards the street.