Las' mich, las' mich! Geh'n sie weg!

[RIBIERE bows submissively, though with a gesture of protest, and exit
into the hotel. The group about the tea-table watch VASILI with
hostility.]

LADY CREECH. What a dreadful person!

[VASILI crosses to his seat at the breakfast-table in front of MARIANO
and MICHELE, who bows profoundly as he passes.]

VASILI [lifting his hand in curt, semi-military salute, to acknowledge
the waiters' bows]. See to my American friend.

[MICHELE immediately hastens into the hotel. VASILI sits, and MARIANO
serves him.]

HAWCASTLE [to LADY CREECH, in her ear]. Quite right; but take care, he
speaks English.

LADY CREECH [glaring at VASILI]. Many thoroughly objectionable persons
do!

VASILI [apparently oblivious to her remark, to MARIANO]. My American
friend wishes his own national dish.

MARIANO [deferentially, and serving VASILI to caviar]. Yes, Herr von
Gröllerhagen, he will have the eggs on but one of both sides and the
hams fried. So he go to cook it himself.