and boots with tassels, and came on later in a frockcoat of the colour
'flamme du punch,' then in fashion, and the frockcoat looked about as
suitable as it would have done on our old butler. I recollect too that
we were all in ecstasies over the ball in the third act. Though,
probably, no one ever executed such steps in reality, it was accepted as
correct and I believe it is acted in just the same way to-day. One of
the guests hopped excessively high, while his wig flew from side to
side, and the public roared with laughter. As we were coming out of the
theatre, we jostled against Viktor in a corridor.

'You were in the theatre!' he cried, flinging his arms about. 'How was
it I didn't see you? I'm awfully glad I met you. You must come and have
supper with me. Come on; I'll stand the supper!'

Young Ratsch seemed in an excited, almost ecstatic, frame of mind. His
little eyes darted to and fro; he was grinning, and there were spots of
red on his face.

'Why this gleefulness?' asked Fustov.

'Why? Wouldn't you like to know, eh?' Viktor drew us a little aside, and
pulling out of his trouser-pocket a whole bundle of the red and blue
notes then in use waved them in the air.

Fustov was surprised.

'Has your governor been so liberal?'

Viktor chuckled.