Page:Leskov - The Sentry and other Stories.djvu/175



T was at the hour of twilight before the winter evening had set in, when they were lighting up, that the Count summoned Arkadie and said:

"Go to my brother's house and shave his poodle."

"Is that all I shall have to do?" asked Arkadie.

"Nothing more," said the Count, "but return quickly to dress the hair of the actresses. Lyubov must be made up for three different parts, and after the performance, present her to me as St. Cecilia."

Arkadie staggered.

"What is the matter with you?" the Count asked.

"Pardon me," Arkadie answered, "I slipped on the carpet."

"Take care," remarked the Count, "that bodes no good!"

But to Arkadie's sinking heart it was all the same if the omen were good or bad.

After the order to adorn me as St. Cecilia was given, he could hear and see nothing; he took up his leather case of implements and went out.