]
VASILI [waving both RIBIERE and the paper aside, in high good-humor].
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
Groellerhagen, he will have the eggs on but one of both sides and the
hams fried. So he go to cook it himself.
[Loud shouts and wild laughter from the street. HORACE, ALMERIC, and
LADY CREECH set their papers down in their laps and turn toward the
door.]
MARIANO. Ha! He return from the kitchen with those national dish.
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