7They were meeting the other missionaries at a tavern by the port. This was not one of those lowly, seedy taverns full of damp soot and smoke and crusty old seafarers; but a place of polished wood and bone china and finely dressed young travelers setting off to make their fortune. When they walked in the door they smelled the fine food and after getting their coats and luggage taken by a pleasant young woman, they turned a corner to find a full spread of rich food and drink. Dmitri started telling Alexei who everyone was around the table. Alexei did not listen. He was too busy drinking the glass of wine that had been put in his hand.
By the time Dmitri finished explaining, Alexei had gone through his glass of wine and somehow been seated at the table. He looked around, aware that people w
