«With the forehead, Pan Kharlamp, with the forehead. Ah! with the forehead, Pan Colonel, most abject servant!»
«With the forehead, Pan Harasimovich,» answered Kharlamp; «and what is your wish?»
«God gave guests, distinguished guests. I came to offer my services and to inquire their rank.»
«Did they come to you, Pan Harasimovich?»
«Certainly not to me, for I am not worthy of that; but because I take the place of the absent marshal. I have come to greet them profoundly.»
«It is far from you to the marshal,» said Kharlamp; «for he is a personage with inherited land, while you with permission are under-starosta of Zabludovo.»
«A servant of the servants of Radzivill. That is true, Pan Kharlamp, I make no denial; God preserve me therefrom. But since the prince has heard of the guests, he h
