Page 55 - the-idiot

a dinner. The young ladies used to have a cup of coffee each
before this meal, at ten o’clock, while still in bed. This was
a favourite and unalterable arrangement with them. At half-
past twelve, the table was laid in the small dining-room,
and occasionally the general himself appeared at the family
gathering, if he had time.
Besides tea and coffee, cheese, honey, butter, pan-cakes
of various kinds (the lady of the house loved these best),
cutlets, and so on, there was generally strong beef soup, and
other substantial delicacies.
On the particular morning on which our story has
opened, the family had assembled in the dining-room, and
were waiting the general’s appearance, the latter having
promised to come this day. If he had been one moment late,
he would have been sent for at once; but he turned up punc-
tually.
As he came forward to wish his wife good-morning and
kiss her hands, as his custom was, he observed something
in her look which boded ill. He thought he knew the rea-
son, and had expected it, but still, he was not altogether
comfortable. His daughters advanced to kiss him, too, and
though they did not look exactly angry, there was some-
thing strange in their expression as well.
The general was, owing to certain circumstances, a little
inclined to be too suspicious at home, and needlessly ner-
vous; but, as an experienced father and husband, he judged
it better to take measures at once to protect himself from
any dangers there might be in the air.
However, I hope I shall not interfere with the proper se-

The Idiot