I don't think the British will stand on ceremony with the Bolsheviks.
That's our first sign.
It will all change very rapidly, gentlemen, I assure you."
"Well, we don't doubt that in the least," said Charushnikov, puffing out his cheeks.
"And a very good thing you don't.
What do you think, Mr. Kislarsky?
And you, young men?"
Nikesha and Vladya both looked absolutely certain of a rapid change, while Kislarsky happily nodded assent, having gathered from what the head of Fastpack had said that he would not be required to participate directly in any armed clashes.
"What are we to do?" asked Polesov impatiently.
"Wait," said Dyadyev. "Follow the example of Mr. Vorobyaninov's companion.
How smart!
How shrewd!
Did you notice how quickly he got around to assistance to waifs and strays?
That's how we should all act.
We're only helping the children.
So, gentlemen, let's nominate our candidates."
"We propose Ippolit Matveyevich Vorobyaninov as marshal of the nobility," exclaimed the young Nikesha and Vladya.
Charushnikov coughed condescendingly.
"What do you mean!
Nothing less than a minister for him.
Higher, if you like. Make him a dictator."
"Come, come, gentlemen," said Dyadyev, "a marshal is the last thing to think about. We need a governor.
I think. . ."
"You, Mr. Dyadyev," cried Polesov ecstatically. "Who else is there to take the reins in our province."
"I am most flattered by your confidence .. ."
Dyadyev began, but at this point Charushnikov, who had suddenly turned pink, began to speak.
"The question, gentlemen," he said in a strained voice, "ought to have been aired."
He tried not to look at Dyadyev.
The owner of Fastpack also looked at his boots, which had wood shavings sticking to them.
"I don't object," he said. "Let's put it to the vote.
Secret ballot or a show of hands? "
"We don't need to do it in the Soviet style," said Charushnikov in a hurt voice. "Let's vote in an honest European way, by secret ballot."
They voted on pieces of paper.
Dyadyev received four votes and Charushnikov two.
Someone had abstained.
It was clear from Kislarsky's face that he was the one.
He did not wish to spoil his relations with the future governor, whoever he might be.
When Polesov excitedly announced the results of the-honest European ballot, there was silence in the room.
They tried not to look at Charushnikov.
The unsuccessful candidate for governor sat in humiliation.
Elena Stanislavovna felt very sorry for him, as she had voted in his favour.
Charushnikov obtained his second vote by voting for himself; he was, after all, well versed in electoral procedure.
"Anyway, I propose Monsieur Charushnikov as mayor," said the kindly Elena Stanislavovna immediately.
"Why 'anyway'?" asked the magnanimous governor. "Not anyway, but him and no one else.
Mr. Charushnikov's public activity is well known to us all."
"Hear, hear I" they all cried.
"Then we can consider the election accepted?"
The humiliated Charushnikov livened up and even tried to protest.
"No, no, gentlemen, I request a vote.
It's even more necessary to vote for a mayor than for a governor.