There was no other, all were occupied. The ragged fellow looked inquiringly.

“Is there tea?” asked Svidriga�lov.

“Yes, sir.”

“What else is there?”

“Veal, vodka, savouries.”

“Bring me tea and veal.”

“And you want nothing else?” he asked with apparent surprise.

“Nothing, nothing.”

The ragged man went away, completely disillusioned.

“It must be a nice place,” thought Svidriga�lov. “How was it I didn’t know it? I expect I look as if I came from a caf� chantant and have had some adventure on the way. It would be interesting to know who stayed here?”