in another corner was the general, holding forth to a group of hearers, among them ptitsin, whom he had buttonholed. "i have known," said he, "a real interpreter of the apocalypse, the late gregory semeonovitch burmistroff, and he he pierced the heart like a fiery flash! he began by putting on his spectacles, then he opened a large black book; his white beard, and his two medals on his breast, recalling acts of charity, all added to his impressiveness. he began in a stern voice, and before him generals, hard men of the world, bowed down, and ladies fell to the ground fainting. but this one here he ends by announcing a banquet! that is not the real thing!"