On reaching the offices of the board, Stepan Arkadyevitch, escorted by a deferential porter with a portfolio, went into his little private room, put on his uniform, and went into the boardroom.

The clerks and copyists all rose, greeting him with good-humored deference.

Stepan Arkadyevitch moved quickly, as ever, to his place, shook hands with his colleagues, and sat down.