" While they were talking the crowd streamed by them into the dining room.

They went forward too, and heard a gentleman with a glass in his hand delivering a loud discourse to the volunteers.

"In the service of religion, humanity, and our brothers," the gentleman said, his voice growing louder and louder; "to this great cause mother Moscow dedicates you with her blessing.

_Jivio!_" he concluded, loudly and tearfully.