" Vronsky went into the theater at half-past eight.

The performance was in full swing.

The little old box-keeper, recognizing Vronsky as he helped him off with his fur coat, called him "Your Excellency," and suggested he should not take a number but should simply call Fyodor.

In the brightly lighted corridor there was no one but the box-opener and two attendants with fur cloaks on their arms listening at the doors.