The sky over Moscow just began to lighten, and Sir Arthur Hastings was already awake in his residence.
With the help of a servant, he dressed in formal attire: a black tailcoat, a white bow tie, a carefully selected cravat, and a pair of polished shoes.
After tidying up his attire, Sir enjoyed a simple breakfast, including tea, bread, and butter, which was somewhat different from his hometown's habits, but he gradually adapted to the local lifestyle.
When the clock struck ten, the butler announced that the secretary of Duke Golitsyn, the Governor of Moscow, had arrived.
"Please bring him in," Arthur said to the butler.
