Everything was excellent.

With the second course, a gigantic sterlet (at sight of which Ilya Rostov blushed with self-conscious pleasure), the footmen began popping corks and filling the champagne glasses.

After the fish, which made a certain sensation, the count exchanged glances with the other committeemen.

" There will be many toasts, it's time to begin," he whispered, and taking up his glass, he rose.

All were silent, waiting for what he would say.