Place of action Dikanka. 1828 year. Evening.

Alexander sat at the table in his office. Outside the window was as grey as before. The man was writing something, apparently some reports. On the desk was his pistol and a double rolled whip. Binch himself sat in his favourite triangle and with a serious expression on his face. He did not like to be distracted.

Tesak? Is that you?

He thought it was his assistant Tesak. Alexander was still writing something.