Mikhail Bulgakov. The Master and Margarita -
85 >
a complete blank . . . who the hell was she? . . . Didn't she work for the
radio? Or perhaps she didn't. . . .
Gradually the previous day came back into focus, but Stepa was much
more interested in today and in particular in this odd stranger who had
materialised in his bedroom complete with snacks and vodka. If only someone
would explain it all!
'Well, now, I hope, you've remembered my name? '
Stepa could only grin sheepishly and spread his hands.
'Well, really! I suspect you drank port on top of vodka last night.
What a way to behave!'
'Please keep this to yourself,' said Stepa imploringly.
'Oh, of course, of course! But naturally I can't vouch for Khustov.'
'Do you know Khustov? '
'I saw that individual for a moment or two in your office yesterday,
but one cursory glance at his face was enough to convince me that he was a
scheming, quarrelsome, sycophantic swine.'
'He's absolutely right! ' thought Stepa, amazed at such a truthful,
precise and succinct description of Khustov.
The ruins of yesterday were piecing themselves together now, but the
manager of the Variety still felt vaguely anxious. There was still a gaping
black void in his memory. He had absolutely no recollection of having seen
this stranger in his office the day before.
'Woland, professor of black magic,' said the visitor gravely, and
seeing Stepa was still in difficulties he described their meeting in detail.
He had arrived in Moscow from abroad yesterday, had immediately called
on Stepa and offered himself as a guest artiste at the Variety. Stepa had
telephoned the Moscow District Theatrical Commission, had agreed to the
proposal (Stepa turned pale and blinked) and had signed a contract with
Professor Woland for seven performances (Stepa's mouth dropped open),
inviting Woland to call on him at ten o'clock the next morning to conclude