I would like to explain our company policy concerning personnel matters including promotion, transfer, retirement and so on.

　　With a few exceptions, we announce promotions and transfers on April 1 every year. The decision about promotions is based upon the judgment of the head of the department concerned as well as the recommendations by the personnel committee. As to transfers, it it usually determined on the basis of the recommendations by the head of the department concerned. We have a flexible policy concerning transfers. That is, if an individual does not wish a transfer, she or he can decline the transfer appointment. As to our retirement policy, we set the retirement age at 60, and allow for earlier retirement if one wishes.

　　We endeavor to give all the employees equal and fair treatment in these matters. If you want to have more information, please contact the Personnel Department. Thank you.

　　At lunch next day there were very nice pies, crayfish, and mutton cutlets; and while we were eating, Nikanor, the cook, came up to ask what the visitors would like for dinner.

　　He was a man of medium height, with a puffy face and little eyes; he was close-shaven, and it looked as though his moustaches had not been shaved, but had been pulled out by the roots. Alehin told us that the beautiful Pelagea was in love with this cook. As he drank and was of a violent character, she did not want to marry him, but was willing to live with him without. He was very devout, and his religious convictions would not allow him to “live in sin”; he insisted on her marrying him, and would consent to nothing else, and when he was drunk he used to abuse her and even beat her.

　　Whenever he got drunk she used to hide upstairs and sob, and on such occasions Alehin and the servants stayed in the house to be ready to defend her in case of necessity.