Works of Ivan Turgenev (Illustrated) (459 page)

Moshkin: Wait, I’ll — not now, though. Now isn’t the time. But, in the evening, in the evening, I’ll tell you everything. You’ll be surprised, my dear boy. — On second thoughts, I think I can tell you now, in brief. You see, Filipp, this is my reception - room and here, in this corner, I sleep. [Points to the screen.] In the other rooms, I have a girl, that I have brought up. She is an orphan. It is she that I am marrying off.

Shpundik: A girl that you have brought up?

Moshkin: Yes. That is, — she is a very nice girl. She is the daughter of the titled councilor, Vielov. I got acquainted with her deceased mother shortly before she died. It was a most peculiar coincidence. Funny how things happen sometimes. I must confess that Destiny works in peculiar ways. I must tell you, Filipp, that I have been living in this house only three years. And Masha’s mother, from the time her husband died, occupied only two rooms on the fourth floor of this building. He died long ago. [Sighing..] It was said that he froze his feet. Well, that was quite a shock. The old woman was left very, very poor. The pension was small. Someone helped her out a little, now and then, but on the whole, she was badly off. Once, as I was going up my stairs, — it was in the winter time, — the janitor had spilled some water and hadn’t wiped it off, and so the water had frozen on the stairs, — [Taking out his snuff box.] Do you use snuff?

Shpundik: No, thank you.

Moshkin [after having snuffed some tobacco]: And so, I climbed the stairs. Suddenly this old woman, coming downstairs, met me. That is, — Masha’s mother. At that time, I wasn’t acquainted with her. Whether she tried to step aside, or whatever it was, she slipped and fell backwards and broke her leg. Somehow or other, it got twisted right under her, like this. [Gets up and shows Shpundik how it happened.] Well, you can imagine what it meant to a woman of her age. I picked her up at once, carried her into her room, fixed her in her bed, called in some people, and then I ran after a bone - setter. Poor woman! She suffered a lot, and so did her daughter. After that time, I visited them almost daily, — I in fact, every day. And, will you believe me, I got to love Ithem like my own people. She was confined to her bed for six months. Finally she got well again; got so she could I walk around. Suddenly, the devil got hold of her and per - [ suaded her to go to the baths. It was easy to get her to go there. And so she went, caught cold, and she died, after she [ had been sick only four days. We buried her with the last bit of their money. [Crosses his hands.] Well, now judge for yourself, Filipp, what the circumstances of the daughter were. Well, say it. No relatives, — that is, she has a relative, a widowed woman, a Mrs. Priazhkina, Ekaterina, who is her aunt on her father’s side. But Priazhkina herself hasn’t a copper to her name. It is true, that in the county of Kono - topsk there lived and still lives an uncle of hers, on her mother’s side. His name is Grach - Pekhter, a land owner. He has plenty of serfs. I wrote to him, immediately after the old woman died, and told him all about it. I asked him to help the girl, but, instead of aiding her. he sent the following answer: “I can’t feed the poor of the world. If you pity her, then provide for her.” Well, so I took her. At first, she didn’t quite consent, but I insisted. I told her: that I was an old man, and that I had no children, and that I would love her as my own daughter. I pointed out to her that she had no place to go, except the street, and that that wasn’t a good place. Moreover, I reminded her that her mother, on her dying bed, really had entrusted her to my care. And so she consented. And since that time she has been living with me. But what a fine girl she is, Filipp! If you only knew! You’ll see. When you see her, you’ll fall in love with her at once.

Shpundik: I believe you, Misha, I believe you. But who is the man?

Moshkin: Oh, he is a fine man. He is an excellent young man. And all this was brought about by your humble servant. I must say, I cannot complain about my fate. I am happy, so help me God! I am more happy than I deserve to be.

Shpundik: And what’s his name, may I ask?

Moshkin: Why not? Certainly you may ask. The matter is all settled. In two weeks from now, God willing, the wedding will take place. Vilitski, Petr Ilich, — that’s his name. He works in the same department with me. He is a most excellent young man. He is only twenty - three years old and he is already a collegiate secretary. [Quietly.] He will soon be titled, — and you ought to see him! He is a man. He will work himself up. He isn’t rich, but that doesn’t matter. He is quite a boy, with a good head on his shoulders. He is quite a worker, and a modest fellow. And he has a good and an extensive acquaintance. He will be here for dinner with me. Well, he eats here almost every day. Only to - day, he wanted to bring a friend of his with him, also a young man, but, you know — [Makes a gesture of importance] — he works alongside of the minister himself. Now, you understand.

Shpundik: Aha! [Looking at himself.] Well, then, if that is the case, I can’t remain here. Let me run over and get my dress - coat, anyway.

Moshkin: Oh, nonsense!

Shpundik [getting up]: No, Misha, this time, let me have my way. You know — Let me arrange this thing. Such a visitor might think — the Lord knows what! He might take me for a bird of the prairies. No, my dear boy, let me have my way. You know, I have some ambitions in life, myself.

Moshkin [getting up]: Well, as you like. Only, look out; don’t be late.

Shpundik: I’ll run as fast as my legs will carry me. [Takes his cap.] So, my dear boy, those other people that you associate with — [Pressing hit hand.] — Well, Misha, I’ll rely upon you concerning my boy. You know. ... In addition to this, my wife asked me to bring her so many cosmetics, that I really don’t know what to do. She asked me to bring her cold creams alone worth ten rubles, and only the first class ones. You’ll help me with that, won’t you? [Pointing to the packages on the table.] I see you understand the business.

Moshkin: I shall be very glad to help you. I shall try myself, and I shall ask Petia. He is such an accommodating fellow. He isn’t a bit proud. He is somewhat sickly, of late; he isn’t in the right mood.

Shpundik: Well, before the wedding, you know
       

Moshkin: Yes, and I am not very well, myself. However, that’s nonsense. We are very, very busy; that’s where the whole trouble comes in. Well, I am at your service. Please don’t stand on ceremony with me.

Shpundik [pressing his hand]: Thank you. I see you are the same good fellow.

Moshkin: I hope so. [4Zso pressing his hand.] You know, it is quite interesting, how I got acquainted with Petrusha.

Shpundik [who is ready to go]: How did it happen?

Moshkin: Well, I’ll tell you about it, later. Imagine, he is also an orphan. He lost his parents quite early in life. His guardian, an uncle, brought him to St. Petersburg and put him in the service. And the most peculiar coincidence happened! However, I will tell you all about it later. Only, I want to say, that he completed a course in a scientific school. His estate, however, he lost, and it was fortunate that I got acquainted with him at that moment. However, I don’t want to detain you. It is nearly three o’clock.

Shpundik: What time do you eat dinner?

Moshkin: Four o’clock, my boy, four o’clock.

Shpundik: Oh, well, then I have lots of time. [A bell is heard.] Could that mean callers?

Moshkin [listening]: Very likely. But why doesn’t Masha come back?

Shpundik [agitated and looking around]: Maybe, my dear boy — Isn’t it possible — Somehow
   

[Masha and Pkiazhkina enter. They have long coats on. They do not take them off.]

Moshkin [seeing them]: Speak of an angel and she will appear. Where did you get lost?

Priazhkina: Oh, my dear, so many things we had to buy, so many things!

Moshkin: Very well, very well. [To Masha.] Masha! Let me introduce you to an old friend and neighbor of mine. Filipp Egorovich Shpundik. [Shpundik bows; Masha curtsies. Priazhkina looks at Shpundik curiously.] He came to - day, from the country. Brought me some news from my home town. I ask you to love and respect him.

Shpundik [to Masha]: Pardon me, young lady, for being, so to say, in travelling clothes. I — I couldn’t tell
         

[He makes a little bow.]

Moshkin: Why trouble to excuse yourself? You are quite a diplomat. [To Masha.] Why are you so pale today, Masha? Are you tired?

Masha [in a weak voice]: I am tired.

Moshkin [to Priazhkina]: You have been running around with her too much, Ekaterina Savishna. Truly, you will tire her to death. Well, go on, go on. It’s nearly four o’clock and you are not dressed yet. What will our new visitor say about that? Look out, he’ll reproach you for it. Now go on.

Priazhkina: Don’t worry, we’re not going to be late.

Moshkin: Very well, then, very well, then. Take this hat, the eau - de - cologne, and the rest of the things. [He gives her all the packages. Masha and Priazhkina go out to the left. Moshkin turns to Shpundik.] Well, Filipp, how do you like Masha?

Shpundik: I like her, my boy, I like her very much.

Moshkin: Of course, I knew it. Well, go, if you must go.

Shpundik: Yes, I must go. I can’t ... I felt very badly when the ladies came in. However, I’ll be back right away. [Goes into the vestibule.]

Moshkin [shouting in his direction]: Look out now! Don’t be late. [Starts to pace the room.] What a lucky day! I am truly glad that Shpundik came. He is a good man. [SYops.] Why is Masha so pale to - day? Still, that may be understood. And why don’t I get dressed? Stratilat! Hey, Stratilat! [Stratilat enters.] My dress - coat and another necktie. [He takes off his coat, and the handkerchief from his neck. Stratilat goes back of the screen and brings out the dress - coat and the tie. Mosiikin looks in the glass.] Why is my face so puffed up? [Brushes his hair a little, beginning at the back.] Why hasn’t Petrusha been here to - day? Give me the tie! [With Stratilat’s assistance, he puts on the tie.] Are you sure Petr Ilich hasn’t been here to - day?

Stratilat: Yes, sir. I told you that once.

Moshkin [somewhat indignant]: I know that you told me that. ... It is surprising! I wonder if he is well?

Stratilat: I can’t say.

Moshkin [spitting]: Pfui! The devil! What a fellow you are! I wasn’t talking to you.

Malania [entering suddenly from the vestibule]: Mikhail Ivanych!

Moshkin [turning around to her quickly]: What do you want?

Malania: I want some money for cinnamon.

Moshkin: Cinnamon! [Putting his hand to his head.] You are going to ruin me, I can see that. Why did you tell me that you had everything? [Looks in his vest - pocket.] Here’s a quarter. Now, look out! If the dinner isn’t ready in — [looks at the clock] — in a quarter of an hour, I will — Go on now, go! What are you waiting for?

Stratilat [semi - audibly, as Malania is going away]: You’re some cook!

Malania: You grouch!

Moshkin: Come here, you sneerer, you! Give me my dress - coat. [Puts on his dress - coat. Stratilat pulls it down in the back.] Well, that’s all, that’s all right now. You can go. Why don’t you light the lamps? Can’t you see that it is getting dark? [Stratilat goes into the vestibule.] How funny! I haven’t walked so very much to - day; at any rate, no more than yesterday, and I am so wobbly on my legs that they actually bend under me. [Sits down and looks at the clock.] Quarter past three! Why don’t they come? [Looks around.] Everything seems to be in order. [Gets up and wipes the dust off the table with his handkerchief. A bell rings.] Ah! At last!