Page:Anthology of Modern Slavonic Literature in Prose and Verse by Paul Selver.djvu/69

Rh "What instincts! You are flaunting the smallness of your stature, when you could easily hide it under any lady's skirt, if I may be allowed to say so. This cannot be tolerated."

"I never did this," wailed Saranin.

But the manager did not hear. He went on:

"I even heard that you are doing this out of sympathy for the Japanese. But a limit must be recognised in all things."

"How could I ever do that, Your Excellency?"

"I do not know. But I beg of you to desist. You can be retained in the service, but only in the provinces, and this will be immediately cancelled, if you do not resume your customary dimensions. For the purpose of recruiting your health, you are granted four months' leave. I must request you not to make your appearance in the department any more. Any papers that are indispensable to you will be sent to your house. Good morning."

"Your Excellency, I am capable of working. Why this leave?"

"You will take it because of illness."

"But, Your Excellency, I am quite well."

"No more, if you please."

They gave Saranin leave for four months. 5