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 THE COLUMBUS THEATRE

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the actors and you can look for the chair that went into the goods yard.’ But Pussy looked so disconsolate that Bender did not press the suggestion. ‘ When there are two rabbits to choose from, always take the fatter one of the two,’ said Bender. ‘ Let us keep together. The Volga seems to be more promising, but our expenses will be heavy and we shall need money. I have sixty roubles left. How much have you ? Of course, I forgot, your courting was an expensive affair. I suggest that we go to-night to see Gogol’s Marriage, and don’t forget to wear evening dress. If the chairs are still there and have not been sold, then we shall leave to-morrow. Remember, Pussy, this is the beginning of the last act of the comedy entitled “ My Mother-in-Law’s Treasure ”. La comedia e finita! Hold your breath. Pussy, my old friend ! Hold your breath. Oh, the smell of grease paint ! The wings ! What memories ! What intrigues ! What a Hamlet I made ! Let the good work go on ! ’

Out of economy they walked to the theatre. It was still quite light, but the lamps were already lit in the streets. It was the end of spring. Young women were walking up and down in Theatre Square ; cyclists were racing along, and an ice-cream man was pushing his barrow, glancing furtively every now and then at the militiamen. The two friends pushed their way through the crowd. There were temptations on aU sides — res­ taurants and public-houses and a huge cinema called ' The Great Dumb One ’—but they had to hurry, and at last they walked into the noisy vestibule of the Columbus Theatre. Hippolyte went up to the box office and began to read the prices of the seats. ' It’s very expensive,’ he said. ' Three roubles for the sixteenth row.’ 13