Page:The Kiss and Other Stories by Anton Tchekhoff, 1908.pdf/109

 and called for the patients in turn. Now and then from the room came shrill exclamations, the sobs of children, and the doctor's angry exclamations—

“Don't howl. I won't murder you! Sit quiet!”

At last came Pashka's turn. “Pavl Galaktionoff!” cried the doctor. Pashka's mother at first seemed dazed, as if the summons were unexpected; but she recovered herself, took Pashka's hand, and led him into the doctor's room. The doctor sat on a table, and tapped mechanically with a mallet a thick book.

“What is the matter?” he asked, without looking at his visitors.

“My boy has a boil, batiushka, on his elbow,” answered Pashka's mother; and her expression implied that she herself was suffering from Pashka's boil.

“Take off his clothes!”

Pashka, panting, untied his neckkerchief, rubbed his nose on his sleeve, and began to unbutton his coat.

“Woman! have you come to pay me a visit?” said the doctor irritably. “Why don't you hurry? Are you the only one waiting?”

Pashka hurriedly threw his coat on the floor, and, with his mother's help, took off his shirt. The doctor looked at him absent-mindedly, and slapped him on the bare stomach.

“Serious, brother Pashka,” he exclaimed. “You