Page:The Kiss and Other Stories by Anton Tchekhoff, 1908.pdf/144

 take the train home and bring my rose-coloured dress from the wardrobe. You know it; it's the first you'll see. Then in the chest of drawers — the bottom right-hand drawer — you'll find two boxes. At the top there's only tulle and other rags, but underneath you'll find flowers. Bring all the flowers — carefully! I don't know. . . then I'll choose. . . And buy me some gloves.”

“All right,” said Duimoff. “I'll get them to-morrow!”

“How to-morrow?” asked Olga Ivanovna, looking at him with surprise. “You can't do it to-morrow. The first train leaves at nine, and the wedding is at eleven. No, dear; go to-night! If you can't get back yourself to-morrow send a messenger. The train is nearly due. Don't miss it, my soul!”

“All right!”

“Akh, how sorry I am to have to send you!” she said, and tears came into her eyes. “Why did I promise the telegraph clerk, like a fool!”

Duimoff' hastily gulped down a glass of tea, and, still smiling kindly, returned to the station. And the caviare, the cheese, and the white-fish were eaten by the actor and the two dark men.