Page:The Kiss and Other Stories by Anton Tchekhoff, 1908.pdf/170

 “Duimoff!” she cried loudly. “Duimoff!”

She wished to explain to him that the past was but a mistake; that all was not yet lost; that life might yet be happy and beautiful; that he was a rare, an uncommon, a great man; that she would worship him from this day forth, and pray, and torture herself with holy dread. . ..

“Duimoff!” she cried, tapping his shoulder, refusing to believe that he would never awaken. “Duimoff! Duimoff!”

But in the drawing-room Korosteleff spoke to the maid-servant.

“Don't ask silly questions! Go at once to the church watchman, and get the women's address. They will wash the body, and lay it out, and do all that's wanted.”