Page:The Kiss and Other Stories by Anton Tchekhoff, 1908.pdf/187

 something inside it. . . . But perhaps it is only. . . because I had no food to-day. I have been strange altogether. . . stupid. I saw those gentlemen paying ten roubles for oysters; why didn't I go and ask them for something. . . in loan? I am sure they would have given it.”

Towards morning I fell asleep, and dreamed of a frog sitting in a shell and twitching its eyes. At midday thirst awoke me. I sought my father; he still walked up and down the room and gesticulated.