Page:The Kiss and Other Stories by Anton Tchekhoff, 1908.pdf/230

 “But she took fright immediately and continued —

“‘I did not mean that for you. I was only repeating a part from a play. . . .’

“After that, gentlemen, she came to my bed every night and looked me steadfastly in the face. She hated me passionately. Yet she could not live without me. It somehow seemed a need for her to watch my detestable face. And then I remember one delightful summer evening. There was a smell of hay, stillness, and so on. The moon shone. I was walking down a garden path, thinking of cherry jam. Suddenly up to me came pale and pretty Zinotchka, seized my arm, and, panting, avowed her feelings.

“‘Oh, how I hate you! I have never wished any one such evil as I wish you! I want you to understand that!’

“You can imagine it! The moon, the pale face exhaling passion, the stillness! And, little pig that I was, I revelled in it. I listened to Zinotchka, looked at her eyes. ... At first it was delightful, because it was new. But in a moment I was overtaken by terror; I screamed loudly, and ran into the house.

“I decided that the only thing was to complain to my mother. And I complained, and told her how I had seen Sasha and Zinotchka kissing. I was an idiot, and did not foresee the result; otherwise I should have held my tongue. . . . When my mother heard me she flamed with indignation, and said —