Page:The Kiss and Other Stories by Anton Tchekhoff, 1908.pdf/231

242 It is not your business to talk of such things You are too young. But what an example to children!’

“My mother was not only virtuous, she was tactful too. She did her best to avoid a scandal; and rid herself of Zinotchka not at once, but gradually, systematically, as people rid themselves of respectable but tiresome visitors. I remember that when Zinotchka drove away her last glance was directed to the window at which I sat, and I assure you that to this day I remember that look.

“Not long afterwards Zinotchka was my brother's wife. That is the Zinaida Nikolaievna whom you all know. I never met her again until I was a junker. It was hard for her to recognise in the moustached officer the detested Petya — still, her manner to me was not quite that of a relative And even to-day, despite my good-humoured bald head, my peaceful figure, and meek looks, Zinotchka always looks at me a little askance, and seems out of sorts when I visit my brother It is plain that first hate is not as quickly forgotten as first love By Jove! The cocks are crowing already. Good night!”