Page:The Kiss and Other Stories by Anton Tchekhoff, 1908.pdf/28

 he had visualised after supper the night before. The image settled in his brain and never afterwards forsook him.

The spell reigned until midday, when a loud command came from the rear of the column.

"Attention! Eyes right! Officers!"

In a calèche drawn by a pair of white horses appeared the general of brigade. He stopped at the second battery, and called out something which no one understood. Up galloped several officers, among them Riabovitch.

"Well, how goes it?" The general blinked his red eyes, and continued, "Are there any sick?"

Hearing the answer, the little skinny general mused a moment, turned to an officer, and said —

"TTie driver of your third-gun wheeler has taken off his leg-guard and hung it on the limber. Canaille! Punish him!"

Then raising his eyes to Riabovitch, he added —

"And in your battery, I think, the harness is too loose."

Having made several other equally tiresome remarks, he looked at Lobuitko, and laughed.

"Why do you look so downcast. Lieutenant Lobuitko? You are sighing for Madame Lopukhoff, eh? Gentlemen, he is pining for Madame Lopukhоff!"

Madame Lopukhoff was a tall, stout lady, long