“Upon my word, my boy, upon my word!
You simply overwhelm me!
How could he refuse to accept it?
No, Vanya, you’re simply a romancer, a regular romancer!
Why, do you suppose there is anything unbecoming in his fighting me?
I’m just as good as he is.
I’m an old man, ail insulted father. You’re a Russian author, and therefore also a respectable person. You can be a second and ... and ... I can’t make out what more you want ......
“Well, you’ll see.
He’ll bring forward such excuses that you’ll be the first to see that it will be utterly impossible for you to fight him.”
“Hm! ... very well, my friend.
Have it your own way wait, for a certain time, that is.
We’ll see what time will do.
But one thing, my dear, give me your word of honour that you’ll not speak of this conversation there, nor to Anna Andreyevna.”
“I promise.”
“Do me another favour, Vanya: never begin upon the subject again.”
“Very well. I promise.”
“And one more request: I know, my dear, that it’s dull for you perhaps, but come and see us as often as ever you can.
My poor Anna Andreyevna is so fond of you, and ... and ... she’s so wretched without you.... You understand, Vanya.”
And he pressed my hand warmly.
I promised him with all my heart.
“And now, Vanya, the last delicate question. Have you any money?
“Money?” I repeated with surprise.
“Yes.” (And the old man flushed and looked down.) “I look at you, my boy, at your lodgings ... at your circumstances ... and when I think that you may have other, outside expenses (and that you may have them just now), then ... Here, my boy, a hundred and fifty roubles as a first instalment. . . .”
“A hundred and fifty! As a first instalment. And you’ve just lost your case!”
“Vanya, I see you didn’t understand me at all!
You may have exceptional calls on you, understand that.
In some cases money may help to an independent position, an independent decision.
Perhaps you don’t need it now, but won’t you need it for something in the future?
In any case I shall leave it with you.
It’s all I’ve been able to get together.
If you don’t spend it you can give it back.
And now goodbye.
My God, how pale you are!
Why, you’re quite ill . . .”
I took the money without protest.
It was quite clear why he left it with me.
“I can scarcely stand up,” I answered.
“You must take care of yourself, Vanya, darling!
Don’t go out today.
I shall tell Anna Andreyevna what a state you’re in.
Oughtn’t you to have a doctor?
I’ll see how you are tomorrow; I’ll try my best to come, anyway, if only I can drag my legs along myself.
Now you’d better lie down ... Well, goodbye.
Goodbye, little girl; she’s turned her back!
Listen, my dear, here are another five roubles.
That’s for the child, but don’t tell her I gave it her. Simply spend it for her. Get her some shoes or underclothes. She must need all sorts of things.
Goodbye, my dear. . . .”
I went down to the gate with him.
I had to ask the porter to go out to get some food for me.
Elena had had no dinner.