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Letters of Anton Chekhov (Tchekhov) - Penn State University

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<strong>Letters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Anton</strong> <strong>Chekhov</strong> to His Family and Friends with biographical sketchTO MADAME KISELYOV.MOSCOW, March 11, 1891.As I depart for France, Spain, and Italy, I beseech you, oh, Heavens,keep Babkino in good health and prosperity!Yes, Marya Vladimirovna! As it is written in the scripture: he hadnot time to cry out, before a bear devoured him. So I had not time tocry out before an unseen power has drawn me again to the mysteriousdistance. To-day I am going to Petersburg, from there to Berlin, andso further. Whether I climb Vesuvius or watch a bull-fight in Spain, Ishall remember you in my holiest prayers. Good-bye.I have been to a seminary and picked out a seminarist for Vassilisa.There were plenty with delicate feelings and responsive natures, butnot one would consent. At first, especially when I told them thatyou sometimes had peas and radishes on your table, they consented;but when I accidentally let out that in the district captain’s roomthere was a bedstead on which people were flogged, they scratchedtheir heads and muttered that they must think it over. One, however,a pockmarked fellow called Gerasim Ivanovitch, with very delicatefeelings and a responsive nature, is coming to see you in a dayor two. I hope that Vassilisa and you will make him welcome. Snatchthe chance: it’s a brilliant match. You can flog Gerasim Ivanovitch,for he told me: “I am immensely fond <strong>of</strong> violent sensations;” whenhe is with you you had better lock the cupboard where the vodka iskept and keep the windows open, as the seminary inspiration andresponsiveness is perceptible at every minute.“What a happy girl is Vassilisa!”Idiotik has not been to see me yet.The hens peck the cock. They must be keeping Lent, or perhapsthe virtuous widows don’t care for their new suitor.They have brought me a new overcoat with check lining.Well, be in Heaven’s keeping, happy, healthy and peaceful. Godgive you all everything good. I shall come back in Holy Week. Don’tforget your truly devoted,222ANTON CHEKHOV.

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