Letters of Anton Chekhov (Tchekhov) - Penn State University

Anton ChekhovVENICE, March 26, 1891.It is pelting cats and dogs. Venetia bella has ceased to be bella. Thewater excites a feeling of dejected dreariness, and one longs to hastensomewhere where there is sun.The rain has reminded me of my raincoat (the leather one); Ibelieve the rats have gnawed it a little. If they have, send it to bemended as soon as you can ….How is Signor Mongoose? I am afraid every day of hearing thathe is dead.In describing the cheapness of Venetian life yesterday, I overdid ita bit. It is Madame Merezhkovsky’s fault; she told me that she andher husband paid only six francs per week each. But instead of perweek, read per day. Anyway, it is cheap. The franc here goes as far asa rouble.We are going to Florence.May the Holy Mother bless you.I have seen Titian’s Madonna. It’s very fine. But it is a pity thathere fine works are mixed up side by side with worthless things, thathave been preserved and not flung away simply from the spirit ofconservatism all-present in such creatures of habit as messieurs leshommes. There are many pictures the long life of which is quiteincomprehensible.The house where Desdemona used to live is to let.231