The Poor Bride

Why should one think, Anna Petrovna. You know my Misha; he is highly regarded in society, considering his station. I am, of course, a woman of simple rank, but I am not of simple notions; I am quite far from that circle and quite refined in my feelings.

I cannot force Mashenka diminutive for Marya; it is her will. You tell Mikhail Ivanych that he should try to please Mashenka; I will be very glad.

He is so shy with me, he is afraid of everything. It is strange, I say to him: "Misha, you are an educated man, yet you are so shy; what do you have to fear, my friend, with your intellect and education? Any girl would love you with joy." So, do allow me to encourage him, Anna Petrovna.

Tell him that, for my part, I agree, and I will speak about this with Mashenka.

We thank you humbly, we shall hope. (Silence). What a lovely bonnet you have on; how much did you pay for the ribbons?

Don't even ask; my memory is poor, it seems it was eight, or perhaps seven grivny small monetary units.

Lovely, very lovely... Do lend me the pattern for your jacket original: "визитка" — a specific style of women's outer garment in the 19th century; I want to make one in black moiré; just imagine, I sleep and dream of it—absolutely black moiré.

Where on earth did I shove it! I must ask Darya. If only Mashenka would get married, then for the wedding I would order myself something quite fancy on Kuznetsky Bridge a fashionable shopping street in Moscow at the time.