Short Fiction · Chapter
XVIII explained
Elena Kirillovna begins her morning routine, inspecting the dining-room and the yard, interacting briefly with the maid Stepanida who is tending the samovar, before setting out on her customary morning stroll.
What happens
Elena Kirillovna begins her morning routine, inspecting the dining-room and the yard, interacting briefly with the maid Stepanida who is tending the samovar, before setting out on her customary morning stroll.
Characters to notice
- Elena Kirillovna
The old mistress of the house, she inspects the breakfast table and the yard with a severe domestic concern, then goes for her morning stroll.
- Stepanida
A buxom, red-cheeked maid attending to the samovar at the bottom of the stairs, she exchanges a honeyed greeting with Elena Kirillovna.
Key passages
“Good morning to you, matushka barinya . 3 It’s a fine morning, to be sure. How warm it is, by the grace of God! And you’re up early, matushka barinya !”
Good morning, dear mistress. What a lovely morning. It's so warm, thank God! You're up early, dear mistress!
Stepanida greets Elena Kirillovna with a sweet, singsong tone.