# XVIII explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Fyodor Sologub.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se/chapters