Page:Sologub Sweet Scented Name.djvu/43

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

TURANDINA

graciousness that all who could believe in a fairy-tale were obliged to believe that they were in the presence of a beautiful princess, the daughter of a great and wise king.

But the fairy-tale was somewhat difficult to reconcile with the ordinary life of the young lawyer and his people. There was a perpetual struggle between the two, and many difficulties arose in consequence.


V

When Turandina had been living with the family for a few days, an official came to the house and said to the servant:

"They say there's a young lady visitor here. She must send in her passport and have it signed."

The servant told her mistress, who spoke to her husband about the matter. He asked Peter Antònovitch about the passport, and the latter went to find Turandina and ask her. Turandina was sitting on the verandah reading a book with much enjoyment.

"Turandina," said Peter Antònovitch, going out to her. "The police have sent to ask for your passport. It must be sent to be signed."

27