In Naples there is a magnificent arcade. And the shops!! The shops make me
quite giddy. What brilliance! You, Masha, and you, Lika, would be rabid
with delight.

* * * * *

There is a wonderful aquarium in Naples. There are even sharks and squids.
When a squid (an octopus) devours some animals it's a revolting sight.

I have been to a barber's and watched a young man having his beard clipped
for a whole hour. He was probably engaged to be married or else a
cardsharper. At the barber's the ceiling and all the four walls were made
of looking-glass, so that you feel that you are not at a hairdresser's but
at the Vatican where there are eleven thousand rooms. They cut your hair
wonderfully.

I shan't bring you any presents, as you don't write to me about the summer
villa and the mongoose. I bought you a watch, Masha, but I have cast it to
the swine. But there, God forgive you!

P.S.--I shall be back by Easter, come and meet me at the station.




NAPLES,
April 7, 1891.


Yesterday I went to Pompeii and went over it. As you know, it is a Roman