or actors in the province of Poltava, but genuine people, and cheerful and
well-fed into the bargain.

Do you know what relieves my cough? When I am working I sprinkle the edge
of the table with turpentine with a sprayer and inhale its vapour. When I
go to bed I spray my little table and other objects near me. The fine drops
evaporate sooner than the liquid itself. And the smell of turpentine is
pleasant. I drink Obersalzbrunnen, avoid hot things, talk little, and blame
myself for smoking so much. I repeat, dress as warmly as possible, even at
home. Avoid draughts at the theatre. Treat yourself like a hothouse plant
or you will not soon be rid of your cough. If you want to try turpentine,
buy the French kind. Take quinine once a day, and be careful to avoid
constipation. Influenza has completely taken away from me any desire to
drink spirituous liquors. They are disgusting to my taste. I don't drink my
two glasses at night, and so it is a long time before I can get to sleep. I
want to take ether.

I await your story. In the summer let us each write a play. Yes, by God!
why the devil should we waste our time....




TO E. M. S.

MOSCOW,
November 19, 1891.


HONOURED ELENA MIHAILOVNA,