Gone Astray Page #2

"Gone Astray" is a poignant short story by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov that explores themes of loss, misunderstanding, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative revolves around a family grappling with the emotional fallout of a lost child and the parental guilt that ensues. Chekhov's masterful use of subtle character development and evocative imagery captures the fragility of human connections and the deep sense of longing that permeates their lives. This story encapsulates Chekhov's signature style, blending empathy with a keen observation of the human condition.

								

. A woman in a red apron stands beside him with a lantern in her hand
and asks him something.

"You've no right to say so," he hears Kozyavkin's voice. "I am a lawyer,
a bachelor of laws--Kozyavkin--here's my visiting card."

"What do I want with your card?" says someone in a husky bass. "You've
disturbed all my fowls, you've smashed the eggs! Look what you've done.
The turkey poults were to have come out to-day or to-morrow, and you've
smashed them. What's the use of your giving me your card, sir?"

"How dare you interfere with me! No! I won't have it!"

"I am thirsty," thinks Laev, trying to open his eyes, and he feels
somebody climb down from the window over his head.

"My name is Kozyavkin! I have a cottage here. Everyone knows me."

"We don't know anyone called Kozyavkin."

"What are you saying? Call the elder. He knows me."

"Don't get excited, the constable will be here directly. . . . We know
all the summer visitors here, but I've never seen you in my life."

"I've had a cottage in Rottendale for five years."

"Whew! Do you take this for the Dale? This is Sicklystead, but
Rottendale is farther to the right, beyond the match factory. It's three
miles from here."

"Bless my soul! Then I've taken the wrong turning!"

The cries of men and fowls mingle with the barking of dogs, and the
voice of Kozyavkin rises above the chaos of confused sounds:

"You shut up! I'll pay. I'll show you whom you have to deal with!"

Little by little the voices die down. Laev feels himself being shaken by
the shoulder. . . .
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