Ladies Page #2

"Ladies" is a short story by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov that explores the complexities of social interactions and the nuances of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of Russian society, the narrative follows an encounter between a group of upper-class women and their suitors, highlighting themes of love, desire, and societal expectations. Through sharp observations and subtle humor, Chekhov delves into the characters' motivations and the often unspoken tensions that arise in romantic pursuits, providing insight into the human condition with his characteristic wit and empathy.

								

"Sit down, friend, and listen to me attentively. . . . Well, I've been
told you have a post vacant. . . . To-day or to-morrow you will receive
a visit from a young man called Polzuhin. . . ."

The lady chattered on, while the director gazed at her with lustreless,
stupefied eyes like a man on the point of fainting, gazed and smiled
from politeness.

And the next day when Vremensky came to his office it was a long time
before the director could bring himself to tell the truth. He hesitated,
was incoherent, and could not think how to begin or what to say. He
wanted to apologize to the schoolmaster, to tell him the whole truth,
but his tongue halted like a drunkard's, his ears burned, and he was
suddenly overwhelmed with vexation and resentment that he should have to
play such an absurd part--in his own office, before his subordinate. He
suddenly brought his fist down on the table, leaped up, and shouted
angrily:

"I have no post for you! I have not, and that's all about it! Leave me
in peace! Don't worry me! Be so good as to leave me alone!"

And he walked out of the office.
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