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Letters of Anton Chekhov, a non-fiction book by Anton Chekhov |
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To E. M. S. (November 19, 1891) |
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_ MOSCOW, November 19, 1891.
I am at home to all commencing, continuing, and concluding authors--that is my rule, and apart from your authorship and mine, I regard a visit from you as a great honour to me. Even if it were not so, even if for some reason I did not desire your visit, even then I should have received you, as I have enjoyed the greatest hospitality from your family. I did not receive you, and at once asked my brother to go to you and explain the cause. At the moment your card was handed me I was ill and undressed--forgive these homely details--I was in my bedroom, while there were persons in my study whose presence would not have been welcome to you. And so--to see you was physically impossible, and this my brother was to have explained to you, and you, a decent and good-hearted person, ought to have understood it; but you were offended. Well, I can't help it.... But can you really have written only fifteen stories?--at this rate you won't learn to write till you are fifty. I am in bad health; for over a month I have had to keep indoors--influenza and cough. All good wishes. Write another twenty stories and send them. I shall always read them with pleasure, and practice is essential for you. _ |
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