The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield

Introduction

Katherine Mansfield was born in New Zealand in 1888. She went to London for her studies. Her life was not happy. She had many heartbreaks in her life. Though she died when she was only 34, she ranks with the best story-tellers of the world. She left behind a number of short stories.

Mrs. Sheridan has decided to give a garden party. When preparations are underway, they hear about the death of a poor carter in an accident. The youngest daughter Laura, has a sympathetic heart. Unlike her family, she does not look down upon the working people. She thinks it unbecoming of them to let the band play while a man lies dead in their neighbourhood. But they think she is crazy. Later she is sent with the leftover food to the deadman's house. There she sees the dead man. The peaceful beauty of the deadman's face impresses her. She realizes that man was far away where the superficiality of life does not matter. Laura tries to understand life.

Summary

The Sheridans were wealthy. Mrs. Sheridan was organising a garden party. She expected her three daughters, Meg, Jose and Laura to look after all the arrangements.

They were at the breakfast table when the men arrived with poles and rolls of canvas to put the marquee. Laura, the youngest, was sent to tell them where to put it. She ran with a piece of bread and butter in her hand. She felt shy when she came to the four men. She did not know what to do with the piece of bread and butter. The workmen smiled down at her. She felt at ease. Her shyness was gone. She thought that workmen were nice people. They could be better friends than those silly boys with whom she danced. In fact Laura had symapathetic heart. She was not snobbish like other members of her family. She did not have any notion of class differences.

She suggested a few spots where they could put the marquee. But the workmen knew their job. They chose the place which they thought was the best and set to put the marquee there.

There was a telephone call for Laura. So she hastily went back into the house.

Mrs. Sheridan had ordered flowers. They arrived in abundance. The pots were put just inside the door on both sides of the porch.

Jose moved the piano and wanted to see if it was all right. She expected to be asked to sing at the party. She tried a mournful song. But she did not really have any experience of the sad sentiments the song aroused.

The cook was busy preparing fifteen types of sandwiches for which she needed flags. Mrs. Sheridon had Laura to write the names of sandwiches on the flags.

While the preparations for the the celebration of the party were underway, Laura found the cook, Sadie, and the gardener's boy standing in the backdoor. The cook was shaking her head sadly. Sadie was crying and the gardener' boy looked grieved. Laura learnt that a poor carter who lived in one of the little homes below across the street, had been killed in an accident. He had left behind a widow and half a dozen children, Laura was shocked. She thought it was awful to celebrate while a man lay dead in their neighbourhood. She spoke to Jose. She said that they must stop the party. But Jose thought she was crazy. So Laura went to her mother. Mrs. Sheridan had always despised those people living in their tiny, dirty hovels. She believed they had no right to be in that neighbourhood. Laura suggested that they must stop the party. It would be unbecoming of them to play the band while a man lay dead. But Mrs. Sherdan's reaction was the same as that of Jose. She told Laura that those people did not expect any sympathy from them. She told her not to spoil the fun they were going to have. She put a beautiful hat on Laura and told her to look into the mirror. But Laura refused to look into the mirror. She was unhappy and went into her bedroom.

But she saw herself in the mirror. Indeed she had never looked as pretty as she did in that hat that day. She decided to put off thinking about the dead man, his widow and his children till after the party was over.

Guests arrived. They admired Laura. They talked pleasantly, ate and departed. Laura helped her mother with the good byes. The party had been successful but Mrs. Sheridan was dead tired and needed a cup of strong coffee to refresh herself.

Mr. Sheridan said that there had been a terrible accident and a man who lived in their neighbourhood had been killed. But he ate sandwiches as he told this terrible news to his wife. She told him that they had heard about it, and Laura even wanted the party to stop.

Mrs. Sheridan had a bright idea. She thought of sending the left-over food to the poor widow. She thought it would be a treat for her children and she would have something to offer the neighbours when they called to condole with her.

Laura was asked to carry the basket of food to the carter's widow. She was sent there dressed as she was for the party, with her beautiful hat and frock.

She walked downhill to the deadman's house. But she thought she was inappropriately dressed to go into a house where a man lay dead. Her dress and hat were too flamboyant.

There she found a group of men outside a house. It was the deadman's house. Men parted to make a way for her. A women in black opened the door. She was the sister of deadman's wife. She led Laura to the carter's widow whose face was all red and swollen but she spoke nothing. Then the widow's sister led Laura to the bedroom where the carter lay dead.

The man's face was perfectly peaceful as if he were fast asleep. Laura was deeply impressed by the peaceful beauty of his face. She thought he was far away. He was beyond the superficiality of life - garden parties, pretty hats and frocks. This wonderful thing had happened when they were having the party and the band was playing.

Still she could not leave the place without a sob. She came out hurriedly and walked towards her home. Her brother Laurie had come to meet her on the way. He saw that she was crying. He asked her if it was awful. She replied that it was not - It was rather wonderful. But she had a feeling for which she had no words to express. To her life was a mystery which she was trying to understand.

Word Meanings

Marquee = sunshade; Blushed = became red in face being ashamed; Fault = defect, flaw; Stupid = idiot; Class differences = the feeling that the wealthy are superior to the poor; Stretched = pulled out; Mournfully = sadly; Despairing = hopelessly; Verse = stanza; Beamed = smiled; Pantry = room use for storing food or utensils; Blocked = choked; Fright = alarm, scare; Astonished = surprised; Swarms = a big group; Ragged = wearing rags; Fury = anger; Alarm = fear; Couch = bed; Trimmed = decorated or ornamented with; Streaming in = coming like a stream; Exhausted = tired; Uncomfortable = uneasy; Stammered = spoke halting.

Questions You May Be Asked

1. How are classes distinctions depicted in the story?
2. How does Laura's attitude towards te workmen surprise you? Why do you think defensice about it.
3. Discuss Laura's feeling towards the deadman and his family on the way to his house. Did her emotions change after she saw him? Substantiate your answer evidence from the story.
4. Describe how members for the Sheridan family react to the death of the poor carter in neighbourhood.
5. Write Laura's character sketch.

Unwanted by Rabindranath Tagore

Introduction

Rabindranath Tagore was a well-known poet and novelist. His short Stories are deeply touching. They express human emotions in conflict with social restraints. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.

His short stories Kabliwallah, Home Coming, The Postmaster and The Child's Return are very popular and deeply emotional.

Unwanted is Tagore's characteristic short story. Nilkanta is an orphan boy whom chance brings into the protection of a well - off famliy. Kiran is very indulgent and treats him lavishly. But it is like a dream that is soon over. Nilkanta feels neglected, helpless and frustrated. There are physical and psychological changes also because he is passing through a critical period of human life—change from adolescence to youth. Finally he discovers that he is not wanted. He mysteriously disappears.

Summary

Kiranmayi was the young wife of Sharat. She had been ailing for siometime. The doctors advised that change of air would help her. The family was well off and so Sharat and his mother came to Chandernagore with Kiran. The villagers thought that they were fussing too much over her illness..

Kiran recovered from her illness but she was weak. She had nothing to keep herself busy at Chandernagore. There were no neighbours and no friends. She wished to go back home. But Sharat did not agree with her. (He thought that the time of the year was not apt. If they went back to their village, she was likely to get the infection again. He wanted her to wait for another month. There had been usual arguments and counter-arguments between the husband and the wife.

Kiran stopped arguing. She was quiet but miserable and angry. It was a terrific stormy night. There was lightning and there was thunder. The wind was blowing hard.

A shipwrecked Brahmin boy swam across the furious river and came safely to the shore. He found himself in the garden of the bunglow where (Sharat and Kiran were staying. Someone came and told them about the boy. Kiran was a kindhearted woman. She immediately sent dry clothes for the boy to put on. She gave him food to eat. The boy appeared to be sixteen or seventeen years old. He had no moustaches. He had large eyes and long hair. He told Kiran that his name was Nilkanta. He was an orphan and worked with a band of travelling players. The troupe was engaged to give a performance in a nearby house but the ship was caught in a storm. He was a good swimmer and had been able to save himself. He did not know what had happened to the others.

Kiran was delighted. She treated him with affection. Sharat also welcomed the arrival of the boy. He hoped Kiran would have somthing to do. It would keep her busy. Sharat's mother too was glad. She thought there was merit in looking after a Brahmin boy. Nilkanta too was happy. He had not only escaped death but had got the protection of a rich family.

Kirran was overindulgent and treated Nilkanta lavishly. She gve him Sharat's old shirts and socks. She decked him like a baby. She would ask Nilkanta to tell the story of Nala and Damayanti. The boy sang it with gestures. This pleased Kiran but irritated Sharat.

Nilkanta began to smoke Sharat's hookah in secret. He would take Sharat's silk umbrella and would go round the village proudly making friends. He fondled a dog that would come in and spoil the floor coverings with its muddy paws. He would go with the band of his followers into the mango-orchards and picked unripe mangoes. Several times Sharat cuffed, boxed and whacked him. But it had no effect on Nilkanta becuase he had been used to worse treatment.

Sharat and his mother began to realise that it was time the boy went away. They felt he had stayed with them too long and if they did ot get rid of him soon, his stay would be troublesome. But Kiran was opposed to it. She continued to treat him with affection. He was Kiran's pet.

Now Nilkanta began to undergo psychological changes. He was passing from adolescence into youth. Kiran treated him like a child. One day she asked him to dress like a gril as he used to do earlier. But Nilkanta was embarrassed. They tried to teach Nilkanta to read and write. But Nilkanta only pretended to read. He could not learn anything. Earlier he used to sing the songs mechanically, but now he found meaning in them. He was transported to another world when he sang them.

While Nilkanta was undergoing these psychological changes, the arrival of Sharat's brother Satish changed his life entirely. He experienced frustration that he had never experienced before. Satish was the same age as Kiran. Both of them were good friends. Kiran was delighted. They enjoyed practical jokes and lot of fun. They laughed, they quarelled, they wept and made up again. Kiran's whole attention & time was given to Satish. Nilkanta was completely ignored. Earlier she herself served food to Nilkanta. She enjoyed watching him eat. Nilkanta could eat well. But now he was served by the maid-servant. Nilkanta would not like to eat. He would say he was not hungry. He expected that somehow Kiran would know this and would feed him herself. But no one told Kiran about it. Nilkanta was depressed. He would weep as he lay on his bed till he was asleep.

Nilkanta was convinced that Satish was responsible for his misfortune. He could not express his hostility towards Satish openly. So he tried to do him some harm stealthily.

It was time for the family to return home. Kiran proposed to take Nilkanta with them. But everyone else was opposed to it. So Kiran too had to give in. She called Nilkanta and told him to go back to his village. She spoke gently to him. Nilkanta was moved by her kind words. He burst into tears. Kiran was also sad to think that she had showered her affections on a person whom she would have to leave.

Satish had a fancy inkpot. He loved it. Nilkanta wished to cause Satish some pain. So he stole the inkpot and kept it in his box. When Satish did not find it, he suspected Nilkanta had stolen it. Kiran was not prepared to believe it. Nilkanta was called but he denied having stolen it. Kiran took him to the next room and asked him gently if he had stolen it. Nilkanta covered his face with his hands and wept. Kiran declared that Nilkanta was innocent. She defended him.

Kiran decided to give Nilkanta some clothes and money as a parting present. She went to his room and decided to put her gift in his box. Nilkanta was not there. When she opened the box she found the inkpot at the bottom of it. She was shocked. In the meantime Nilkanta came into the room. Kiran did not see him. But he saw that Kiran had discovered the theft. In fact he had not stolen it out of greed. He just wanted to do some harm to Satish. He meant to throw it into the Ganga. He ran away and disappeared. There was no sign of him. Kiran kept the discovery of the inkpot to herself. On their way home she threw it into the Ganga.

Word Meanings

Steadily = continuously; Demons = evil spirit; Proclaiming = announcing; Rebellious = unruly; Crashing = falling, breaking noisily; Groaned = moan in pain; Heaved = rose; Thrashed = beat, strike; Shuttered = closed; Alarmed = frightened; Abandoning = giving up, leaving; Soothsayers = those who foretell about things to come; Modish = stylish, fashionable; Immortal = deathless, living for ever; Prescriptions = orders, rules; Irrational = unreasonable, illogical; Touching = moving, causing sadness; Feebleness = weakness; Narrow escape = just saved from the brink of disaster; Jolly = cheerful; Gregarious = sociable; Nurturing = something that gives nourishment; irksome = irritating; Troupe = company of performers; Merit = credit; Strut = move about proudly; Prazenly = shamelessly; Frequented = Visited several time; Lavish = generous; Decked = decorated; At whim = fancy; Flamboyant = showy; Gestures = movements to convey meaning; Annoyed = displeased; Piety = virtue; Subjected to = made to suffer; Cuffs and boxes = blows with hands and fists; Matured = ripened; Underdeveloped = below normal growth; Confidante = woman who is entrusted with secret; Coincided = took place at the same time as the other; Befitted = proper or suitable; Ill-suited = inappropriate, unfit; Yatra-life = life of a travelling-performer; Relentless = strict, pitiless; Embarrassed = confused and perplexed; frivolously = in silly, trifling manner; awakened = clumsy; Imitate = copy; Sordid = ugly; Unaccustomed - not used to; Concentrated = with full attention; Fidgety = nervous, restless; Waned = decreased, declined; Mechanically = without thinking; Melodies = songs; Trivial = very ordinary, commonplace; Meretricious = showy, ornate; Unpenetrable = incomprehensible; insignificant = of no or little value; Transported = carried away; Grubby = dirty; Hovel = hut, mean dwelling; Dingy = dirty-looking; Deprivation = poverty, dispossession; Miraculous = unbelievable; Thwacking = whacking, hitting with a stick; Bolted = fastened with a bolt; Outdone = done better than others; Making up = reconciling; Nasty = unpleasant, disagreeable; Slashed = cut; Resolved = decided, made up his mind; Eventually = consequently, finally; Convinced = had the firm belief; Running him down = degrading; Enimity = hostility; Inconveniences = difficulties; Swoop = come down liek a hawk; Embriodered = ornamented with needle work; Assumed = took for granted, presumed; Snivelling = sniffling; Unscathed = unhurt, uninjured; Tap = strike lightly; Incensed = made angry; Offences = wrongs; Borne = endured; Stoically = enduring without complaint; Ascribed = attributed, assigned; Gouged = tore with sharp edged weapon; Fetch = bring; Interrogate = question; Retaliation = hit back; Adamantly = unyeildingly, stubbornly.

Questions You May Be Asked
1. The story depicts a variety of human emotions. Discuss this statement keeping in mind that characters of Kiran, Nilkanta and Satish?

2. Do you think Kiran was fair to Nilkanta at the end of the story? How would you have reacted to him had you been in her place?

3. How did Nilkantha leave without telling anyone? Was he justified in doing so? Answer in detail.

4. Write Kiran's character sketch.

5. Write Nilkanta's character sketch.

The Miracle of Lava Canyon by O'Henry

Introduction

O'Henry is well-known American writer of short stories. His stories have a characteristic twist in the tail. They have a surprise ending. He was born in 1862. His actual name was William Sidney Porter. He wrote a large number of stories, all of which are popular the world over.

This story is about two young people. Radcliff Conrad is the Sheriff of Sirkiwah County and Miss Boadicea Reed is 20-year old young attractive girl - Rad is known to be the coolest and most courageous young man. But in reality he is a coward at heart. He has to brace himself every time he has to deal with a critical situation that demands courage. But he has been lucky. He has maintained his reputation. But a chance has presented itself when Rad is afraid that his true nature is going to be exposed.

Miss Boadicea is a fearless woman. But it is a secret known only to her close friends. Chance brings Rad and Boadicea close. Their souls pass into each other's. Rad gains true courage. His fear vanishes and he overpowers a criminal armed with a knife. Boadicea who has never felt love for any man, loses her heart to Rad. Her great courage leaves her. Rad's soul enters into her. She is scared even to look at a lizard. The miracle is complete. Rad's and Boadicea's souls swap their places.

Summary

Radcliff Conrad was the Sheriff of Siskiwah county, Ari. He was known to be the most fearless and coolest person all around. But he was a coward at heart. It was a secret known to no one. Every time he had to deal with danger his heart beat fast. He could not stand the sight of bloodshed. Everytime he had to overpower his fear lest the people should know the reality. He had been lucky. He had dealt with many situations demanding courage, and he had come out successful. People admired him for his infinite courage and valour. But Rad had the apprehension that some day the truth would be out and everyone would know him to be a coward.

One day there was a critical situation. Arizona Dan was the worst criminal known in the county. He broke mirrors and glasses worth thousands of dollars in a place of entertainment. He had injured several persons also. He had hidden himself in bushes. People had complained to Rad who was the sheriff. He realised his duty. He wanted to arrest Dan single handed. He asked some men how Dan was armed. They told him that he had left his guns behind. Obviously he was unarmed. To keep up his reputation, and in a foolhardy display of his courage, Rad unbuckled his revolver and left it behind. He went in search of Dan to take on him unarmed. People praised him for this courage. But they were not surprised because Rad was known to be like that.

Dan was too drunk to know any fear. He was hiding in the bushes near the gulch. He was waiting for the nightfall so that he could escape in the dark. Miss Boadicea Reed was the eldest daughter of the postmaster. Her younger sisters were at school. She sat carelessly in a grapevine swing. She was attractive. She was wearing starched muslin clothes. She had a secret which was known only to her close friends. She was afraid of no living or non-living thing. She had no feminine weakness. There had been proposals of marriage but she had not been inclined to marry. Till she was eighteen she had an ambition to dress herself like a man and go around the world selling soaps or jewellery. But at twenty, she had given up that ambition. She wished to be the leading woman singer in an opera troupe.

Swinging in the grapevine, she happened to see a man's eye behind the thick clump of bushes. It was excessively red because of over drunkenness. Involuntarily she smoothed the knot of her hair and thrust the hairpins more securely. She asked the man to come out of his hiding. He was Dan.

Dan told her that she should keep quiet. He tried to assure her that he was not going to harm her. But Boadicea was not afraid. She asked him why he was hiding there. He told her that he was waiting for the nightfall. Then he would go away. He told her what he had done. He suspected that Rad, the Sheriff, might come to arrest him.

Just then Rad came there. He was a handsome young man with blond hair and steel grey eyes. He was strong and graceful. Boadicea looked at him and loved him at first sight. Rad came very close to Dan and told him to surrender. But Dan drew a nine-inch knife and challenged Rad.

Rad was indeed a coward at heart. A deadly physical fear came upon him. He was panicked. His feet were frozen. A branch to his right rustled and he gave a flitting glance. Boadicea's dark eyes were fixed on him. They seemed to flash some exalting essence into his veins. The heavy burden of fear left his heart. He was filled with prudent courage and confidence as if Boadicea's fearless soul had entered into him. Half the miracle was accomplished. The other half was to follow.

Now Rad knew no fear. He laughed with joy. He once again asked Dan to surrender. But Dan flashed his knife. Rad moved a few inches closer cautiously. It appears that drunkenness had unstrung Dan's nerves. By chance small stone was dislodged by Boadicea's foot, and it rattled down the pat Dan was unnerved, and turned his head to look what it was. This gave Rad an advantage. He pounced on Dan. He held Dan's wrist in a steal-lit grip and put his other arm round his waist. Dan struggled but Rad twisted the wrist relentlessly till Dan dropped the knife. Then Rad put his arm round Dan's throat. They struggled and fell down. Dan's head hit a boulder and he lay unconscious. Rad bound him hand and foot.

Boadicea leapt down from her seat through the bushes. She admired Rad. Her tongue faltered. Her cheeks flushed and her eyes were lowers for the first time in her life.

Rad said it was getting dark. He offered to lead her to her house. As they were walking Boadicea, who had never known fear, was scared look at a harmless lizard. She gave out a shriek. She had been fearless by far, but now Rad's spirit had entered her. She became a coward. Rad put his protective arm around her. Rad's and Boadicea's souls had exchange their places. The miracle was complete.

Word Meanings

Turned sick = was nauseated; Strife = struggle; Carnage = bloodshed Nervous dread = fearfully excited; High-spirited = energetic, vigorous Presage = indication of something to come; High-strung = nervous, tens Subordinate = control; Eagerness = keenness; Phase = stage development; aspect; Plodding = walking; Dash = vigour; Audacity boldness; Hazards = dangers; Conception = idea; Aghast = stupefied horrified; Sullen of aspect = looking sad or morose; Trailed = chase Desperate = reckless; Combat = fight; Rendezvous = haunt; Relentless = pitiless; Desperadoes = criminals, lawless people; Flinch = recoil Saloons = taverns or bars; Intrepidity = fearlessness; Recklessness unconsciousness, headlessness to danger; Blond = light golden brown hair; Classic mold = first rate artistic shape; Deliberation = consideration without haste; Impulse = sudden inclination to act; Giving away = yielding Stripped = naked, exposed; Monkish ascetic = hermit who practises severe self discipline; Scourged = cleaned, wiped out, lashed; Fleshly sensual; Egregious = outrageous, extreme; Triumphing over = overcoming, controlling; Gulch = ravine; Tangled = matted; Wilderness wasteland, uninhabited place ; Converged = meeting at a point fro different directions; Fissure = crevice, long narrow crack; Cleaving splitting; Extent = expanse, area; Boulders = large rocks or stone Hardware = uronmongry; Cutlery = knives, forks and other implement Ammunition = gun powder etc.; Juvenile = youngster; Confines boundaries; Introducing = pushing, inserting; Sundry = several; Slugs of lead = bullets, lead shots; Anguish = pain; Degenerate = degraded, depraved; Survival of the fittest = only the fittest will live; Posse = body of men, a small party of police men; Retreat = go back; Fugitive = runaway; Iconoclasm = criticism; Unbuckled criticism = loosened, untied; Shoved = pushed; Flecks = specks; inharmonious = discordant; Desecrating = violating the sanctity; Legendary = famous: Overworked - working hard and long; Casual = immethodical; Sylvan = consisting of woods and forests; Cavil = find fault; Perceptions = ideas; Negligently = carelessly; Unsylph-like = not like a beautiful woman; Diminutive = shortened form; Arbitrary = not bound by rules; Muslin = fine cotton cloth; Crackled = made slight sharp noises; Faltered = not in harmony; Melpomene = mythological songstress, muse of tragedy; Divulged = gave out; Imparted = told; Denominated = named; Abashment - Shyness; Prejudice = bias; Overturning = overthrowing, destroying; Awe = dread mingled with reverence; Suitors = wooers, loners; Pitched = threw; Qualm = remorse; Tremor = sensation; Vermin = insects and rodents; Insignificant = of no importance; Cherished = fostered, treasured; Toned down = mellowed; Prima Donna = leading female singer; Troupe = band of performers; Warblings = singing; Melodiousness = sweetness; Form = body; Battery = fortified, structure; Impetuous = full of rashness, vigour; Volition = exercise of the will, voluntary action; Shuffled = moved without lifting feet; Contemptuously = with derision; Spree = drinking bout; Lumbering = made with efforts, heavy moving; Diggings = places where people dig for tin etc.; Parlance = way of speaking; infinite = limitless; Disdain = scorn, contempt; Broke off = stopped short; Bowie knife = long knife used as a weapon; ; Grin = broad smile; Nauseating = sickening, disgusting; Desperado = lawless person, criminal; Puissance = power; Ground out = grow; Apprehension = fear; Derisive = contemptuous; Mockery = ridicule; Polt roonry = cowardice; All-pervading = present everywhere; Exalting = lofty, raising higher; Ledge = narrow shelf sticking out of a cliff; Foil = blunt sword; Crouched = bent low; Valour = bravery; Spurious = sham, not genuine; Fortuitous = happening by chance; incomprehensible = that cannot be understood; Indomitable = unyielding; intent = purpose; Prudence = discretion, wisdom and carefulness; Debauch = sensual indulgence; Dislodged = removed, displaced; Bestowed = granted, gave; Twisting = wringing, turning and turning; Tendons = sinew attaching muscles to bore; Clamps = tools for holding something tightly; Displacement = moving away; Oblivious = unaware; Vanquished = defeated; Ignominiously = dishonourably; dandy = beautiful; Tripped = skipped, stammered; Faltered = wavered; Frisked = moved quickly; Hickory = nut bearing tree; Horrid = ugly, frightening.

Questions You May Be Asked

1. O'Henry is known for the use of a 'twist in the tail' at the end of most of his stories. Do you think this holds true in this case? Answer in detail with reference from the text.

2. Justify the title of the story.

3. What aspects of human nature does the story explore. Support answers with reference from the text.

The Beggar by Anton Chekhov

Introduction

'Anton Chekhov was born in Russia in 1879. He studied medicine at Moscow University but he is known as a writer of stories and plays. He started writing stories even when he was a student. He died of tuberculosis in 1904 just at the age of 44. Today he is regarded as one of the greatest short story writers in the world.

The story is about a prosperous advocate Skvortsoff and a beggar Lushkoff. The advocate is a kind man. He helps the depraved beggar to come out of his miserable life, and live like a respectable person. But in the end he discovers that he was not the actual benefactor, but his ill-tempered cook, Olga.

Summary

Skvortsoff was a well-to-do advocate. One day a beggar came to his door. His name was Lushkoff. He was wearing a fawn-coloured tattered overcoat. He had dull, drunken eyes. He had red spot on either cheek.

The beggar said that he had been a village school teacher but he had lost his job. He had no money and so he was forced to beg.

Skvortsoff recalled that he had seen the beggar the other day in another street. There he had said that he had been a student who had been expelled. He was angry with the beggar for telling a shameless lie. He threatened to call the police and have him arrested for trying to cheat people.

For a while the beggar stuck to what he had said. But soon he broke down. He admitted that he had been telling lies to make people take pity on him. In fact he had been a singer in a Russian choir. He was a drunkard and had been dismissed. Now he had no work to do and no way to support himself. He lived by begging.

Skvortsoff told him that he must work to earn a living. Lushkoff pleaded that he was willing to work but no one offered him any work to do. Skvortsoff asked him if he would chop wood for him. Lushkoff had to say that he would.

Skvortsoff called his cook Olga. He told her to lead Lushkoff to the woodshed and let him chop wood. Lushkoff followed Olga unwillingly. In fact he had never meant to chop wood but he had been trapped by his own words.

Skvortsoff hurried into the dining room. From there he watched the cook leading the beggar to the woodshed. She opened the door of the woodshed. She flung an axe down at his feet. He lifted the axe and hit a piece of wood irresolutely. It was a feeble effort. Skvortsoff was sorry to have set that menial work to that drunkard beggar who was not fit for thai work. He came back to his study.

After an hour Olga came in. She told Skvortsoff that Lushkoff had chopped the wood. Skvortsoff was pleased. He gave her half a rouble foi Lushkoff. He said that if Lushkoff desired he could come to chop wood on the first of every month.

Lushkoff came to chop wood regularly on the first of every month. He was always given work and he earned a little money every time.

When Skvortsoff moved into another house, he asked Lushkoff to help in packing and hauling the furniture. He hardly did anything. He walked behind the wagons hanging his head. But Skvortsoff believed that he had done his job well. He gave Lushkoff a rouble. Lushkoff knew how to read and write. Skvortsoff gave him a letter and asked Lushkoff to go to a friend who would give him some copying work to do. Lushkoff went away. He never came back again.
Two years passed. One evening Skvortsoff saw Lushkoff at the tickel window of a theatre. He was well dressed. He was buying a ticket. He told Skvortsoff that he was a notary and got thirty-five roubles a month.

Skvortsoff was delighted because he had been able to push a depraved beggar on the right path. Lushkoff thanked him for his kindness because he had pulled him oul of a sinking pit. But he said that the true credit for changing him went tc Olga. Naturally, this surprised Skvortsoff. Lushkoff explained that he had never chopped a single piece of wood. Olga chopped the wood for hinr and gave him the money. She would chide him. She would tell him that he would go to hell.There was no hope for him. She wept for him. She suffered for him. Her words, her sacrifice and her suffering for him had an inexplicable influence on him. He began to change. He stopped drinking He was grateful to her. He could never forget her.

Word Meanings

Suppliant = someone who asks for something; Fawn-coloured = light yellowish brown; Mendicant = beggar; Obliged = forced, compelled Expelled = turned out, rusticated; Mumbled = muttered, spoke indistinctly; Taken aback = surprised; Swindling = cheating; Brazenly = impudently; Waif = homeless person; Furtively = stealthily, secretly; Revolting. = disgusting; Berate = scold, chide; impudent = insolent; Ragamuffin = ragged dirty person; Profane = irreverent; Fiction - made up story; Choir = band of singers, especially in church; Loafers = idlers; Malice = ill-wif!, spite; Tatterdemalion = a person in tattered clothes; Scarecrow ~ miserable looking person; Shrufgged his shoulders = raised shoulders a little to express indifference or ignorance; Irresolutely = unwillingly; Obvious = evidently; Glared - looked fiercely; Wrathfully = angrily; Pseudo = sham; Billet = short, thick stick; Tapped = hit lightly; Menial = low, physical work; Hauling - raising, carrying of load; Sober = not drunk; Pretence = outward show; Jeered = taunted, scoffed; Notary = person authorised to draw deeds; Sot = habitual drunkard.

Questions You May Be Asked

1. What moral does the story convey?

2. Do you think that Skvortsoff was truly charitable & compassionate? Give reasons.

3. Who is the hero of the story? Justify with reference from the story.

4. Write a brief character sketch of Olga.