To M. M. Dyukovsky, 2–3 May 1884. Moscow.
М. М. Дюковскому, 2 или 3 мая 1884 г. Москва.
Headnote
A brief, businesslike note from the twenty-four-year-old Chekhov, then a medical student at Moscow University, to a friend or acquaintance, Mikhail Mikhailovich Dyukovsky, who had apparently mentioned wanting to sit in on a dissertation defense. Chekhov passes along the practical details – time, place, the two possible venues – and closes with a one-line piece of news, the death of an otherwise unidentified Leonid Pushkaryov, dropped in without comment. The envelope address on the reverse, addressed to the Meshchansky School near the Kaluga Gate, is preserved as part of the letter.
2 or 3 May 1884. Moscow.
2 или 3 мая 1884 г. Москва.
Most esteemed!
Достоуважаемый!
Mikhail Mikhailovich!
You have often expressed a wish to attend a dissertation defense of some kind. On Monday the 7th a dissertation defense will take place at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, either in the New Building of the University or in the building of the New Anatomical Theater, which is in the garden. If you are free, you are cordially invited. Leonid Pushkaryov has died.
Вы часто изъявляли желание присутствовать на диссертации какой бы то ни было. В понедельник 7-го произойдет защита диссертации в 2 часа пополудни в Новом здании университета или же в здании Нового анатомического театра, который находится в саду. Если свободны, то милости просим. Умер Леонид Пушкарев.
Votre Yours (French). A. Chekhonte.
Votre Ваш (франц.). А. Чехонте.
On the reverse:
На обороте:
His High Nobility
Его высокоблагородию
Mikhail Mikhailovich Dyukovsky.
Михаилу Михайловичу Дюковскому.