To K. S. Barantsevich, 4 July 1888. Sumy.
К. С. БАРАНЦЕВИЧУ, 4 июля 1888 г. Сумы.
Headnote
1 Written from Sumy on 4 July 1888 (the letter itself misdates its second line "4 June") to the writer Kazimir Stanislavovich Barantsevich, whom Chekhov addresses throughout with the joking mock-formal nickname "Kuzma Protapych."
2 A short, playful note built around the pretext that Barantsevich left his galoshes and trousers behind after a visit – read, per folk superstition, as a promise he’ll be back. Chekhov passes on greetings from his family, the Lintvaryov household, and even the local crayfish, then closes with a mock-solemn blessing and a postscript asking which museum the abandoned trousers should be sent to.
4 June.
4 июнь.
Dear Kuzma Protapych, you left your galoshes and trousers at my place! If the old sign holds true, that means you’ll be paying me another visit or two yet – which I am heartily glad of.
Милый Кузьма Протапыч, Вы забыли у меня свои калоши и штаны! Если верить приметам, то это значит, что Вы побываете у меня еще не один раз, чему я рад весьма.
Here everything is going along well. My family, the Lintvaryovs, and the crayfish all send you their regards; good-natured Barbos sends you his Jesuitical smile, and likeable Zhuk winks at you with his one good eye.
У нас всё обстоит благополучно. Семья, Линтваре-вы и раки шлют Вам поклон, добродушный Барбос посылает свою иезуитскую улыбку, симпатичный Жук подмигивает Вам своим единственным глазом.
Keep well, keep happy, and may the angels of heaven watch over you and your little geese.
Будьте здоровы, счастливы, и да хранят Вас и Ваших гусиков ангелы небесные.
Yours, A. Chekhov
Ваш А. Чехов
P.S. To which museum should I send your trousers?
P.S> В какой музей послать Ваши штаны?