To Ye. A. Sysoyeva, 2 November 1888. Moscow.

1 Written from Moscow on 2 November 1888, this short note is Chekhov’s reply to a letter of 20 October 1888 from Yekaterina Sysoyeva (signed "Екатерина Сысоева" in the scholarly apparatus of the source edition), editor of the St. Petersburg children’s magazine "Rodnik," who had written pressing him for a story – ideally a wintry companion piece to his recently published "The Steppe" – to be sent by 15 November. It follows on an earlier exchange (7 November 1887) in which Chekhov had agreed in principle to contribute to the journal.

2 Chekhov apologizes for the delay in replying and admits, with candor, that he has been unable to break his promise to send "Rodnik" a story: not from unwillingness, but because he has found himself unable, over half a year, to come up with a subject he considers worthy of a debut in a children’s magazine, and he is unwilling to submit routine hackwork instead. He explains he spent the summer traveling and is now working to pay off advances owed elsewhere, and asks Sysoyeva’s patience until he is free to turn his attention to a subject for her journal. He closes with regards to "Mr. Almedingen" – Alexander Almedingen, an officer of the General Staff, editor of "Rodnik," and Sysoyeva’s nephew – and a brief, formal signature.