THE ANNIVERSARY CHARACTERS * ANDREY ANDREYEVITCH SHIPUCHIN, Chairman of the N---- Joint Stock ank, a mi!!"ea#e!

man, $ith a monoc"e * TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA, hi' $ife, a#e! () * *US+A NIC,%AIEVITCH *HIRIN, the -ank.' a#e! -ook-kee/er * NASTASYA 0Y,D,R,VNA +ERCHUT*INA, an o"! $oman $earin# an o"!-fa'hione! c"oak * DIRECT,RS ,0 THE AN* * E+P%,YEES ,0 THE AN* The action take' /"ace at the ank

THE ANNIVERSARY The /ri1ate office of the Chairman of Director'2 ,n the "eft i' a !oor, "ea!in# into the /3-"ic !e/artment2 There are t$o !e'k'2 The f3rnit3re aim' at a !e"i-erate"4 "353rio3' effect, $ith armchair' co1ere! in 1e"1et, f"o$er', 'tat3e', car/et', an! a te"e/hone2 It i' mi!!a42 *HIRIN i' a"one6 he $ear' "on# fe"t -oot', an! i' 'ho3tin# thro3#h the !oor2 *HIRIN2 Sen! o3t to the chemi't for 7) co/eck'. $orth of 1a"erian !ro/', an! te"" them to -rin# 'ome !rinkin# $ater into the Director'. office8 Thi' i' the h3n!re!th time I.1e a'ke!8 9:oe' to a !e'k; I.m a-'o"3te"4 tire! o3t2 Thi' i' the fo3rth !a4 I.1e -een $orkin#, $itho3t a chance of 'h3ttin# m4 e4e'2 0rom mornin# to e1enin# I $ork here, from e1enin# to mornin# at home2 9Co3#h'; An! I.1e #ot an inf"ammation a"" o1er me2 I.m hot an! co"!, an! I co3#h, an! m4 "e#' ache, an! there.' 'omethin# !ancin# -efore m4 e4e'2 9Sit'; ,3r 'co3n!re" of a Chairman, the -r3te, i' #oin# to rea! a re/ort at a #enera" meetin#2 <,3r ank, it' Pre'ent an! 03t3re2< Yo3.! think he $a' a :am-etta2 2 2 2 9At $ork; T$o 2 2 2 one 2 2 2 one 2 2 2 'i5 2 2 2 no3#ht 2 2 2 'e1en2 2 2 2 Ne5t, 'i5 2 2 2 no3#ht 2 2 2 one 2 2 2 'i52 2 2 2 He =3't $ant' to thro$ !3't into /eo/"e.' e4e', an! 'o I 'it here an! $ork for him "ike a #a""e4-'"a1e8 Thi' re/ort of hi' i' /oetic fiction an! nothin# more, an! here I.1e #ot to 'it !a4 after !a4 an! a!! fi#3re', !e1i" take hi' 'o3"8 9Ratt"e' on hi' co3ntin#frame; I can.t 'tan! it8 9>ritin#; That i', one 2 2 2 three 2 2 2 'e1en2 2 2 t$o 2 2 2 one 2 2 2 no3#ht2 2 2 2 He /romi'e! to re$ar! me for m4 $ork2 If e1er4thin# #oe' $e"" to-!a4 an! the /3-"ic i' /ro/er"4 /3t into -"inker', he.' /romi'e! me a #o"! charm an! ?@@ ro3-"e' -on3'2 2 2 2 >e."" 'ee2 9>ork'; Ye', -3t if m4 $ork a"" #oe' for nothin#, then 4o3.! -etter "ook o3t2 2 2 2 I.m 1er4 e5cita-"e2 2 2 2 If I "o'e m4 tem/er I.m ca/a-"e of committin# 'ome crime, 'o "ook o3t8 Ye'8 Noi'e an! a//"a3'e -ehin! the 'cene'2 SHIPUCHIN.S 1oiceA <Thank 4o38 Thank 4o38 I am e5treme"4 #ratef3"2< Enter SHIPUCHIN2 He $ear' a frockcoat an! $hite tie6 he carrie' an a"-3m $hich ha' -een =3't /re'ente! to him2 SHIPUCHIN2 9At the !oor, a!!re''e' the o3ter office; Thi' /re'ent, m4 !ear co""ea#3e', $i"" -e /re'er1e! to the !a4 of m4 !eath, a' a memor4 of the ha//ie't !a4' of m4 "ife8 Ye', #ent"emen8 ,nce more, I thank 4o38 9Thro$' a ki'' into the air an! t3rn' to *HIRIN; +4 !ear, m4 re'/ecte! *3'ma Nico"aie1itch8 A"" the time that SHIPUCHIN i' on the 'ta#e, c"erk' intermittent"4 come in $ith /a/er' for hi' 'i#nat3re an! #o o3t2 *HIRIN2 9Stan!in# 3/; I ha1e the hono3r to con#rat3"ate 4o3, An!re4 An!re4e1itch, on the fiftieth anni1er'ar4 of o3r ank, an! ho/e that 2 2 2 SHIPUCHIN2 9>arm"4 'hake' han!'; Thank 4o3, m4 !ear 'ir8 Thank 4o38 I think that in 1ie$ of

the 3niB3e character of the !a4, a' it i' an anni1er'ar4, $e ma4 ki'' each other8 2 2 2 9The4 ki''; I am 1er4, 1er4 #"a!8 Thank 4o3 for 4o3r 'er1ice 2 2 2 for e1er4thin#8 If, in the co3r'e of the time !3rin# $hich I ha1e ha! the hono3r to -e Chairman of thi' ank an4thin# 3'ef3" ha' -een !one, the cre!it i' !3e, more than to an4-o!4 e"'e, to m4 co""ea#3e'2 9Si#h'; Ye', fifteen 4ear'8 0ifteen 4ear' a' m4 name.' Shi/3chin8 9Chan#e' hi' tone; >here.' m4 re/ortC I' it #ettin# onC *HIRIN2 Ye'6 there.' on"4 fi1e /a#e' "eft2 SHIPUCHIN2 E5ce""ent2 Then it $i"" -e rea!4 -4 threeC *HIRIN2 If nothin# occ3r' to !i't3r- me, I."" #et it !one2 Nothin# of an4 im/ortance i' no$ "eft2 SHIPUCHIN2 S/"en!i!2 S/"en!i!, a' m4 name.' Shi/3chin8 The #enera" meetin# $i"" -e at fo3r2 If 4o3 /"ea'e, m4 !ear fe""o$2 :i1e me the fir't ha"f, I."" /er3'e it2 2 2 2 D3ick2 2 2 2 9Take' the re/ort; I -a'e enormo3' ho/e' on thi' re/ort2 It.' m4 /rofe''ion !e foi, or, -etter 'ti"", m4 fire$ork2* +4 fire$ork, a' m4 name.' Shi/3chin8 9Sit' an! rea!' the re/ort to him'e"f; I.m he""i'h"4 tire!2 2 2 2 +4 #o3t ke/t on #i1in# me tro3-"e "a't ni#ht, a"" the mornin# I $a' r3nnin# a-o3t, an! then the'e e5citement', o1ation', a#itation' 2 2 2 I.m tire!8 * The act3a" $or! em/"o4e!2 *HIRIN2 T$o2 2 2 no3#ht2 2 2 no3#ht 2 2 2 three 2 2 2 nine 2 2 2 t$o 2 2 2 no3#ht2 I can.t 'ee 'trai#ht after a"" the'e fi#3re'2 2 2 2 Three2 2 2 one 2 2 2 'i52 2 2 fo3r 2 2 2 one 2 2 2 fi1e2 2 2 2 9U'e' the co3ntin#-frame2; SHIPUCHIN2 Another 3n/"ea'antne''2 2 2 2 Thi' mornin# 4o3r $ife came to 'ee me an! com/"aine! a-o3t 4o3 once a#ain2 Sai! that "a't ni#ht 4o3 threatene! her an! her 'i'ter $ith a knife2 *3'ma Nico"aie1itch, $hat !o 4o3 mean -4 thatC ,h, oh8 *HIRIN2 9R3!e"4; A' it.' an anni1er'ar4, An!re4 An!re4e1itch, I."" a'k for a '/ecia" fa1o3r2 P"ea'e, e1en if it.' on"4 o3t of re'/ect for m4 toi", !on.t interfere in m4 fami"4 "ife2 P"ea'e8 SHIPUCHIN2 9Si#h'; Yo3r' i' an im/o''i-"e character, *3'ma Nico"aie1itch8 Yo3.re an e5ce""ent an! re'/ecte! man, -3t 4o3 -eha1e to $omen "ike 'ome 'co3n!re"2 Ye', rea""42 I !on.t 3n!er'tan! $h4 4o3 hate them 'oC *HIRIN2 I $i'h I co3"! 3n!er'tan! $h4 4o3 "o1e them 'o8 9Pa3'e2; SHIPUCHIN2 The em/"o4ee' ha1e =3't /re'ente! me $ith an a"-3m6 an! the Director', a' I.1e hear!, are #oin# to #i1e me an a!!re'' an! a 'i"1er "o1in#-c3/2 2 2 2 9P"a4in# $ith hi' monoc"e; Ver4 nice, a' m4 name.' Shi/3chin8 It i'n.t e5ce''i1e2 A certain /om/ i' e''entia" to the re/3tation of the ank, !e1i" take it8 Yo3 kno$ e1er4thin#, of co3r'e2 2 2 2 I com/o'e! the a!!re'' m4'e"f, an! I -o3#ht the c3/ m4'e"f, too2 2 2 2 >e"", then there $a' E) ro3-"e' for the co1er of the a!!re'', -3t 4o3 can.t !o $itho3t that2 The4.! ne1er ha1e tho3#ht of it for them'e"1e'2 9%ook' ro3n!; %ook at the f3rnit3re8 J3't "ook at it8 The4 'a4 I.m 'tin#4, that a"" I $ant i' that the "ock' on the !oor' 'ho3"! -e /o"i'he!, that the em/"o4ee' 'ho3"! $ear fa'hiona-"e tie', an! that a fat ha""-/orter 'ho3"! 'tan! -4 the !oor2 No, no, 'ir'2 Po"i'he! "ock' an! a fat /orter mean a #oo! !ea"2 I can -eha1e a' I "ike at home, eat an! '"ee/ "ike a /i#, #et !r3nk2 2 2 2 *HIRIN2 P"ea'e !on.t make hint'2 SHIPUCHIN2 No-o!4.' makin# hint'8 >hat an im/o''i-"e character 4o3r' i'2 2 2 2 A' I $a' 'a4in#, at home I can "i1e "ike a tra!e'man, a /ar1en3, an! -e 3/ to an4 #ame' I "ike, -3t here e1er4thin# m3't -e en #ran!2 Thi' i' a ank8 Here e1er4 !etai" m3't im/oniren, 'o to '/eak, an! ha1e a

ma=e'tic a//earance2 9He /ick' 3/ a /a/er from the f"oor an! thro$' it into the fire/"ace; +4 'er1ice to the ank ha' -een =3't thi'--I.1e rai'e! it' re/3tation2 A thin# of immen'e im/ortance i' tone8 Immen'e, a' m4 name.' Shi/3chin8 9%ook' o1er *HIRIN; +4 !ear man, a !e/3tation of 'hareho"!er' ma4 come here an4 moment, an! there 4o3 are in fe"t -oot', $earin# a 'carf 2 2 2 in 'ome a-'3r!"4 co"o3re! =acket2 2 2 2 Yo3 mi#ht ha1e /3t on a frock-coat, or at an4 rate a !ark =acket2 2 2 2 *HIRIN2 +4 hea"th matter' more to me than 4o3r 'hareho"!er'2 I.1e an inf"ammation a"" o1er me2 SHIPUCHIN2 9E5cite!"4; 3t 4o3 $i"" a!mit that it.' 3nti!48 Yo3 '/oi" the en'em-"e8 *HIRIN2 If the !e/3tation come' I can #o an! hi!e m4'e"f2 It $on.t matter if 2 2 2 'e1en 2 2 2 one 2 2 2 'e1en 2 2 2 t$o 2 2 2 one 2 2 2 fi1e 2 2 2 no3#ht2 I !on.t "ike 3nti!ine'' m4'e"f2 2 2 2 Se1en2 2 2 t$o2 2 2 nine2 2 2 9U'e' the co3ntin#-frame; I can.t 'tan! 3nti!ine''8 It $o3"! ha1e -een $i'er of 4o3 not to ha1e in1ite! "a!ie' to to-!a4.' anni1er'ar4 !inner2 2 2 2 SHIPUCHIN2 ,h, that.' nothin#2 *HIRIN2 I kno$ that 4o3.re #oin# to ha1e the ha"" fi""e! $ith them to-ni#ht to make a #oo! 'ho$, -3t 4o3 "ook o3t, or the4."" '/oi" e1er4thin#2 The4 ca3'e a"" 'ort' of mi'chief an! !i'or!er2 SHIPUCHIN2 ,n the contrar4, feminine 'ociet4 e"e1ate'8 *HIRIN2 Ye'2 2 2 2 Yo3r $ife 'eem' inte""i#ent, -3t on the +on!a4 of "a't $eek 'he "et 'omethin# off that 3/'et me for t$o !a4'2 In front of a "ot of /eo/"e 'he '3!!en"4 a'k'A <I' it tr3e that at o3r ank m4 h3'-an! -o3#ht 3/ a "ot of the 'hare' of the DriaFh'k4-PriaFh'k4 ank, $hich ha1e -een fa""in# on e5chan#eC +4 h3'-an! i' 'o anno4e! a-o3t it8< Thi' in front of /eo/"e2 >h4 !o 4o3 te"" them e1er4thin#, I !on.t 3n!er'tan!2 Do 4o3 $ant them to #et 4o3 into 'erio3' tro3-"eC SHIPUCHIN2 >e"", that.' eno3#h, eno3#h8 A"" that.' too !3"" for an anni1er'ar42 >hich remin!' me, -4 the $a42 9%ook' at the time; +4 $ife o3#ht to -e here 'oon2 I rea""4 o3#ht to ha1e #one to the 'tation, to meet the /oor "itt"e thin#, -3t there.' no time2 2 2 2 an! I.m tire!2 I m3't 'a4 I.m not #"a! of her8 That i' to 'a4, I am #"a!, -3t I.! -e #"a!!er if 'he on"4 'ta4e! another co3/"e of !a4' $ith her mother2 She."" $ant me to '/en! the $ho"e e1enin# $ith her to-ni#ht, $herea' $e ha1e arran#e! a "itt"e e5c3r'ion for o3r'e"1e'2 2 2 2 9Shi1er'; ,h, m4 ner1e' ha1e a"rea!4 'tarte! !ancin# me a-o3t2 The4 are 'o 'traine! that I think the 1er4 'ma""e't trif"e $o3"! -e eno3#h to make me -reak into tear'8 No, I m3't -e 'tron#, a' m4 name.' Shi/3chin8 Enter TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA SHIPUCHIN in a $ater/roof, $ith a "itt"e tra1e""in# 'atche" '"3n# acro'' her 'ho3"!er2 SHIPUCHIN2 Ah8 In the nick of time8 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 Dar"in#8 9R3n' to her h3'-an!A a /ro"on#e! ki''2 SHIPUCHIN2 >e $ere on"4 '/eakin# of 4o3 =3't no$8 9%ook' at hi' $atch2; TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 9Pantin#; >ere 4o3 1er4 !3"" $itho3t meC Are 4o3 $e""C I ha1en.t -een home 4et, I came here 'trai#ht from the 'tation2 I.1e a "ot, a "ot to te"" 4o32 2 2 2 I co3"!n.t $ait2 2 2 2 I 'han.t take off m4 c"othe', I."" on"4 'ta4 a min3te2 9To *HIRIN; :oo! mornin#, *3'ma Nico"aie1itch8 9To her h3'-an!; I' e1er4thin# a"" ri#ht at homeC

SHIPUCHIN2 Ye', B3ite2 An!, 4o3 kno$, 4o3.1e #ot to "ook /"3m/er an! -etter thi' $eek2 2 2 2 >e"", $hat 'ort of a time !i! 4o3 ha1eC TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 S/"en!i!2 +amma an! *at4a 'en! their re#ar!'2 Va''i"i An!reitch 'en!' 4o3 a ki''2 9*i''e' him; A3nt 'en!' 4o3 a =ar of =am, an! i' anno4e! -eca3'e 4o3 !on.t $rite2 Gina 'en!' 4o3 a ki''2 9*i''e'2; ,h, if 4o3 kne$ $hat.' ha//ene!2 If 4o3 on"4 kne$8 I.m e1en fri#htene! to te"" 4o38 ,h, if 4o3 on"4 kne$8 3t I 'ee -4 4o3r e4e' that 4o3.re 'orr4 I came8 SHIPUCHIN2 ,n the contrar42 2 2 2 Dar"in#2 2 2 2 9*i''e' her2; *HIRIN co3#h' an#ri"42 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 ,h, /oor *at4a, /oor *at4a8 I.m 'o 'orr4 for her, 'o 'orr4 for her2 SHIPUCHIN2 Thi' i' the ank.' anni1er'ar4 to-!a4, !ar"in#, $e ma4 #et a !e/3tation of the 'hareho"!er' at an4 moment, an! 4o3.re not !re''e!2 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 ,h, 4e', the anni1er'ar48 I con#rat3"ate 4o3, #ent"emen2 I $i'h 4o32 2 2 2 So it mean' that to-!a4.' the !a4 of the meetin#, the !inner2 2 2 2 That.' #oo!2 An! !o 4o3 remem-er that -ea3tif3" a!!re'' $hich 4o3 '/ent '3ch a "on# time com/o'in# for the 'hareho"!er'C >i"" it -e rea! to-!a4C *HIRIN co3#h' an#ri"42 SHIPUCHIN2 9Conf3'e!; +4 !ear, $e !on.t ta"k a-o3t the'e thin#'2 Yo3.! rea""4 -etter #o home2 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 In a min3te, in a min3te2 I."" te"" 4o3 e1er4thin# in one min3te an! #o2 I."" te"" 4o3 from the 1er4 -e#innin#2 >e""2 2 2 2 >hen 4o3 $ere 'eein# me off, 4o3 remem-er I $a' 'ittin# ne5t to that 'to3t "a!4, an! I -e#an to rea!2 I !on.t "ike to ta"k in the train2 I rea! for three 'tation' an! !i!n.t 'a4 a $or! to an4one2 2 2 2 >e"", then the e1enin# 'et in, an! I fe"t 'o mo3rnf3", 4o3 kno$, $ith '3ch 'a! tho3#ht'8 A 4o3n# man $a' 'ittin# o//o'ite me--not a -a!-"ookin# fe""o$, a -r3nette2 2 2 2 >e"", $e fe"" into con1er'ation2 2 2 2 A 'ai"or came a"on# then, then 'ome 't3!ent or other2 2 2 2 9%a3#h'; I to"! them that I $a'n.t marrie! 2 2 2 an! the4 !i! "ook after me8 >e chattere! ti"" mi!ni#ht, the -r3nette ke/t on te""in# the mo't a$f3""4 f3nn4 'torie', an! the 'ai"or ke/t on 'in#in#2 +4 che't -e#an to ache from "a3#hin#2 An! $hen the 'ai"or--oh, tho'e 'ai"or'8-$hen he #ot to kno$ m4 name $a' TATIANA, 4o3 kno$ $hat he 'an#C 9Sin#' in a -a'' 1oice;< ,ne#in !on.t "et me concea" it, I "o1e Tatiana ma!"48<* 9Roar' $ith "a3#hter2; *0rom the o/era E1#eni ,ne#in--$or!' -4 P3'hkin2 *HIRIN co3#h' an#ri"42 SHIPUCHIN2 Tania, !ear, 4o3.re !i't3r-in# *3'ma Nico"aie1itch2 :o home, !ear2 2 2 2 %ater on2 2 2 2 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 No, no, "et him hear if he $ant' to, it.' a$f3""4 intere'tin#2 I."" en! in a min3te2 SereFha came to meet me at the 'tation2 Some 4o3n# man or other t3rn' 3/, an in'/ector of ta5e', I think 2 2 2 B3ite han!'ome, e'/ecia""4 hi' e4e'2 2 2 SereFha intro!3ce! me, an! the three of 3' ro!e off to#ether2 2 2 It $a' "o1e"4 $eather2 2 2 2 Voice' -ehin! the 'ta#eA <Yo3 can.t, 4o3 can.t8 >hat !o 4o3 $antC< Enter +ERCHUT*INA, $a1in# her arm' a-o3t2

+ERCHUT*INA2 >hat are 4o3 !ra##in# at me for2 >hat e"'e8 I $ant him him'e"f8 9To SHIPUCHIN; I ha1e the hono3r, 4o3r e5ce""enc4 2 2 2 I am the $ife of a ci1i" 'er1ant, Na'ta'4a 04o!oro1na +erch3tkina2 SHIPUCHIN2 >hat !o 4o3 $antC +ERCHUT*INA2 >e"", 4o3 'ee, 4o3r e5ce""enc4, m4 h3'-an! ha' -een i"" for fi1e month', an! $hi"e he $a' at home, #ettin# -etter, he $a' '3!!en"4 !i'mi''e! for no rea'on, 4o3r e5ce""enc4, an! $hen I $ent to #et hi' 'a"ar4, the4, 4o3 'ee, !e!3cte! (E ro3-"e' ?H co/eck' from it2 >hat forC I a'k2 The4 'ai!, <>e"", he !re$ it from the em/"o4ee'. acco3nt, an! the other' ha! to make it 3/2< Ho$ can that -eC Ho$ co3"! he !ra$ an4thin# $itho3t m4 /ermi''ionC No, 4o3r e5ce""enc48 I.m a /oor $oman 2 2 2 m4 "o!#er' are a"" I ha1e to "i1e on2 2 2 2 I.m $eak an! !efence"e''2 2 2 2 E1er4-o!4 !oe' me 'ome harm, an! no-o!4 ha' a kin! $or! for me2 SHIPUCHIN2 E5c3'e me2 9Take' a /etition from her an! rea!' it 'tan!in#2; TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 9To *HIRIN; Ye', -3t fir't $e2 2 2 2 %a't $eek I '3!!en"4 recei1e! a "etter from m4 mother2 She $rite' that a certain :ren!i"e1'k4 ha' /ro/o'e! to m4 'i'ter *at4a2 A nice, mo!e't, 4o3n# man, -3t $ith no mean' of hi' o$n, an! no a''3re! /o'ition2 An!, 3nfort3nate"4, =3't think of it, *at4a i' a-'o"3te"4 #one on him2 >hat.' to -e !oneC +amma $rite' te""in# me to come at once an! inf"3ence *at4a2 *HIRIN2 9An#ri"4; E5c3'e me, 4o3.1e ma!e me "o'e m4 /"ace8 Yo3 #o ta"kin# a-o3t 4o3r mamma an! *at4a, an! I 3n!er'tan! nothin#6 an! I.1e "o't m4 /"ace2 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 >hat !oe' that matterC Yo3 "i'ten $hen a "a!4 i' ta"kin# to 4o38 >h4 are 4o3 'o an#r4 to-!a4C Are 4o3 in "o1eC 9%a3#h'2; SHIPUCHIN2 9To +ERCHUT*INA; E5c3'e me, -3t $hat i' thi' C I can.t make hea! or tai" of it2 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 Are 4o3 in "o1eC Aha8 Yo3.re -"3'hin#8 SHIPUCHIN2 9To hi' $ife; Tan4a, !ear, !o #o o3t into the /3-"ic office for a moment2 I 'han.t -e "on#2 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 A"" ri#ht2 9:oe' o3t2; SHIPUCHIN2 I !on.t 3n!er'tan! an4thin# of thi'2 Yo3.1e o-1io3'"4 come to the $ron# /"ace, ma!am2 Yo3r /etition !oe'n.t concern 3' at a""2 Yo3 'ho3"! #o to the !e/artment in $hich 4o3r h3'-an! $a' em/"o4e!2 +ERCHUT*INA2 I.1e -een there a #oo! man4 time' the'e fi1e month', an! the4 $o3"!n.t e1en "ook at m4 /etition2 I.! #i1en 3/ a"" ho/e', -3t, thank' to m4 'on-in-"a$, ori' +at1e4itch, I tho3#ht of comin# to 4o32 <Yo3 #o, mother,< he 'a4', < an! a//"4 to +r2 Shi/3chin, he.' an inf"3entia" man an! can !o an4thin#2< He"/ me, 4o3r e5ce""enc48 SHIPUCHIN2 >e can.t !o an4thin# for 4o3, +r'2 +erch3tkina2 Yo3 m3't 3n!er'tan! that 4o3r h3'-an!, 'o far a' I can #ather, $a' in the em/"o4 of the Arm4 +e!ica" De/artment, $hi"e thi' i' a /ri1ate, commercia" concern, a -ank2 Don.t 4o3 3n!er'tan! thatC +ERCHUT*INA2 Yo3r e5ce""enc4, I can /ro!3ce a !octor.' certificate of m4 h3'-an!.' i""ne''2 Here it i', =3't "ook at it2 2 2 2

SHIPUCHIN2 9Irritate!; That.' a"" ri#ht6 I B3ite -e"ie1e 4o3, -3t it.' not o3r -3'ine''2 9 ehin! the 'cene, TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA.S "a3#hter i' hear!, then a man.'2 SHIPUCHIN #"ance' at the !oor; She.' !i't3r-in# the em/"o4ee'2 9To +ERCHUT*INA; It.' 'tran#e an! it.' e1en 'i""42 S3re"4 4o3r h3'-an! kno$' $here 4o3 o3#ht to a//"4C +ERCHUT*INA2 Yo3r e5ce""enc4, I !on.t "et him kno$ an4thin#2 He =3't crie! o3tA <It i'n.t 4o3r -3'ine''8 :et o3t of thi'8< An! 2 2 2 SHIPUCHIN2 +a!am, I re/eat, 4o3r h3'-an! $a' in the em/"o4 of the Arm4 +e!ica" De/artment, an! thi' i' a -ank, a /ri1ate, commercia" concern2 +ERCHUT*INA2 Ye', 4e', 4e'2 2 2 2 I 3n!er'tan!, m4 !ear2 In that ca'e, 4o3r e5ce""enc4, =3't or!er them to /a4 me 7) ro3-"e'8 I !on.t min! takin# that to -e #oin# on $ith2 SHIPUCHIN2 9Si#h'; ,3f8 *HIRIN2 An!re4 An!re4e1itch, I."" ne1er fini'h the re/ort at thi' rate SHIPUCHIN2 ,ne moment2 9To +ERCHUT*INA; I can.t #et an4 'en'e o3t of 4o32 3t !o 3n!er'tan! that 4o3r takin# thi' -3'ine'' here i' a' a-'3r! a' if 4o3 took a !i1orce /etition to a chemi't.' or into a #o"! a''a4 office2 9*nock at the !oor2 The 1oice of TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA i' hear!, <Can I come in, An!re4C< SHIPUCHIN 'ho3t'; J3't $ait one min3te, !ear8 9To +ERCHUT*INA; >hat ha' it #ot to !o $ith 3' if 4o3 ha1en.t -een /ai!C A' it ha//en', ma!am, thi' i' an anni1er'ar4 to-!a4, $e.re -3'4 2 2 2 an! 'ome-o!4 ma4 -e comin# here at an4 moment2 2 2 2 E5c3'e me2 2 2 2 +ERCHUT*INA2 Yo3r e5ce""enc4, ha1e /it4 on me, an or/han8 I.m a $eak, !efence"e'' $oman2 2 2 2 I.m tire! to !eath 2 2 2 2 I.m ha1in# tro3-"e $ith m4 "o!#er', an! on acco3nt of m4 h3'-an!, an! I.1e #ot the ho3'e to "ook after, an! m4 'on-in-"a$ i' o3t of $ork2 2 2 2 SHIPUCHIN2 +r'2 +erch3tkina, I 2 2 2 No, e5c3'e me, I can.t ta"k to 4o38 +4 hea!.' e1en in a $hir"2 2 2 2 Yo3 are !i't3r-in# 3' an! makin# 3' $a'te o3r time2 9Si#h', a'i!e; >hat a -3'ine'', a' m4 name.' Shi/3chin8 9To *HIRIN; *3'ma Nico"aie1itch, $i"" 4o3 /"ea'e e5/"ain to +r'2 +erch3tkina2 9>a1e' hi' han! an! #oe' o3t into /3-"ic !e/artment2 *HIRIN2 9A//roachin# +ERCHUT*INA, an#ri"4; >hat !o 4o3 $antC +ERCHUT*INA2 I.m a $eak, !efence"e'' $oman2 2 2 2 I ma4 "ook a"" ri#ht, -3t if 4o3 $ere to take me to /iece' 4o3 $o3"!n.t fin! a 'in#"e hea"th4 -it in me8 I can har!"4 'tan! on m4 "e#', an! I.1e "o't m4 a//etite2 I !rank m4 coffee to-!a4 an! #ot no /"ea'3re o3t of it2 *HIRIN2 I a'k 4o3, $hat !o 4o3 $antC +ERCHUT*INA2 Te"" them, m4 !ear, to #i1e me 7) ro3-"e', an! a month "ater $i"" !o for the re't2 *HIRIN2 3t ha1en.t 4o3 -een to"! /erfect"4 /"ain"4 that thi' i' a -ank8 +ERCHUT*INA2 Ye', 4e'2 2 2 2 An! if 4o3 "ike I can 'ho$ 4o3 the !octor.' certificate2 *HIRIN2 Ha1e 4o3 #ot a hea! on 4o3r 'ho3"!er', or $hatC +ERCHUT*INA2 +4 !ear, I.m a'kin# for $hat.' mine -4 "a$2 I !on.t $ant $hat i'n.t mine2

*HIRIN2 I a'k 4o3, ma!am, ha1e 4o3 #ot a hea! on 4o3r 'ho3"!er', or $hatC >e"", !e1i" take me, I ha1en.t an4 time to ta"k to 4o38 I.m -3'42 2 2 2 9Point' to the !oor; That $a4, /"ea'e8 +ERCHUT*INA2 9S3r/ri'e!; An! $here.' the mone4C *HIRIN2 Yo3 ha1en.t a hea!, -3t thi' 9Ta/' the ta-"e an! then /oint' to hi' forehea!2; +ERCHUT*INA2 9,ffen!e!; >hatC >e"", ne1er min!, ne1er min!2 2 2 2 Yo3 can !o that to 4o3r o$n $ife, -3t I.m the $ife of a ci1i" 'er1ant2 2 2 2 Yo3 can.t !o that to me8 *HIRIN2 9%o'in# hi' tem/er; :et o3t of thi'8 +ERCHUT*INA2 No, no, no 2 2 2 none of that8 *HIRIN2 If 4o3 !on.t #et o3t thi' 'econ!, I."" ca"" for the ha""-/orter8 :et o3t8 9Stam/in#2; +ERCHUT*INA2 Ne1er min!, ne1er min!8 I.m not afrai!8 I.1e 'een the "ike of 4o3 -efore8 +i'er8 *HIRIN2 I !on.t think I.1e e1er 'een a more a$f3" $oman in m4 "ife2 2 2 2 ,3f8 It.' #i1en me a hea!ache2 2 2 2 9 reathin# hea1i"4; I te"" 4o3 once more 2 2 2 !o 4o3 hear meC If 4o3 !on.t #et o3t of thi', 4o3 o"! !e1i", I."" #rin! 4o3 into /o$!er8 I.1e #ot '3ch a character that I.m /erfect"4 ca/a-"e of "amin# 4o3 for "ife8 I can commit a crime8 +ERCHUT*INA2 I.1e hear! -arkin# !o#' -efore2 I.m not afrai!2 I.1e 'een the "ike of 4o3 -efore2 *HIRIN2 9In !e'/air; I can.t 'tan! it8 I.m i""8 I can.t8 9Sit' !o$n at hi' !e'k; The4.1e "et the ank #et fi""e! $ith $omen, an! I can.t fini'h m4 re/ort8 I can.t2 +ERCHUT*INA2 I !on.t $ant an4-o!4 e"'e.' mone4, -3t m4 o$n, accor!in# to "a$2 Yo3 o3#ht to -e a'hame! of 4o3r'e"f8 Sittin# in a #o1ernment office in fe"t -oot'2 2 2 2 Enter SHIPUCHIN an! TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 90o""o$in# her h3'-an!; >e '/ent the e1enin# at the ereFhnit'k4'2 *at4a $a' $earin# a 'k4--"3e frock of fo3"ar! 'i"k, c3t "o$ at the neck2 2 2 2 She "ook' 1er4 $e"" $ith her hair !one o1er her hea!, an! I !i! her hair m4'e"f2 2 2 2 She $a' /erfect"4 fa'cinatin#2 2 SHIPUCHIN2 9>ho ha' ha! eno3#h of it a"rea!4; Ye', 4e' 2 2 2 fa'cinatin#2 2 2 2 The4 ma4 -e here an4 moment2 2 2 2 +ERCHUT*INA2 Yo3r e5ce""enc48 SHIPUCHIN2 9D3""4; >hat e"'eC >hat !o 4o3 $antC +ERCHUT*INA2 Yo3r e5ce""enc48 9Point' to *HIRIN; Thi' man 2 2 2 thi' man ta//e! the ta-"e $ith hi' fin#er, an! then hi' hea!2 2 2 2 Yo3 to"! him to "ook after m4 affair, -3t he in'3"t' me an! 'a4' a"" 'ort' of thin#'2 I.m a $eak, !efence"e'' $oman2 2 2 2 SHIPUCHIN2 A"" ri#ht, ma!am, I."" 'ee to it 2 2 2 an! take the nece''ar4 'te/'2 2 2 2 :o a$a4 no$ 2 2 2 "ater on8 9A'i!e; +4 #o3t.' comin# on8

*HIRIN2 9In a "o$ tone to SHIPUCHIN; An!re4 An!re4e1itch, 'en! for the ha""-/orter an! ha1e her t3rne! o3t neck an! cro/8 >hat e"'e can $e !oC SHIPUCHIN2 90ri#htene!; No, no8 She."" kick 3/ a ro$ an! $e aren.t the on"4 /eo/"e in the -3i"!in#2 +ERCHUT*INA2 Yo3r e5ce""enc42 *HIRIN2 9In a tearf3" 1oice; 3t I.1e #ot to fini'h m4 re/ort8 I $on.t ha1e time8 I $on.t8 +ERCHUT*INA2 Yo3r e5ce""enc4, $hen 'ha"" I ha1e the mone4C I $ant it no$2 SHIPUCHIN2 9A'i!e, in !i'ma4; A re-mark-a--"4 -ea't"4 $oman8 9Po"ite"4; +a!am, I.1e a"rea!4 to"! 4o3, thi' i' a -ank, a /ri1ate, commercia" concern2 +ERCHUT*INA2 e a father to me, 4o3r e5ce""enc42 2 2 2 If the !octor.' certificate i'n.t eno3#h, I can #et 4o3 another from the /o"ice2 Te"" them to #i1e me the mone48 SHIPUCHIN2 9Pantin#; ,3f8 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 9To +ERCHUT*INA; +other, ha1en.t 4o3 a"rea!4 -een to"! that 4o3.re !i't3r-in# themC >hat ri#ht ha1e 4o3C +ERCHUT*INA2 +other, -ea3tif3" one, no-o!4 $i"" he"/ me2 A"" I !o i' to eat an! !rink, an! =3't no$ I !i!n.t en=o4 m4 coffee at a""2 SHIPUCHIN2 9E5ha3'te!; Ho$ m3ch !o 4o3 $antC +ERCHUT*INA2 (E ro3-"e' ?H co/eck'2 SHIPUCHIN2 A"" ri#ht8 9Take' a ()-ro3-"e note o3t of hi' /ocket--ook an! #i1e' it to her; Here are () ro3-"e'2 Take it an!2 2 2 #o8 *HIRIN co3#h' an#ri"42 +ERCHUT*INA2 I thank 4o3 1er4 h3m-"4, 4o3r e5ce""enc42 9Hi!e' the mone42; TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 9Sit' -4 her h3'-an!; It.' time I $ent home2 2 2 2 9%ook' at $atch; 3t I ha1en.t !one 4et2 2 2 2 I."" fini'h in one min3te an! #o a$a42 2 2 2 >hat a time $e ha!8 Ye', $hat a time8 >e $ent to '/en! the e1enin# at the ereFhnit'k4'2 2 2 2 It $a' a"" ri#ht, B3ite f3n, -3t nothin# in /artic3"ar2 2 2 2 *at4a.' !e1ote! :ren!i"e1'k4 $a' there, of co3r'e2 2 2 2 >e"", I ta"ke! to *at4a, crie!, an! in!3ce! her to ta"k to :ren!i"e1'k4 an! ref3'e him2 >e"", I tho3#ht, e1er4thin#.', 'ett"e! the -e't /o''i-"e $a46 I.1e B3iete! mamma !o$n, 'a1e! *at4a, an! can -e B3iet m4'e"f2 2 2 2 >hat !o 4o3 thinkC *at4a an! I $ere #oin# a"on# the a1en3e, =3't -efore '3//er, an! '3!!en"4 2 2 2 9E5cite!"4; An! '3!!en"4 $e hear! a 'hot2 2 2 2 No, I can.t ta"k a-o3t it ca"m"48 9>a1e' her han!kerchief; No, I can.t8 SHIPUCHIN2 9Si#h'; ,3f8 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 9>ee/'; >e ran to the '3mmer-ho3'e, an! there 2 2 2 there /oor :ren!i"e1'k4 $a' "4in# 2 2 2 $ith a /i'to" in hi' han!2 2 2 2

SHIPUCHIN2 No, I can.t 'tan! thi'8 I can.t 'tan! it8 9To +ERCHUT*INA; >hat e"'e !o 4o3 $antC +ERCHUT*INA2 Yo3r e5ce""enc4, can.t m4 h3'-an! #o -ack to hi' =o-C TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 9>ee/in#; He.! 'hot him'e"f ri#ht in the heart 2 2 2 here2 2 2 2 An! the /oor man ha! fa""en !o$n 'en'e"e''2 2 2 2 An! he $a' a$f3""4 fri#htene!, a' he "a4 there 2 2 2 an! a'ke! for a !octor2 A !octor came 'oon 2 2 2 an! 'a1e! the 3nha//4 man2 2 2 2 +ERCHUT*INA2 Yo3r e5ce""enc4, can.t m4 h3'-an! #o -ack to hi' =o-C SHIPUCHIN2 No, I can.t 'tan! thi'8 9>ee/'; I can.t 'tan! it8 9Stretche' o3t -oth hi' han!' in !e'/air to *HIRIN; Dri1e her a$a48 Dri1e her a$a4, I im/"ore 4o38 *HIRIN2 9:oe' 3/ to TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA; :et o3t of thi'8 SHIPUCHIN2 Not her, -3t thi' one 2 2 2 thi' a$f3" $oman2 2 2 2 9Point'; That one8 *HIRIN2 9Not 3n!er'tan!in#, to TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA; :et o3t of thi'8 9Stam/'; :et o3t8 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 >hatC >hat are 4o3 !oin#C Ha1e 4o3 taken "ea1e of 4o3r 'en'e'C SHIPUCHIN2 It.' a$f3"C I.m a mi'era-"e man8 Dri1e her o3t8 ,3t $ith her8 *HIRIN2 9To TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA; ,3t of it8 I."" cri//"e 4o38 I."" knock 4o3 o3t of 'ha/e8 I."" -reak the "a$8 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 9R3nnin# from him6 he cha'e' her; Ho$ !are 4o38 Yo3 im/3!ent fe""o$8 9Sho3t'; An!re48 He"/8 An!re48 9Scream'2; SHIPUCHIN2 9Cha'in# them; Sto/8 I im/"ore 4o38 Not '3ch a noi'eC Ha1e /it4 on me8 *HIRIN2 9Cha'in# +ERCHUT*INA; ,3t of thi'8 Catch her8 Hit her8 C3t her into /iece'8 SHIPUCHIN2 9Sho3t'; Sto/8 I a'k 4o38 I im/"ore 4o38 +ERCHUT*INA2 %itt"e father' 2 2 "itt"e father'8 9Scream'; %itt"e father'8 2 2 2 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 9Sho3t'; He"/8 He"/8 2 2 2 ,h, oh 2 2 2 I.m 'ick, I.m 'ick8 9J3m/' on to a chair, then fa""' on to the 'ofa an! #roan' a' if in a faint2; *HIRIN2 9Cha'in# +ERCHUT*INA; Hit her8 eat her8 C3t her to /iece'8 +ERCHUT*INA2 ,h, oh 2 2 2 "itt"e father', it.' a"" !ark -efore me8 Ah8 90a""' 'en'e"e'' into SHIPUCHIN.S arm'2 There i' a knock at the !oor6 a V,ICE anno3nce' THE DEPUTATI,N; The !e/3tation 2 2 2 re/3tation 2 2 2 occ3/ation 2 2 2 *HIRIN2 9Stam/'; :et o3t of it, !e1i" take me8 9T3rn' 3/ hi' '"ee1e'; :i1e her to meA I ma4 -reak the "a$8 A !e/3tation of fi1e men enter'6 the4 a"" $ear frockcoat'2 ,ne carrie' the 1e"1et-co1ere! a!!re'', another, the "o1in#-c3/2 Em/"o4ee' "ook in at the !oor, from the /3-"ic !e/artment2 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA on the 'ofa, an! +ERCHUT*INA in SHIPUCHIN.S arm' are -oth #roanin#2

,NE ,0 THE DEPUTATI,N2 9Rea!' a"o3!; <Dee/"4 re'/ecte! an! !ear An!re4 An!re4e1itch8 Thro$in# a retro'/ecti1e #"ance at the /a't hi'tor4 of o3r financia" a!mini'tration, an! re1ie$in# in o3r min!' it' #ra!3a" !e1e"o/ment, $e recei1e an e5treme"4 'ati'factor4 im/re''ion2 It i' tr3e that in the fir't /erio! of it' e5i'tence, the incon'i!era-"e amo3nt of it' ca/ita", an! the a-'ence of 'erio3' o/eration' of an4 !e'cri/tion, an! a"'o the in!efinite aim' of thi' -ank, ma!e 3' attach an e5treme im/ortance to the B3e'tion rai'e! -4 Ham"et, .To -e or not to -e,. an! at one time there $ere e1en 1oice' to -e hear! !eman!in# o3r "iB3i!ation2 3t at that moment 4o3 -ecome the hea! of o3r concern2 Yo3r kno$"e!#e, ener#ie', an! 4o3r nati1e tact $ere the ca3'e' of e5traor!inar4 '3cce'' an! $i!e'/rea! e5ten'ion2 The re/3tation of the -ank 2 2 2 9Co3#h'; re/3tation of the -ank 2 2 2 +ERCHUT*INA2 9:roan'; ,h8 ,h8 TATIANA A%E&EYEVNA2 9:roan'; >ater8 >ater8 THE +E+ ER ,0 THE DEPUTATI,N2 9Contin3e'; The re/3tation 9Co3#h'; 2 2 2 the re/3tation of the -ank ha' -een rai'e! -4 4o3 to '3ch a hei#ht that $e are no$ the ri1a"' of the -e't forei#n concern'2 SHIPUCHIN2 De/3tation 2 2 2 re/3tation 2 2 2 occ3/ation2 2 2 2 2 T$o frien!' that ha! a $a"k at ni#ht, he"! con1er'e -4 the /a"e moon"i#ht2 2 2 2 ,h te"" me not, that 4o3th i' 1ain, that =ea"o3'4 ha' t3rne! m4 -rain2 THE +E+ ER ,0 THE DEPUTATI,N2 9Contin3e' in conf3'ion; Then, thro$in# an o-=ecti1e #"ance at the /re'ent con!ition of thin#', $e, !ee/"4 re'/ecte! an! !ear An!re4 An!re4e1itch 2 2 2 9%o$erin# hi' 1oice; In that ca'e, $e."" !o it "ater on2 2 2 2 Ye', "ater on2 2 2 2< 9DEPUTATI,N #oe' o3t in conf3'ion2; C3rtain

LISTA CU MEMBRII CARE VIN LA ID FESTA ANT,CE :A RIE%-#a-itF(HI4ahoo2com RAT,VEANU +ARIUS -ro'te!=e$I4ahoo2com A%AN A%E&ANDRU--a"anJa"e5HI4ahoo2com CATA%IN ANDREI-Fam-e'cJci3!atI4ahoo2com DAN A%E&ANDRA-a554J(-"3eI4ahoo2com DRE&%ER ,CTAVIA-/oemJ$in#'I4ahoo2com :,% AN ANCA-Cor!onator-#o"-anJancaI4ahoo2com k,NYAR A%E&ANDRU-3niB3eJe5o!3'I4ahoo2com +,ISE DIANA-!ianaJ'ai!Jmoi'eI4ahoo2com NE:RU A%E&ANDRA-a"ene#r3I4ahoo2com NIT,AIA A%E&ANDRA-a"e7@J7KI4ahoo2com PREJ AN +IHAI-/re=-anJmI4ahoo2com PANDUR V%AD-t$i##4J1a/I4ahoo2com :RI:,RAS ANDREEA-=3'tJan!eI4ahoo2com Motivatie regizorala Andrei Andreevici, pre edintele !"ncii, #e preg"te te pentr$ aniver#area a %& ani de c'nd a prel$at cond$cerea in#tit$(iei, n$)ai c" Raport$l An$al n$ e#te *nc" +inalizat, ,$z)a Nicolaevici, conta!il$l !"ncii, *ncerc'nd #"-i dea $lti)ele ret$ $ri *nainte de #o#irea Delega(iei Me)!rilor Con#ili$l$i Director. /n#", de i #i)ple, l$cr$rile, #$nt pe cale de a #e co)plica... AM AES ACEASTA 0IESA DE1ARECE AM C1NSIDERAT CA EN AVANTA2EA3A

0ERS1NA2ELE ,SITUATIA SI C1NFLICTUL .ASTFEL 0RIN INTERMEDIUL ACEST1R ELEMENTE AM C1NSIDERAT CA 0UTEM SA DE3V1LTAM SI SA DUCEM ACEASTA 0IESA IN 31NA S0ECIFIC 411LEE,SAU DE CE NU 01ATE UN N1U STIL. 0IESA 1FERA LIBERTATE IN C1NSTRUIREA DEC1RULUI SI NU NUMAI,IAR ELEMENTELE NECESARE 0ENTRU C1NSTRUIREA SCENELE SUNT FAV1RABILE.