Pioneers: A Tale of Russian-Jewish Life in the 1880s

Chapter 27

Pioneers | 85 1. (French) “Good evening, Mr. Mirkin.” 2. His affectation influences both his French and Russian pronunciation. “I’m really busy,” Mirkin said in a despondent voice. “On the other hand, I can make you happy! We have three new members, with dues of one and half rubles. Now we receive eight rubles and fifty kopecks each month.” She gave Mirkin the money. “That’s excellent!” Mirkin exclaimed enthusiastically. “Seven rubles really weren’t enough for four people. . . . Now two more have arrived who have no means of support whatever. . . . Besides that, we have to pay the metalworker for lessons for one of them. . . .” “I’ll try to get some more money,” Yegorova said quietly. 27 Shifrin came into the room, a tall, poised gymnasium student dressed somewhat pretentiously like a dandy. Upon seeing Mirkin he began speaking in an affected manner, with a barely detectable note of sarcasm in his voice: “B-bon soir-r, Monsieur Mirkin,”1 and he shook his hand. Then he went up to Yegorova, bowed to her elegantly and respectfully, and said, “Olga Andreevna!”2 He inclined his head a bit to one side and wanted to add something, but refrained . Yegorova nodded her head coolly, and a shadow crossed her face. “What were you talking about, ladies and gentlemen?” Shifrin asked nonchalantly , sensing he was superfluous in the room. “The weather!” Liza replied nimbly. “I don’t believe that!” he exclaimed sarcastically. “Even more so in the presence of . . .” He wanted to say “Mirkin” and even looked at him, but felt that it might be rude, so he changed his mind: “In the presence of Moleschott’s book!” Turning to face Yegorova, he asked her almost defiantly: “Are you planning to go to the club the day after tomorrow to attend the ball?” 86 | Pioneers 3. Diminutive form of her name. 4. Diminutive form of his name. “No!” Yegorova replied simply. “What a pity! I hoped to invite you to dance a waltz.” “You know I don’t dance,” replied Yegorova, regarding him with a look of cold surprise. Shifrin shriveled under her gaze. He felt like teasing her, angering this girl whom he really liked and who remained cool and indifferent to all his advances. Turning to Mirkin, he asked with undisguised sarcasm, “Tell me, Mirkin, did Pisarev know how to dance?” “I don’t know!” replied Mirkin abruptly, and immediately added harshly, “Leave Pisarev in peace!” “A taboo topic!” Shifrin said, raising his arm theatrically and glancing fleetingly at Yegorova. She remained calm and addressed the younger Shifrina: “Manechka,3 you wanted to show me your embroidery. Let’s go. . . .” Without looking at Shifrin, she went to the door and nodded her head to Mirkin. “Olga Andreevna, are you offended because I mentioned Pisarev?” he called out after her, with a note of sarcasm and distraught entreaty in his voice. “No—because of you!” Yegorova replied calmly and categorically in the doorway . She left without turning around. “You certainly never manage to hide your feelings, Levushka!”4 observed Liza with a soft reproach. “Oh, sister of mine!” Shifrin exclaimed theatrically, placing his hand over his heart. “If you only knew-w-w how I suf-f-fer!” “Don’t pretend . . . I know you’re suffering!” his sister interrupted him somewhat cruelly. Mirkin vaguely understood that something had taken place between Shifrin and Yegorova; he was pleased that the girl had demonstratively left. At the same time, he realized that after her departure he had nothing more to do here now. “Ah, yes!” Shifrin addressed him hastily, grateful for the chance to change the subject. “Concerning that special collection you’ve asked for, there’s nothing more I can do. . . . I can contribute a ruble myself, but if you want more—I’m sorry about that!” An expression of deep aggravation spread across Mirkin’s face. Shifrin noticed it and, unconsciously wishing to aggravate him even further, added, emphasizing his words, “I must warn you that I won’t agree to undertake these collections in the future. You know, it’s simply disgusting! It’s just like pleading. . . .” Pioneers | 87 5. A standard comic deflation in Yiddish is the distortion of a word by the addition of an initial “sh” or “shm.” “What else can we do?” Mirkin said with sadness. “We have to pay the metalworker six rubles. And several days ago two more boys showed up without...