“But then—Chernobob is a hole! The worst little town in all Podolia.”
“That’s true, but it just fell out so.”
“That means, then, that the young officer gent is going to K——to divert himself a little?”
“Yes. I’m thinking of stopping there for two or three days. I’m travelling to Moscow, really. I have received a two months’ leave, but it would be interesting to look over the city on the way. It’s very beautiful, they say.”
“Oh, what are you trying to tell me? A remarkable city! Well, absolutely a European city. If you only knew, what streets, electricity, trolleys, theatres! And if you only knew what cabarets! You’ll lick your own fingers. Positively, positively, I advise you, young man, to pay a visit to the CHATEAU DES FLEURS, to the Tivoli, and also to ride out to the island. That’s something special. What women, wha-a-at women!”
The lieutenant turned red, took his eyes away, and asked in a voice that quavered:
“Yes, I’ve happened to hear that. Is it possible that they’re really so handsome?”
“Oi! Strike me God! Believe me, there are no handsome women there at all.”
“But—how’s that?”
“Why, this way: there are only raving beauties there. You understand—what a happy blending of bloods! Polish, Little Russian, and Hebrew. How I envy you, young man, that you’re free and alone. In my time I sure would have shown myself! And what’s most remarkable of all, they’re unusually passionate women! Well, just like fire! And do you know something else?” he asked in a whisper of great significance.