[27] Turgénieff labelled this story and "A Reckless Character," "Fragments from My Own Memoirs and Those of Other People." In a foot-note he begs the reader not to mistake the "I" for the author's own personality, as it was adopted merely for convenience of narration.—TRANSLATOR.
[28] The Russian expression is: "A black cat had run between them."—TRANSLATOR.
[29] In Russia a partial second story, over the centre, or the centre and ends of the main story, is called thus.—TRANSLATOR.
[30] In Russian houses the "hall" is a combined ball-room, music-room, play-room, and exercising-ground; not the entrance hall.—TRANSLATOR.
[31] We should call such a watch a "turnip."—TRANSLATOR.
[32] The author is slightly sarcastic in the name he has chosen for this family, which is derived from telyéga, a peasant-cart.—TRANSLATOR.
[33] St. Petersburg.—TRANSLATOR.
[34] Both these are bad omens, according to superstitious Russians.—TRANSLATOR.
[35] Priests and monks in Russia wear their hair and beards long to resemble the pictures of Christ. Missionaries in foreign lands are permitted to conform to the custom of the country and cut it short.—TRANSLATOR.
[36] "Had been educated on copper coins" is the Russian expression. That is, had received a cheap education.—TRANSLATOR.