The Contemporary (Sovremennik)

did not intend it... I, truly, consider myself obligated to be courteous to every woman... And I assure you, not a single society woman would have become angry with me for what I said to you...

Alexandra Semyonovna. I already told you that I am not a society woman...

Mikhailo Ivanych. But you will, at least, forgive me and not be angry... It is, truthfully, a matter of habit... I am equally courteous to all women...

Alexandra Semyonovna after thinking for a moment. Well, I shall see: one of my relatives will arrive shortly, and if you are courteous to her, then I ask you... She is a society girl and likes to be courted...

Mikhailo Ivanych. Oh, if only by this I can earn your forgiveness, then you shall see... Only please, do not think, cousin, that I get carried away with every woman at first sight... I can only be carried away by one woman... He makes passionate eyes. But to be courteous in general to all women I consider the duty of a man of society... You do not want to go out into society, your husband laughs at society people... But do you know, cousin, how many duties lie upon a man of society!.. In my opinion, living as such a hermit as your husband is the greatest egoism, it is a desire to free oneself from all social obligations... Think about it... A man of society must watch himself every minute, he must track every one of his words, every movement, the last trifle of his attire... For example: if I enter a gathering, I must beforehand think through with whom to behave in what way, to whom to say what compliment, I must always have in my head a supply of clever, playful phrases. And manners? And the ability to carry oneself! And the attire?.. Your husband will have a frock coat tailored and wears it until the sleeves and lapels are worn out... But I must know where and in what to arrive... By my first appearance, by my bow, that is not enough: by my boots, by my gloves, by how I hold my hat—in society one must immediately determine what kind of person I am, whether I can be accepted in a respectable house or not... One outing to a ball is a whole week of worry... I must fear that I might be mocked for lack of taste, for vanity, or for...