Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-04-10
A DIFFICULT TASK
4 Short Story

1t was an early winter morning. In
the glade among the birch trees a young
officer was standing, dressed only in
riding breeches, shirt and high boots,
and without fur coat or cap. His eyes
were calmly looking at an older officer
standing at distance Of 80 PAGES and
coollly aiming at him with a pistol.
The young officers dangerous position,
his adversary's pitiless calm, and the
deep silence of the seconds was very
painful TO all present. The shot rang
out. The young officer threw up his
arms, jumped into the air and fell heav-
lily to the ground. The seconds ran up
to him and raised him tenderly. The
blood was oozing from a small hole in
his forehead. The surgeon could only
certify that death had been intanta-
neous. The affair was settled. All that
was left was to report the duel to the
colonel of the regiment and break the
sad news to the young officers mother,
an Old widow who was now childless
After a brief consultation it was de-
cided that the dead mans second and
best friend. Lieutenant Golubenko,
should carry the sad message TO her.
Pelagio Petrowna was in the act Of
making tea, when Colubenko entered,
You are just in time to have glass
of tea with me-" she said in her kind
way Il suppose you have come to see
Volodja?"
mo" the lieutenant stammered, Il
just happened to be passing and"
We'll Volodja, the lazy fellow, went
to bed very late last night, for l heard
him walking up and down the floor long
after midnight. will go and call him;
it is time for him to get up"
do not trouble for my sake" the
| Lieutenant stammered, but Pelagio Pc
trowna was already out of the room.
Golubenko threw himself into a chair
and in his despair did not know how to
begin.
THE bird has flown already" said
Pelagio PetrOwna, as she returned, but
he must be here very soon. He has
probably only gone for a short walk.
Sit down here and have glass of tea.
1t is a long time since we have had a
chat together and l have such good
news to tell you. Perhaps Nolodja has
told you already? He has not! Wei,
am sure he has been thinking of moth
ing else When l heard him walking
up and down the floor last night l knew
he was thinking of his happy future and
of our mutual little friend, Lenotschka
Oh, Ivan, Ivan! 1t is my only prayer to
God that those two children may be hap
py When l have seen him happily mar
ried to Lenotschka l may well close my
old eyes forever. Think of all the diff
-ulties they have had TO overcome.
They are both proud and Nolodja would
not think of asking Lenotschka's father
for a loan. You officers are not per-
mitted to marry without security-wer
AZ difficulty is solved now. ] have
borrowed 5000 rubles and now Nolodja
may marry without losing his dignity.
But the best Of all is that this morning
| had such dear letter from Lenotsch-
ka 1t warns my old heart TO read her
tender words"
Pelagio PeTowna took a letter from
her pocket, Golubenko suffered tortures
He wanted to tell Pelagio Petrowna
what had happened but his voice failed
him.
what makes you look so sad Ivan?"
the old lady asked. You seem so
changed to-day. Lenotschka sends her
best regards to you in her letter. She
always was very fond Of you. But
will read her letter to you:
Dear Pelagio Petrowna: Soon, very
soon the day is to come when / may
call you my own dear mother, and
do long TO throw my arms around your
neck"
Pelagio Petrowna raised her head and
looked at Golubenko with a happy
smile; she wanted to say something but
when she saw how the young Officer