Thebuildingsofthetownlookinglikeheapsofmuddysnow，theblack，nakedeartharoundthosebuildings，thetreesinthegardens，thehummocksofpiled-upsoil，thedullgreyglimmerofthewindowpanesofthehouses——allthesethingsremindedmeofwinter，eventhoughthemistybreathofthenorthernspringwasbeginningtostealoverthewhole。
Presentlyayoungfellowwithflaxenhair，apendentunderlip，andatall，ungainlyfigure，bynameMishukDiatlov，essayedtotrollthestanza:
“Thatmorntohimthemaidencame，Tofindhissoulhadfled。“
Whereupontheoldsoldiershouted:
“Hi，you！Haveyouforgottentheday？“