Endnotes

  1. In Russia the windows have double panes during the winter for the purpose of keeping out the cold. —⁠Trans. ↩

  2. Diminutive of dove, a term of endearment very common in Russia. ↩

  3. Murder is punishable in Russia by penal servitude. Only where the crime perpetrated involves military treason, or has a political aspect, is capital punishment resorted to. ↩

  4. This is, of course, only a child’s way of addressing an elder. —⁠Trans. ↩

  5. In Russian schools 5 is the maximum mark. —⁠Trans. ↩

  6. Such as is worn by schoolgirls and girl students. —⁠Trans. ↩

  7. Short of Semyon. —⁠Trans. ↩

  8. The Russian for Constantinople. ↩

  9. Popadya, the wife of a Russian village priest or “pope,” is a distinct type in the social world of the Russian village. ↩

  10. Pet name for Vassily. ↩

  11. Diminutive of Anastasia. ↩

  12. The day in the church calendar dedicated to the saint for whom a Russian child is named. It is celebrated with more solemnity than the birthday. ↩

  13. Diminutive of Anastasia. ↩

  14. 1 pood = 36 lbs. ↩

  15. A Russian card game, similar to “Old Maid.” ↩

  16. Contemptuous diminutive for Vassily. ↩

  17. The village church bell is rung during a snowstorm to guide any team or wanderer that may be seeking the road. ↩

  18. Equivalent to “Tom, Dick and Harry.” ↩

  19. A game similar to auction bridge played in Russia before the latter became the vogue. ↩