Stepan
checks his mail, the newspaper and we learn from his point of view:
When he was
dressed, Stepan Arkadyevitch sprinkled some scent on himself, pulled down his
shirt-cuffs, distributed into his pockets his cigarettes, pocketbook, matches,
and watch with its double chain and seals, and shaking out his handkerchief,
feeling himself clean, fragrant, healthy, and physically at ease, in spite of
his unhappiness, he walked with a slight variation on each leg into the
dining-room, where coffee was already waiting for him, and beside the coffee,
letters and papers from the office.
He read the
letters. One was very unpleasant, from a merchant who was buying a forest on
his wife’s property. To sell this forest was absolutely essential; but at
present, until he was reconciled with his wife, the subject could not be
discussed. The most unpleasant thing of all was that his pecuniary interests
should in this way enter into the question of his reconciliation with his wife.
And the idea that he might be led on by his interests, that he might seek a
reconciliation with his wife on account of the sale of the forest—that idea
hurt him.
When he had
finished his letters, Stepan Arkadyevitch moved the office-papers close to him,
rapidly looked through two pieces of business, made a few notes with a big
pencil, and pushing away the papers, turned to his coffee. As he sipped his
coffee, he opened a still damp morning paper, and began reading it.