Chekhov, it turns out, wrote a lot of letters. In which he chooses to unveil his opinion, justified for doing so, as he is defending himself against the charges of the day. They are amusing and fine to read, really good stuff. I almost feel dumb for having been sort of deflected, by reading so many stories inhabited by characters, when all their fineness comes from him.

A bartender is like a good Civil War general, gets things done. Yes, and we all have to wait it out sometimes.