Oblonsky went to the rehearsal of a ballet at the Imperial Theatre and gave to Masha Chibisova – a pretty dancer, who through his patronage had just obtained an engagement – a coral necklace he had promised her the evening before; and behind the scene, in the midday darkness of the theatre, contrived to kiss her pretty face, which was brightened by his present.
Stepan Arkad’ic andò al Bol’šoj Teatr per assistere alle prove di un balletto e per consegnare a Maša cibisova, una graziosa ballerina che di recente ne faceva parte perché da lui protetta, i coralli promessile il giorno innanzi, e, nell’oscurità diurna del teatro, dietro una quinta, riuscì a baciarne il visetto simpatico, splendente di gioia per il regalo.