Chapter 15: June 26th: My Dear Little Barbara

June 26th: My Dear Little Barbara June 26th. My dear little Barbara—To tell you the truth, I myself have not read the book of which you speak. That is to say, though I began to read it, I soon saw that it was nonsense, and written only to make people laugh. “However,” thought I, “it is at least a cheerful work, and so may please Barbara.” That is why I sent it you. Rataziaev has now promised to give me something really literary to read; so you shall soon have your book, my darling. He…