My dearest Makar Alexievitch ⁠—I am writing to you posthaste⁠—I am hurrying my utmost to get my work finished in time. What do you suppose is the reason for this? It is because an opportunity has occurred for you to make a splendid purchase. Thedora tells me that a retired civil servant of her acquaintance has a uniform to sell⁠—one cut to regulation pattern and in good repair, as well as likely to go very cheap. Now, do not tell me that you have not got the money, for I know from your own lips that you have . Use that money, I pray you, and do not hoard it. See what terrible garments you walk about in! They are shameful⁠—they are patched all over! In fact, you have nothing new whatever. That this is so, I know for certain, and I care not what you tell me about it. So listen to me for once, and buy this uniform. Do it for my sake. Do it to show that you