Anton Chekhov

“ When he returned a few moments later Aliosha was already a prince, the herring-man was a soldier, and the coachman was a peasant.
"It's a bad business in there," said the porter resuming his seat. "I have just seen the doctor off. They didn't get it out."
"Huh! How could they ? All they did, I'll be bound, was to make a hole in his head. When a man has a bullet in his brain it's no use to bother with doctors!"
"He is lying unconscious," continued the porter. "He will surely die. Aliosha, don't look at my cards, lambkin, or you'll get your ears boxed. ”

“ His grandfather said nothing, and turned up the flame of the lantern.
"A man has died," he said with a yawn. "His soul is lost and his children are lost. This will be a disgrace to them for the rest of their lives."
The porter returned, and sat down near the lantern.
"He is dead !" he said. "The old women from the almshouse have been sent for."
"Eternal peace and the kingdom of heaven be his !" whispered the coachman crossing himself.
Aliosha also crossed himself with his eyes on his grandfather.
"You mustn't pray for souls like his," the herring- man said. ”

“ Are you calling your own grandfather names. I'll beat you for that!"
"Beat me, grandpa, beat me like Sidorov's goat, only take me back to mamma! Oh, do! do! . . ."
"There, there, child, hush!" the coachman whispered tenderly. "No one is going to hurt you, don't be afraid. Why, I'm getting frightened myself ! Say a prayer to God !"
The door creaked and the porter thrust his head into the coach house.
"Aren't you asleep yet, Stepan?" he asked. "I can't get any sleep to-night, opening and shutting the gate every minute. Why, Aliosha, what are you crying about?" ”