A VISIT
I am at work in my room.
There is1 a knock at the door.
I say: «Come in!»
One of my friends comes in and says: «Good afternoon!»
I shake hands with him and say to him: «How are you?»
«Very well, thanks, and how are you?»
«I am fine (all right), thank you».
I push up an armchair and say to my friend: «Please sit down and make yourself at home (comfortable)».
We have a talk.
We talk about the weather, literature, art, politics, science.
Soon dinner is ready.
I invite my friend to dinner: «Will you have dinner with us?»
He says: «Thank you ever so much, it is very kind оf you».
I introduce him to my wife: «I should like you to know comrade Petrov, my dear».
My wife says: «I am delighted to meet you, comrade Petrov».
At dinner we continue our friendly talk.
Half an hour after dinner my friend takes his leave, saying: «Thanks awfully for all your kindness. Now you come and see me as soon as you possibly саn».
I say good-bye to him and invite him to come to my place another time.
CONVERSATION
- Good afternoon!
- How glad I am to see you! It's ages since we saw each other last.
- You may believe me I am just as glad to see you.
- Well, in the first place tell me how you are?
- Fine, thank you. And you?
- Now I feel quite all right. But some time back I was rather seriously ill and it took me some time to recover.
- But it's all over now, I hope?
- I am glad to say it is.
- Well, how's work at your office?
- Have you heard that I have been promoted? I'm now head of the office.
- I congratulate you with all my heart. But it means a; lot of extra work, does it not?
- Rather, but I'm not afraid of it. You know, I like my, work tremendously. But here comes my wife. I want to introduce you to her. My wife Anna Petrovna-comrade Petrov whom I have told you about.
- I am very glad to meet you. I have heard such a lot of you from my husband.
- The pleasure is all mine.
- But why do we all remain standing? Please sit down and make yourself at home (comfortable).
- Well, what's the news?
- I'll tell you first of all about the wonderful exhibition of Soviet painting I saw the other day at the Tretiakovl Gallery. I was greatly struck by it. Have you seen it?
- Not yet, I am sorry to say. But I am going to see it one of these days, by all means.
(They discuss art, literature, scientific topics; in some time the mistress of the house invites everybody to dinner)
- Will you have dinner with us?
- Thank you ever so much. That's very kind of you But I am afraid it's too much trouble.
- No trouble at all. We'll be so glad if you have dinner with us. Nothing very special, of course, but I've got a bottle of good wine.
- That's really too good of you. You are so kind, I really can't refuse.
- Well, we'll begin with the wine if you do not mind. There's to your health! (They al! clink glasses).
- Thank you ever so much. But you have anticipated me: I just wanted to toast your wife and yourself.
- We may do that later. Meanwhile let us take the soup. And please help yourself to salt and pepper, if you care for it.
- No, thanks, I don't care much for pepper, but I'll take some salt.
- May I offer you another helping? (May I help you to another plate of soup?)
- No, thanks. I think I have had quite enough.
(They pass over to the second course, then to the dessert, after which they chat in a friendly way for some time)
- I am afraid I must be leaving now2. It's high time for me to be returning home.
- Couldn't you stay a little longer?
- I'm afraid I can't. It's late as it is.
- Well, I am very sorry, but by all means come and see us again as soon as possible.
- Thank you so much for all your kindness. I'll come as soon as I possibly can. But you come and see me at my place before that.
- Thank you! We'll both be delighted to come.
- Good-bye! Hope to see you again soon!
WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
NOTES