Vladimir Nabokov. Un tipo bien plantado
The voice continued, "You don't know when she will be back in town? I was told she was expected to return today. You are Herr Seidler, I believe?"
"What's happened? I'll pass her the message."
A throat was cleared and the voice said as if over the telephone, "Franz Loschmidt speaking. She does not know me, but tell her please—"
Another pause and an uncertain query: "Perhaps you can let me come in?"
"Never mind, never mind," said Kostya impatiently, "I'll tell her everything."
"Her father is dying, he won't live through the night: he