Vladimir Nabokov. Labios contra labios
Vladimir Nabokov. LIPS TO LIPS
"They have no funds. The review is a disinterested, idealistic enterprise. Such publications, alas, perish."
"But how, how can it be!" cried Ilya Borisovich, with a Russian splash-gesture of helpless dismay. "Haven't they approved my thing, don't they want to print it?"
"Yes, too bad," said Euphratski calmly. "By the way, tell me—" and he changed the subject.
That night Ilya Borisovich did some hard thinking, conferred with his inner self, and next morning phoned his friend to submit to him certain questions of a financial nature. Euphratski's replies were listless in tone but most accurate in