A Happy Ending (Chekhov)
Short summary
Russia, presumably late 19th century. Nikolay Nikolayitch Stytchkin, a railway head guard, invited matchmaker Lyubov Grigoryevna to his home to help him find a suitable wife.
Stytchkin explained that at 52, he had a secure position, savings, and desired domestic comfort. He described his ideal wife: not necessarily beautiful or young, but practical, respectful, and able to maintain a home. He wanted neither a wealthy nor a poor bride, just someone sensible.
When discussing payment, Lyubov mentioned earning fifty roubles monthly from her matchmaking business. Stytchkin was impressed by this income and began to view the matchmaker herself as a potential match. He complimented her appearance and figure, causing her to blush.
I don't want a young wife. I am a middle-aged man, and I want someone who... as it might be like you... staid and settled and a figure something like yours... Allow me to make you a proposal!
The matchmaker accepted his proposal with tears and laughter. Stytchkin immediately began explaining his expectations for their marriage, emphasizing that he would be the "benefactor and foremost person" in her world.
Detailed summary
Division into chapters is editorial.
Stytchkin seeks a wife through a matchmaker
Lyubov Grigoryevna, a substantial forty-year-old matchmaker, visited Nikolay Nikolayitch Stytchkin, a head guard on the railway, on his day off. Stytchkin, though somewhat embarrassed, maintained his characteristically grave and practical demeanor as he explained his purpose for seeking her services.
He explained that at fifty-two years of age, he had reached a point in life where he desired a domestic hearth and a partner. Despite his secure position, modest fortune, and savings in the bank, he felt incomplete without a wife. Stytchkin lamented living like a wandering Magyar, moving from place to place without satisfaction or anyone to care for him when ill.
I am a practical and sober man, I lead a sensible and consistent life, so that I may hold myself up as an example to many. But one thing I lack—a domestic hearth of my own and a partner in life, and I live like a wandering Magyar.
The practical mans requirements for a spouse
When the matchmaker asked what sort of bride Stytchkin desired, he replied that he would accept whomever fate sent him. However, he quickly clarified that as a practical man, he had specific requirements. For him, beauty and external appearance were secondary considerations. He believed a pretty wife would involve too much anxiety.
I am a practical man and a man of character; for me beauty and external appearance generally take a secondary place, for, as you know yourself, beauty is neither bowl nor platter, and a pretty wife involves a great deal of anxiety.
Stytchkin emphasized that what mattered most in a woman was her inner qualities. While he acknowledged that education was necessary in modern times, he questioned its utility if a woman couldn't perform basic domestic duties like sewing on buttons. Though he considered himself part of the educated class and was comfortable in high society, his habits remained simple.
He further stated that he did not want a wife with too much intellect, fearing she would develop an inflated opinion of herself and take on inappropriate ideas. Above all, he required respect from his future wife and wanted her to feel grateful for the happiness he provided. Regarding finances, Stytchkin declared he would never marry for money, preferring to support his wife rather than be supported by her. Nevertheless, he also rejected the idea of marrying a poor girl, citing rising prices and the prospect of children.
Discussion of fees and alternative options
After a brief pause in their conversation, the matchmaker suggested that she could offer Stytchkin something in the "bachelor line" instead, mentioning she had some "fine bargains" including a French girl and a Greek one. Stytchkin declined this offer and instead inquired about her fee for arranging a marriage.
Lyubov Grigoryevna requested twenty-five roubles plus material for a dress, noting that the dowry would be a separate matter. Stytchkin thought this price was steep, but the matchmaker defended her rates, explaining that in the past when weddings were more common, she charged less. She claimed that nowadays, earning fifty roubles in a month was considered good fortune.
An unexpected turn of interest
Stytchkin was astonished by the matchmaker's earnings. He calculated that fifty roubles monthly amounted to six hundred roubles annually, a sum he found impressive. This revelation seemed to change his perspective as he began to view Lyubov Grigoryevna herself in a new light.
He suggested that with such substantial income, she would have no difficulty finding a match for herself. When she laughed off his comment, saying she was an old woman, Stytchkin disagreed. He complimented her figure and fair, plump face, implying she remained quite attractive.
With such dividends, you know, Lyubov Grigoryevna, you would have no difficulty in making a match for yourself... You have such a figure, and your face is plump and fair, and all the rest of it.
The matchmaker became embarrassed by his comments. Stytchkin, also somewhat flustered, sat down beside her and continued his flattery. He suggested that if she met a practical, steady husband, their combined earnings would make them an excellent match. Lyubov Grigoryevna was taken aback by this unexpected turn in the conversation.
A sudden proposal and acceptance
After an awkward silence, Stytchkin stood up and began pacing the room in excitement. He declared that he didn't want a young wife, preferring someone more settled and mature—someone like Lyubov Grigoryevna herself. The matchmaker, blushing deeply, hid her crimson face in her kerchief as Stytchkin continued his impromptu courtship.
Stytchkin stated that she was after his own heart and suited his requirements perfectly. Without further deliberation, he made her a direct marriage proposal. Overcome with emotion, the matchmaker dropped a tear, laughed, and clinked glasses with Stytchkin to signal her acceptance of his proposal.
The matchmaker dropped a tear, laughed, and, in token of her consent, clinked glasses with Stytchkin... Now allow me to explain to you the behaviour and manner of life I desire from you... I desire that my wife should be strict also.
Stytchkin outlines his vision of marriage
With their engagement settled, Stytchkin immediately began explaining his expectations for their married life. He described himself as a strict, respectable, and practical man who took a gentlemanly view of everything. He emphasized that he wanted his wife to be equally strict and to understand her position in relation to him.
Stytchkin insisted that his future wife must recognize him as her benefactor and the foremost person in her world. He then sat down and, with a deep sigh, began expounding in detail his views on domestic life and the duties he expected his wife to fulfill. Thus, the matchmaker who had come to find Stytchkin a wife unexpectedly became his fiancée herself.