Daily puzzle

Put The Darling back in order

Seven beats from our edition of The Darling by Anton Chekhov, shuffled. Drag them, or use the arrows, until the story runs straight. No account, no streak to lose.

  1. An empty heart seeking Olenka is introduced as a soft, loving woman who must always be devoted to someone, sitting on her porch and watching the world.
  2. Kukin the showman She marries Vanitchka Kukin, manager of an open-air theatre, and takes on all his complaints about the weather and the indifferent public.
  3. First widowhood Kukin dies on a business trip to Moscow. Olenka grieves deeply and is desolate without a voice to echo.
  4. Pustovalov the timber man She marries Vassily Pustovalov and her whole world becomes lumber, beams, and prices. Her former theatrical talk vanishes entirely.
  5. The veterinarian After Pustovalov dies, she attaches herself to the army veterinary surgeon Smirnin and repeats his views on animal disease and sanitation.
  6. The blank years Smirnin's regiment leaves and Olenka is alone. With no one to love or quote, she holds no opinions and her mind goes empty and grey.
  7. Sasha and pure love Smirnin returns with his wife and small son Sasha. Olenka takes the boy to her heart, lives only for him, and dreads losing him.