title: The Tattered Cloak and Other Stories
author: Nina Berberova
description: Nina Berberova's (1901-1993) The Tattered Cloak, translated from the Russian by Marian Schwartz, collects six stories dealing with Russian exiles of various backgrounds living in Paris just before World War II. "The Resurrection of Mozart" focuses on a woman anxiously awaiting her husband's return home as she juggles French soldiers, her disabled son and a mysterious vagrant musician. The title story is narrated by Sasha, who moves from Petersburg to Paris with her father and for years is haunted by the memory of her older sister. Berberova has been compared to Chekhov, and these stories glow with a quiet intensity. ( June 26) <br />Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  # 7
  
  
  
  
  
  THEY BADE FAREWELL TO the last of their visitors before noon on Thursday, and
  Adriana made every attempt to appear cheerful as she turned back toward the
  main entrance after waving good-bye to the final coach, but she could not
  repress a small sigh as she stepped back into the empty entry hall at
  Chalford’s side.
  
  
  
  
  
  He chuckled. “Go and find a warm cloak, sweetheart. You are going to need it.”
  
  
  
  
  
  She looked up at him, curiosity promptly overcoming depression. “Why do I need
  a cloak, sir? There is a brisk wind blowing, to be sure, but the air is quite
  warm today.”
  
  
  
  
  
  “Just, for once, do as I say without question,” he told her, grinning, “and
  put on a pair of sturdy shoes, too. You won’t want those skimpy little sandals
  where we’re going.”
  
  
  
  
  
  “And must I change my dress as well?” she asked, looking down at her sprig
  muslin round gown.
  
  
  
  
  
  “No need. Since it has no train to get in the way, that one will serve you
  well enough. Now go!”
  
  
  
  
  
  Hurrying up the stairs to he