About the book: 1915 / The sadly slow ringing of the cathedral bell floated loudly over the green streets of the town, announcing the ceremonial removal: the rich merchant, fishmonger, and mortal body died he, resting in a luxurious coffin in the middle of the cathedral, was preparing to set off on his “last journey.” Six priests in black vestments surrounded the coffin, the deacon's censers rang, the aroma of incense flowed in the hot air, the smell of candles and the echoes of sad chants seemed to have not ceased. The church was full: the whole market was here, all the officials of the town were near the coffin, and then the whole town filled the chapels, the vestibule, crowded on the porch, in the fence of the cathedral and in the square - around the magnificent hearse and horses in mourning blankets. It was solemn and everything was very curious for the residents of the city, who did not see such a magnificent funeral every day. People waited patiently, sometimes argued over the place, trying to get closer to the spectacle, talked about their affairs, and remembered the deceased; how, before everyone’s eyes, he made a fortune through swindles, how he drove his first wife to the grave with beatings and, as an old man, married a young, poor schoolgirl.