It was hard for the actors of Nikolai Kotomtsov’s small troupe who had not received an engagement for the winter season: they have to wander through little county towns and try to draw audiences there, rather than in the capital. That audience, however, would much rather watch something else—not plays by Ostrovsky (and after all, the merchants would be offended that they’re being mocked)—but magicians, clowns, and trained dogs. And so the actors end up in debt as if it were silk, yet they still try to put on performances, hoping to take in enough to make ends meet. And just when it seems their own troubles weren’t bad enough, a young merchant’s son begins to trail them—captivated by the beauty of one of the actresses. As always with N. A. Leikin, the reader can expect a finely honed style from the master satirist, laughter through tears, and plenty of fascinating everyday details and signs of the times.