Ход королевы

           InParisherpositionatthispointhadlookedstrongerthanthis,andshehadlost.Sheturnedfromthedeskandwenttothewindow,openingthedraperiesandlookingoutonMoscow.Thesunwasstillhigh,andthecitybelowlookedfarlighterandmorecheerfulthanMoscowwassupposedtolook.Thedistantparkwheretheoldmenplayedchesswasbrightwithgreen,butshewasfrightened.ShedidnotthinkshehadthestrengthtogoonandbeatVasilyBorgov.Shedidnotwanttothinkaboutchess.Iftherehadbeenatelevisionsetinherroom,shewouldhaveturnediton.Ifshehadhadabottleofanything,shewouldhavedrunkit.Shethoughtbrieflyofcallingroomserviceandstoppedherselfjustintime.

           Shesighedandwentbacktothechessboard.Ithadtobestudied.Shehadtohaveaplanfortomorrowmorningatten.

           ***

           Sheawokebeforedawnandlayinbedforawhilebeforelookingatherwatch.Itwasfive-thirty.Twohoursandahalf.Shehadslepttwohoursandahalf.Sheclosedhereyesgrimlyandtriedtogetbacktosleep.Butitdidn’twork.Thepositionoftheadjournedgameforceditselfbackintohermind.Therewereherpawns,andtherewasherqueen.TherewasBorgov’s.Shesawit,shecouldnotstopseeingit,butitmadenosense.Shehadstaredatitforhoursthenightbefore,tryingtogetsomekindofplantogetherfortherestofthegame,movingthepiecesaround,sometimesontherealboardandsometimesinherhead,butitwasnogood.Shecouldpushthequeenbishoppawnorbringtheknightovertothekingsideorputthequeenonbishoptwo.Oronkingtwo.