The following version of this story was used to create the guide: Nabokov, Vladimir. "Cloud, Castle, Lake." Nabokov's Dozen: Thirteen Stories. Penguin Random House UK, 2017.

In Vladimir Nabokov's short story "Cloud, Castle, Lake," the first person narrator tells the story of one of his former representatives, Russian refugee Vasili Ivanovich. While at a charity ball Vasili Ivanovich won a ticket for an excursion out of Berlin and into the countryside. Initially, Vasili Ivanovich was disinterested in leaving the city, and tried to sell his ticket back to the host organization, the Bureau of Pleasantrips. When this proved too complicated, Vasili Ivanovich decided to use the ticket.

The night before he was meant to leave, Vasili Ivanovich was overcome by a mysterious excitement. Suddenly, for no real reason, he began imagining all the possibilities the trip might hold. He became convinced that while away, he would discover some wonderful and longed-for happiness. The happiness would resemble his childhood, or the pleasure of reading, or what he felt for his unrequited love.

The next morning, he took pleasure riding the street-car to the train station, and imagining the people he might be traveling with. He arrived a few minutes late, and the group leader quickly ushered the travelers onto the train. After getting settled, Vasili Ivanovich took out his book. The other travelers insisted he put the book away and join their conversation and games. Vasili Ivanovich obliged, but the group's dynamic soon became rowdy and unpleasant. He turned his attention to the passing scenes outside his window. There he found relief in all he saw. The ravines, trees, and meadows seemed to call to him with the voice of an elusive lover.

The leader then passed out sheet music, and demanded that everyone sing, thus interrupting Vasili Ivanovich's meditations. When the group leader discovered Vasili Ivanovich was only mouthing the words, he punished him by making him sing a solo. Afterwards, the group had dinner. When Vasili Ivanovich revealed what he had brought, the group was disgusted, declared the food repellant, and threw it out the train window. They penalized him for his poor contribution by giving him only a small portion to eat. As the night went on, the group became more and more aggressive. The individual passengers seemed to mutate into one threatening monster, ensnaring Vasili Ivanovich.

Over the next two days, the travelers repeatedly exited the train, walked for hours, and slept in inns and barns. Throughout the trip they bullied and tormented Vasili Ivanovich.

During one long walk, Vasili Ivanovich was surprised to look up and see the manifestation of his hopes. Before him was a clear lake with a cloud reflected on its surface. Behind the scene an ancient castle towered. Vasili Ivanovich was overcome by emotion. The scene seemed designed expressly for him.

He wandered away from the group, and came upon a small house. Inside, he met the owner, who showed him to a plain guest room. From the room's window, Vasili Ivanovich had a perfect view of the cloud, castle, and lake. Delighted, he declared his plans to live in the room for the rest of his life.

When he announced his intentions to the group, they verbally attacked him. The leader demanded he return to the city. The group dragged him back to the train, and beat him for the entire ride home.

In Berlin, Vasili Ivanovich visited the narrator. He begged him to let him resign. He could no longer continue living. The narrator obliged.