_The same and_ LYUBÍM KÁRPYCH
GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. Well, how could you help loving her? Your taste isn't bad!
And you'll get plenty of money with her, which is fine for a penniless
fellow like you--without a rag to your back!
MÍTYA. It is so insulting for me to hear this from you, that I have no
words. Better keep silent. [_Walks away_] If you please, Lyubóv Gordéyevna,
you speak.
LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Father, I have never gone against your will! If you wish
for my happiness, then give me to Mítya.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Why, why, really, Gordéy Kárpych, why do you keep
changing your mind so? Why do you? I was beginning to feel happy; my heart
was just beginning to feel easy, and now you begin again. Do stick to
something; otherwise what does all this mean? Really! First you say to one
man, and then to the other! Was she born your daughter just to be a martyr?
LYUBÍM KÁRPYCH. [_From the crowd_] Brother, give Lyubóv to Mítya!
GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. You here again! Do you understand what you've done to me
to-day? You've put me to shame before the whole town! If you felt this you
wouldn't dare to show yourself in my sight--and then you slink in and give
me advice! If it were only a man talking and not you.
LYUBÍM KÁRPYCH. You'd better bow down to Lyubím Tortsóv's feet, just
because he has put you to shame.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. That's it, dear Lyubím! We ought to bow down to your
feet; that's just it! You have taken a great sin from our souls; all our
prayers could never have freed us from this sin.
GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. What, am I a monster to my own family?
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. You're no monster, but you would have ruined your
daughter through your own folly; I tell you this straight out! They marry
girls to old men who are a lot better than Afrikán Savvich, and even so
they live miserable lives.
LYUBÍM KÁRPYCH. Permit me! [_Sings_] Tum-ty-tum, tum-ty-tum! [_Dances_]
Look at me, here's an example for you! Lyubím Kárpych stands before you
large as life! He went along that road, he knows what it is! And I was rich
and respected, I drove about in coaches, I played such pranks as would
never come into your head; and then head over heels down. Just see what a
dandy I am!
GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. No matter what you say to me, I don't want to listen; you
are my enemy for the rest of my life.
LYUBÍM KÁRPYCH. Are you a man, or a wild beast? Have pity on Lyubím
Tortsóv! [_Kneels down_] Brother, give Lyubóv to Mítya--he will give me a
corner. I was chilled and hungry. I was growing old, and it was hard for
me to play the fool in the cold for a piece of bread; at least in one's
old age one wants to live decently. You see I've been cheating people,
I've been begging alms, and have spent it in drink. They'll give me work,
and then I'll have my kettle of soup. Then I'll thank God, brother; even
my tears will reach to heaven. What if he is poor, eh? If I had been poor,
I should have been a man. Poverty is no crime.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Gordéy Kárpych, haven't you any feelings?
GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. [_Wiping away a tear_] And you really thought that I
hadn't? [_Lifts up his brother_] Well, brother, thank you for bringing me
back to reason; I almost went out of my mind completely. I don't know how
such a rotten notion got into my head. [_Embraces_ MÍTYA _and_ LYUBÓV
GORDÉYEVNA] Now, children, say thank you to your Uncle Lyubím Kárpych, and
live in happiness.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA _embraces the children._
GÚSLIN. Uncle, may I speak now?
GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. You may, you may! Ask for whatever you want, every one of
you! Now I have become another man.
GÚSLIN. Well, Annushka, it's our turn now!
ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Well, now, we'll have a dance; only hold your hat on!
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Yes, let's dance, let's dance!
RAZLYULYÁYEV. [_Goes to_ MÍTYA _and slaps him on the shoulder_] Mítya! For
a friend I give up everything! I loved her myself, but for you--I give her
up. Give me your hand. [_Clasps his hand_] That's all--take her; I give her
up to you! For a friend I don't regret anything! That's the way we do it
when it comes to the point! [_Wipes away his tears with the lappet of
his coat and kisses_ MÍTYA] He told the truth then; drunkenness is no
crime--well, I mean--poverty is no crime. I always make slips!
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Oh, yes, here they all are! [_To the girls_] Now, then,
girls, a jolly song! Yes, a jolly one! Now we'll celebrate the wedding with
all our hearts! With all our hearts! [_The girls begin to sing._
LYUBÍM KÁRPYCH. Sh! Obey orders! _He sings; the girls join in._
"We have done the business;
All the trade is driven.
The betrothal we will plight,
And upon the wedding night
A fine feast shall be given."
SIN AND SORROW ARE COMMON TO ALL
A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS
CHARACTERS
VALENTÍN PÁVLYCH BABÁYEV[1], _a young landowner_
[Footnote 1: womanish]
LEV RODIÓNYCH KRASNÓV, _a shopkeeper, about thirty years of age_
TATYÁNA DANÍLOVNA (_called_ TÁNYA), _his wife_
LUKÉRYA DANÍLOVNA ZHMIGÚLIN (_called,_ LÚSHA), _her sister, an old maid and
daughter of a government clerk now dead._
ARKHÍP, _blind old man, grandfather of_ KRASNÓV
AFÓNYA (AFANÁSY), _invalid boy about eighteen years of age, brother of_
KRASNÓV
MANÚYLO KALÍNYCH KÚRITSYN, _flour dealer about forty-five years of age_
ULYÁNA RODIÓNOVNA KÚRITSYNA, _his wife, sister of_ KRASNÓV
SHISHGÁLEV, _government clerk_
ZÁYCHIKHA (_called PROKÓFYEVNA_), _landlady of the lodgings taken by_
BABÁYEV
KARP, BABÁYEV'_s attendant
The action takes place in a district town_.
SIN AND SORROW ARE COMMON TO ALL
ACT I
TABLEAU I
_A room, cheaply papered, shabbily furnished; in the rear two doors, one
opening on the street, the other leading into an adjoining room; the
windows are hung with chintz curtains._
SCENE I
_KARP is unfastening a valise, and ZÁYCHIKHA (PROKÓFYEVNA) is looking out
of the window._
PROKÓFYEVNA. Just look, dear sir, how many people have gathered.
KARP. What do they want? Why are they curious?
PROKÓFYEVNA. Every one, dear sir, wishes to know who it is that has
arrived.
KARP. They say you're provincials, and you certainly are provincials. Well,
tell them that it's Babáyev, Valentin Pávlich, a landowner.
PROKÓFYEVNA. [_Speaking through the window_] Babáyev, a landowner. [_To
KARP_] They're asking why you came.
KARP. On business, of course. Did you think we came here for sport? Much
chance there would be for that here.
PROKÓFYEVNA. [_Through the window_] For business. [_To KARP_] Will you
remain long?
KARP. We certainly haven't come to settle here. We may stay two days; not
longer, you may be sure.
PROKÓFYEVNA. [_Through the window_] For two days. [_Withdraws from the
window_] Now I've satisfied them. In five minutes the entire city will
know.
KARP. Your lodging is all right; it's clean.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Certainly it's clean, sir. No great frills, but it's clean. Of
course there's no great travelling to our town.
KARP. It isn't on the highway.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Highway, not much! Yet the best people that do come here,
lodge with me. I know a lot of the landowners who come here. They are used
to me; very few of them ever go to the hotel.
KARP. Because it's so noisy.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Yes, I should say so! Down-stairs is a bar-room; and on market
days the noise is dreadful. Please tell me, wasn't your master's mother
Sofya Pavlovna, the wife of General Babáyev?
KARP. Exactly so.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Is their estate called Zavetnoye?
KARP. Yes.
PROKÓFYEVNA. So, so. I recognized him just now. I used to see him as a
youngster. He often rode to town with his mother, and they would call on
me. Does he live in the country?
KARP. No, we are most of the time in St. Petersburg; but now we have come
to the country to arrange business matters.
PROKÓFYEVNA. So, so. But is he a good man to deal with?
KARP. Pretty good.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Well, thank the Lord! May He reward him! What business brought
you to our town?
KARP. Oh, those endless legal matters. Petty business, something to bear
witness to; but I suppose he'll waste five days over it.
PROKÓFYEVNA. It wouldn't be surprising. Have you called on the judges?
KARP. Yes, we called on them all. Just now they sent us a clerk from court.
PROKÓFYEVNA. They'll probably do it quicker for you than for us. If you
need anything, knock on the wall, and I'll come. [_Goes out_.
BABÁYEV _and_ SHISHGÁLEV _enter at the side door_.
SCENE II
BABÁYEV, SHISHGÁLEV, _and_ KARP
BABÁYEV. So you say, my dear sir, that it is absolutely impossible?
SHISHGÁLEV. [_Bowing and continually blowing his nose and covering his
mouth with his hand_] But, believe me, sir, if it were at all possible we
should have----
BABÁYEV. Maybe it is possible?
SHISHGÁLEV. Judge for yourself, sir. Now the court session has ended, it
is quite impossible to assemble the members; to-morrow is a holiday--then
comes Saturday and then Sunday.
BABÁYEV. Just think, my dear sir, how you are treating me!
SHISHGÁLEV. How am I to blame? I'm the humblest sort of man.
BABÁYEV. But, my dear sir, what shall I do here for the next four days? It
is dreadful!
SHISHGÁLEV. You can look around, sir, and take a glance at our city.
KARP. What's the use of looking at it? What is there to see here? I suppose
you'll say that St. Petersburg is not as fine a city as yours.
BABÁYEV. Have you any kind of social life?
SHISHGÁLEV. I beg pardon, sir?
BABÁYEV. I said, have you any social life, any sort of club, entertainment
with music, or parties?
SHISHGÁLEV. No, we haven't.
BABÁYEV. But where do the members of the court and the rest of them spend
their time?
SHISHGÁLEV. They usually spend it together.
BABÁYEV. How together?
SHISHGÁLEV. Every day is assigned. For instance, to-day they are with the
prefect, to-morrow with the judge, day after to-morrow with the attorney;
then with the farmer of the spirit tax, and next with the retired police
captain--and so all the week goes by.
BABÁYEV. At what time do they meet?
SHISHGÁLEV. About six o'clock.
BABÁYEV. What do they do then?
SHISHGÁLEV. They play preference.
BABÁYEV. And what else, certainly not only preference?
SHISHGÁLEV. That's the truth, just preference. But usually they have tables
with drinks and refreshments--just as it should be. They play, and then
they take a bite, and so they pass the time.
BABÁYEV. And do they all drink, from six o'clock on?
SHISHGÁLEV. Oh, no, by no means! Only the dealer, or some one who has to
pay a fine.
BABÁYEV. Then, my dear sir, I can't help it. I've got to wait.
SHISHGÁLEV. Just wait awhile, sir. On Monday you will please appear in
court, and we'll arrange the matter without delay.
BABÁYEV. Very well, I will be in court on Monday. But you'll have some
writing to do for me. Then I'll give you--as is proper--I don't like any
one to labor for me for nothing.
SHISHGÁLEV. My family is large, Your Honor----
BABÁYEV. What's that?
SHISHGÁLEV. Do have the kindness to bestow a little something----
BABÁYEV. Really, I don't know; how's that? How much do you want?
KARP. Give him one ruble, sir; that'll be enough for him.
BABÁYEV. [_Giving the money_] Here you are--I'm really ashamed.
SHISHGÁLEV. [_Depositing the coin in his pocket_] Not at all. I thank you
heartily; I wish you all good fortune. [_Goes out_.
SCENE III
BABÁYEV _and_ KARP
BABÁYEV. How rude you are, Karp.
KARP. If you begin to be sentimental with 'em, sir, they'll get the habit
of calling around here and bewailing their fate. No amount of money will
suffice 'em. They're a godless crowd.
BABÁYEV. Well, what'll I do? I'd like to go for a walk, but it's still hot.
Karp, what shall I do?
KARP. I'll tell you what, go to sleep; after travelling it's a good thing.
BABÁYEV. But what shall I do at night?
KARP. At night just the same. They say people sleep when they're bored.
BABÁYEV. How stupid I was not to bring any books. If I only had some
frivolous intrigue to amuse myself with for four days.
[_Goes out through the side door._]
KARP. So that's what you wish! An intrigue! That's his style! He was his
mother's spoiled darling and he was raised with young ladies and in the
housemaids' room, and he has a hankering for that kind of thing now. Since
I've lived in St. Petersburg with him, what things I have seen; it was
shameful! I wonder if he's asleep? I'd like to have a nap. [_He's about to
lie down when the door opens_] Who's that?
LUKÉRYA _comes in._
SCENE IV
KARP and LUKÉRYA
KARP. What do you want?
LUKÉRYA. Valentin Pávlich.
KARP. What do you want of him?
LUKÉRYA. If I want to see him, of course it must be necessary.
KARP. Do you want help of some sort?
LUKÉRYA. How rude! Aren't you aware that the Zhmigulin ladies were always
welcome at the home of your master's mother? I am also very intimately
acquainted with Valentin Pávlich.
KARP. You are? I doubt it.
LUKÉRYA. Maybe you stupidly misunderstand my words in some way that's
beyond me. [_Sits down_] Your business is to go right off and announce me.
KARP. I tell you he's asleep now.
LUKÉRYA. That can't be, because I've just seen him through the window.
KARP. Well, I see I can't do anything with you; I'll have to announce you.
[_Goes out._]
LUKÉRYA. In these modern times, these new changes have done a lot to spoil
people. He ought to have found out first what my rank was, and then treated
me accordingly. And it's not his business whether I came to ask for aid or
not. To be sure, people of our station are often engaged in that, but not
all. Maybe Valentin Pávlich has become so proud since he has lived in St.
Petersburg that he will not wish to see me. But I'm so anxious to show
every one here what acquaintances we have. I think he didn't disdain us
formerly, especially sister Tánya.
_BABÁYEV comes in._
SCENE V
BABÁYEV and LUKÉRYA
BABÁYEV. Whom have I the honor of addressing?
LUKÉRYA. I hardly expected, Valentin Pávlich, that you would so soon forget
old acquaintances.
BABÁYEV. Be seated, please. [_Both sit down_] I somehow do not recall.
LUKÉRYA. Of course, nowadays feelings are not in vogue; now it's all
a matter of calculation; but we provincials aren't like you in St.
Petersburg; we remember our former acquaintances, and especially our
benefactors.
BABÁYEV. I agree with you--benefactors should always be remembered.
LUKÉRYA. We are so indebted to your mother that words fail me to express
it. She did so much for the Zhmigulin family.
BABÁYEV. The Zhmigulins?
LUKÉRYA. Especially for sister Tánya and me.
BABÁYEV. [_Rising_] Tánya--Tatyána Danílovna?
LUKÉRYA. Do you remember, now?
BABÁYEV. So you are her sister?
LUKÉRYA. Lukérya Danílovna Zhmigulin.
BABÁYEV. Pardon me, I beg of you.
LUKÉRYA. I'm not in the least offended because you remember my sister more
readily than you do me. She's so beautiful that it's impossible to forget
her.
BABÁYEV. Yes, yes, she was an exceedingly beautiful girl; we were great
friends.
LUKÉRYA. I'm aware of that. Who should know it if not I? Being the elder
sister I had to care for the younger.
BABÁYEV. Yes, yes, to be sure. Tell me, if you please, where is she now?
What is she doing?
LUKÉRYA. She's here in the city, married.
BABÁYEV. Married? Does she live happily?
LUKÉRYA. Judge for yourself. She lives in poverty among stupid, ignorant
people. It isn't as it was in your mother's house at Zavetnoye. That was an
earthly paradise! Your mother was the kindest of ladies, and liked to have
everybody happy at her house. There were always lots of young ladies in her
house, and likewise young gentlemen, and they played games from morning
till night. She made even the chambermaids play tag with us and other
games, and she looked on and enjoyed it.
BABÁYEV. Yes, yes, it was but a short time ago. It's no more than three
years since I left for St. Petersburg.
LUKÉRYA. I remember it very well. You left three years ago last carnival
time. Your mother didn't like any of her guests to be moody or to read
books. She would say: "Why, you're spoiling everybody's spirits." Every one
was madly gay for her sake, but in the midst of all that gayety anybody who
had a keen eye could see quite a little.
BABÁYEV. Nothing more natural! Men, girls, and young ladies continually
together--of course they couldn't help falling in love.
LUKÉRYA. You were especially strong in that line. You were continually with
Tánya, and you never left her, so they called you the "doves."
BABÁYEV. One's heart's not a stone, Lukérya Danílovna. Even you
yourself--do you remember the surveyor?
LUKÉRYA. He isn't worth remembering. Later on he behaved in a very
ungentlemanly way to me. But fate has punished him for his lack of courtesy
towards a girl of noble birth. He's now in jail for being drunk and
disorderly.
BABÁYEV. Kindly tell me how it happened that your sister married?
LUKÉRYA. When your mamma died last summer we had absolutely no one left to
help us. Our papa in his old age was of no account in the city. He was a
timid man, and so he didn't get on well. Our father was a clerk in the
Chancery Office, and he received a salary of thirty rubles a year. How
could we live on such a sum? And yet we saw something of society. At first
we were hardly ever at home, and your mamma aided us in many ways. Suddenly
all that stopped, and soon our father died. At that time Tánya received an
offer from--I'm almost ashamed to tell you.
BABÁYEV. Why, what are you ashamed of?
LUKÉRYA. You are receiving me so graciously, and your interest in my sister
makes me feel that our actions have been very uncivil.
BABÁYEV. That can't be helped. Probably it was all due to circumstances.
What are you to blame for?
LUKÉRYA. You can hardly imagine the degree of embarrassment this
relationship causes me. In a word, our circumstances were such that she was
forced to marry a petty shopkeeper.
BABÁYEV. A petty shopkeeper? What kind of shop has he?
LUKÉRYA. A vegetable shop. You can see it from here, the sign reads, "Lev
Krasnóv."
BABÁYEV. Yes, I noticed it. Is he a good man?
LUKÉRYA. Considering the type, he's a very nice man, and he loves sister
very dearly. Yet there is something so inherently bad about his calling
that, judge as you will, he's still not very far removed from a peasant.
That trait of character, if you boil a man for seven years in a kettle, you
cannot boil out. Yet I must give him credit for taking good care of his
house. He doesn't give himself any rest day or night; he toils hard all
the time. As for my sister, he's willing to give her whatever her heart
desires, even his last kopek, just to please her, so that she does
absolutely nothing, and lives like a lady. But his manners are boorish, and
his conversation embarrasses us very much. Altogether this is not the kind
of happiness I wished for Tánya. Judging by her beauty and the standing
of her former admirers, she should now be riding in a carriage. As it is,
necessity has forced her to marry a peasant, almost for a crust of bread,
and to blush for him whenever she sees anybody.
BABÁYEV. So Tatyána Danílovna has married--I'm sorry.
LUKÉRYA. You needn't feel sorry. She's no match for you.
BABÁYEV. Of course.--Here I am in this city, and owing to circumstances I'm
forced to remain at least four days, and maybe more. What am I going to do?
I'm very much pleased that you have called on me. If it hadn't been for you
I don't know what I should have done with myself. Now, just imagine,
if your sister weren't married, we'd spend these four days so that we
shouldn't know how the time was passing. [_Takes her by the hand_] Isn't
that true?
LUKÉRYA. Who's keeping you from that now?
BABÁYEV. Well, you see it's awkward; being married, what will her husband
think? It's really provoking.
LUKÉRYA. You don't mean it! It seems to me that you used to have different
opinions on such things. You weren't so anxious to know what pleased the
husbands and what didn't.
BABÁYEV. Yes, but that was in an entirely different social circle. There
manners are much more free.
LUKÉRYA. How do you know whether my sister has freedom or hasn't?
BABÁYEV. [_Taking both her hands_] At all events, I'm so glad, so thankful
to you for furnishing me with diversion when I was bored. Don't you want
something? Be good enough to make yourself at home; everything is at your
service. Will you have some tea?
LUKÉRYA. Thank you, I've just had tea. But I must hurry home now. I have to
attend to some matters with sister. Shall I extend her your greetings?
BABÁYEV. Please be so kind.
LUKÉRYA. [_Going to the door_] Why don't you invite sister and me to call
on you?
BABÁYEV. I should be so happy to have you, only I really don't know how to
arrange it. I should like very much to see Tatyána Danílovna.
LUKÉRYA. If you wish to see her, then where's the obstacle? She isn't a
princess imprisoned behind ten locks. You'll go for a walk, no doubt, as
you can't remain in your room?
BABÁYEV. I should like to go, but I hardly know in what direction.
LUKÉRYA. You needn't go far. Stroll out of the rear gate to the river-bank,
sit down on the bench and enjoy the beauty of nature. It's a quiet,
secluded place; few people ever go there. It's a most delightful walk for
sentimental young people. Sister and I will go that way, and there you may
be able to see her. Good day! [_She goes out._
BABÁYEV. What a surprise! Could I have expected such good fortune? Little
Tánya, little Tánya! I shall see her again! I'll go mad with joy. She was
so charming, so delicate. Some people said that she didn't have much sense,
but is that a fault in a woman? And then her beauty, her beauty! It's
likely that instead of four days I'll stay four weeks. [_Goes out._
TABLEAU II
_The bank of a river; at one side a fence and gate, at the other a corner
of a barn; beyond the river stretches the countryside; sunset._
SCENE I
_Enter_ ARKHÍP _and_ AFÓNYA
AFÓNYA. Grandfather, let's rest here awhile. I feel ill to-day. Sit down
here, on the bench.
ARKHÍP. Very well, Afónya, we'll sit down here. You and I are unfortunate:
age is overcoming me and sickness you.
AFÓNYA. I'm not ailing. I was born so. Grandfather, I shan't live long in
this bright world.
ARKHÍP. Don't listen to old wives' tales. No one knows what fate awaits
him.
AFÓNYA. What do I care for old wives! I know that I shall not live long. My
appetite is failing. Others have such hearty appetites after working. They
eat a whole lot and want more. There's brother Lev, when he's tired--just
keep giving him food. But I don't care if I never eat at all. My soul won't
take anything. I just swallow a crust--and am satisfied.
ARKHÍP. That helps growth.
AFÓNYA. No, it doesn't. Why should I grow any more, anyhow! As it is, I
am tall for my age. But it's a sign that I shall not live. Just listen,
grandfather; a man who is alive thinks of living things, but I don't have
any interest in anything. Some people like nice clothes, but for me it's
all the same--whatever rag is near at hand--just so I'm warm. For instance,
all the boys have some hobby; some like fishing, others games, some sing
songs; but nothing attracts me. While others are happy I feel depressed.
Misery seems to grip my heart.
ARKHÍP. That is God's gift to you. From your childhood you have had no love
for this vain world. Some lose their faint-heartedness with years, when
woes and afflictions, Afónya, crush and grind a man into powder; but you
have never lived, have not yet tasted the world's sorrows or joys, and yet
you reason like an old man. Thank God that he has made you wise. The world
does not charm you: you do not know temptation, so your sins are less. That
is your good fortune. Just listen to me. I, Afónya, have known temptation
and have not always turned aside from it, and most often I sought
temptation of my own free will. You say everything seems the same to you,
that nothing in the world delights you; but to me God's world was good and
bright. Everything beckoned and charmed me. An unsated eye and free will
command one to taste all the pleasures of the universe. But in the world,
Afónya, good and evil go hand in hand. Well, one's sins may be more in
number than the sands of the sea. Luckily God prolonged my life, that I
might repent, and did not strike me down in my sins. We repent and humble
ourselves and hope for mercy; but you will have nothing to repent of; you,
Afónya, are a man of God.
AFÓNYA. No, grandfather, no, do not speak so. How am I a man of God? I
have seen men of God, but they are good and do not remember evil. They are
abused and mocked, but they laugh at it, while I am rough and harsh, just
like my brother; only brother is forgiving though quick-tempered, while I
am not. I, grandfather, I have an evil temper.
ARKHÍP. At whom should you be angry, my child; who injures you?
AFÓNYA. No one injures me, but my heart aches for every one--for you, for
brother, for all of you.
ARKHÍP. Why are you grieving for us? We have nothing to complain of.
AFÓNYA. We didn't have anything to complain of, grandfather, before brother
married. Grandfather, why does brother love his wife so?
ARKHÍP. Why shouldn't he love her? Why did he marry her? You should be
happy because he loves his wife. What a foolish fellow you are!
AFÓNYA. No, I speak the truth. Formerly brother used to love you and me
much more than now.
ARKHÍP. So you are jealous! Probably you are envious.
AFÓNYA. No, it isn't envy; but is my brother blind? Does she love him as he
does her? Is she worthy of him? Why is he so servile in the presence of
her and her kin? His servility offends me. Is he inferior to her and her
sister? One marries a wife to have a helper; but she sits with folded
hands. Brother alone works and dances attendance on them. I pity him.
ARKHÍP. What business is it of yours? It's his own choice. He works and
doesn't force you to. You and I are fed by his kindness.
AFÓNYA. Don't I know that? Tell me, grandfather, is she any better than
brother or not?
ARKHÍP. Better or not, she is of different sort.
AFÓNYA. What do you mean by "different sort"! As it is, brother is obliged
to work for them, feed and clothe them, while they give themselves airs.
There isn't a better man in the world than brother, and they have made him
their drudge.
ARKHÍP. How do you know? Your brother himself may not wish her to work.
AFÓNYA. But if she doesn't work then she'd better not put on airs. Since
she married a commoner she should be one like the rest of us. Are we a sort
of accursed people? Lord, pardon me for saying it! We too have our communal
society and we pay taxes and take part in other obligations. My brother
gets money by sweat and toil, and contributes it to the community. She
might stay at home and play the lady, but if she marries, then she
should know that there is one master in the house--her husband. You see,
grandfather, I see and hear everything, since they are so shameless as not
to pay any heed to me. Brother gives her kerchiefs and silk dresses, while
she and her sister laugh at him and call him a fool. I hear it all; it is
bitter to me, grandfather, bitter. I began to speak to brother about it,
but he scolded me. [_Pause_] Grandfather, that is why I can't sleep. What I
see by day appears to me at night, gnaws at my heart, and I weep all night.
I shan't live long. My health cannot improve now because my temper is
altogether too violent. If God would only take me quickly so that I should
have less suffering!
ARKHÍP. Don't say such sinful things! You have to live and live! You see,
Afónya, I have nothing to live for, yet I keep on living. God knows the
reason of all this. What a man I am! I never see the fair sun or the bright
moon, and likewise I shall never see the green meadows or the cool waters
and all creatures of God. But hardest of all is that I cannot see the
bright face of man.
AFÓNYA. It is a pity, grandfather, that you cannot see; but I'm tired of
everything, nothing comforts me.
ARKHÍP. The reason you are not comforted is that your heart is not at
peace. Look at God's world longer and more often, and less at men and
women, and you will become lighter of heart; you will sleep at night and
have pleasant dreams. Where are we sitting now, Afónya?
AFÓNYA. On the bank, grandfather, beside Prokófyevna's house.
ARKHÍP. Is the bridge at our right?
AFÓNYA. Yes, grandfather.
ARKHÍP. Is the sun at our left?
AFÓNYA. Yes, grandfather, but it's almost set.
ARKHÍP. In a cloud?
AFÓNYA. No, it is clear. The twilight is so brilliant. We'll have fine
weather.
ARKHÍP. That's it, that's it. I feel it myself. The air is so light and the
breeze so fresh that I do not want to leave. Beautiful, Afónya, beautiful
is God's world. Now the dew will fall and fragrance will rise from every
flower; and yonder the stars will come out; and above the stars, Afónya, is
our merciful Creator. If we remembered more constantly that He is merciful,
we ourselves should be more merciful.
AFÓNYA. I will try to subdue my heart, grandfather. [BABÁYEV _comes in_]
Let us go. Some strange gentleman is walking here; he would probably laugh
at our talk.
ARKHÍP. [_Following_ AFÓNYA] My soul magnifies God. _They go out_.
SCENE II
BABÁYEV _alone_
BABÁYEV. When you are waiting for something pleasant the time seems to
drag! I purposely came by the longest road so as not to arrive too early,
but nevertheless I got here before they did. How I hate to wait! What a
foolish situation! Women generally like to torment: it's their nature; they
like to have someone wait for them. Of course, that doesn't apply to Tánya;
I believe she's very, very glad that I have arrived. I speak of women of
our own sort. I think they torment, because--how shall I express it--the
idea is entirely original--in order to compensate themselves in advance for
the rights which they lose later. That's the result of being in a lovely
landscape face to face with nature! What brilliant thoughts come to one!
If this thought were developed at leisure, in the country, it might form
a small novel, even a comedy on the order of Alfred de Musset. But such
things are not played in our country. They must be presented delicately,
very delicately--here the principal thing is the--bouquet. I think some
one is coming. Is it they? How shall we meet? Two years of separation mean
much.
TATYÁNA _and_ LUKÉRYA _come in_.
SCENE III
BABÁYEV, TATYÁNA, and LUKÉRYA
TATYÁNA. [_Extending her hand to_ BABÁYEV] How do you do, Valentin Pávlich!
I was so happy when sister told me that you had returned.
BABÁYEV. So, do you still remember me?
TATYÁNA. Indeed I do! We frequently, that is, sister and I, very frequently
speak of you. She tells me that you have forgotten us.
BABÁYEV. No, I have not forgotten you. There are memories, my darling
Tatyána Danílovna, which are not readily forgotten. My acquaintance with
you was of that sort. Isn't that so?
TATYÁNA. [_Dropping her eyes_] Yes, sir.
BABÁYEV. Let me assure you that as soon as I could tear myself away from
St. Petersburg, and come to the country, I continually sought an occasion
to visit this city and to find you without fail.
LUKÉRYA. Have you never found such an occasion before now? Don't tell me
that!
BABÁYEV. I assure you.
LUKÉRYA. Much we believe you! Tánya, do not believe the gentlemen; they
always deceive.
BABÁYEV. Why speak so to me?
LUKÉRYA. That doesn't apply just to you, but to all other fine young
gentlemen.
TATYÁNA. Shall you remain long in this city?
BABÁYEV. Shall I remain long? At first I thought it would depend upon the
clerks who have my affair in hand, but now I see that it will depend upon
you, my darling Tatyána Danílovna.
TATYÁNA. That honors me entirely too much. No, tell me, shall you be here
three or four days?
BABÁYEV. They promised to arrange my affairs in three days, but maybe I'll
stay three or four days longer, if you wish me to.
TATYÁNA. Certainly, I do.
BABÁYEV. There is just one drawback, my darling Tatyána Danílovna: your
city is dreadfully lonesome. I will remain on one condition, that I may see
you as often as possible.
TATYÁNA. That's very simple. Call on us. We shall be delighted to have you
come to tea to-morrow.
BABÁYEV. Yes, but it's impossible to call on you often, as gossip and talk
spreads, and then there's your husband----
TATYÁNA. This doesn't concern him. You are my acquaintance; you call on me,
not him.
LUKÉRYA. Then we on our side will observe the courtesies and will return
your call. Besides, we often visit your landlady, so if it's pleasant for
you to see us, you can call in there.
BABÁYEV. [_Withdrawing to one side with_ TATYÁNA] Doesn't married life bore
you?
TATYÁNA. [_After a pause_] I don't know; what can I say to that?
BABÁYEV. My darling Tatyána Danílovna, be perfectly frank with me. You know
what kind feelings I've always had for you.
TATYÁNA. Why should I be so frank with you? What good can come of it? It's
too late to mend things now.
BABÁYEV. If you can't mend things entirely, at least, darling Tatyána
Danílovna, you can sweeten your existence for a time, so that you will not
be entirely smothered by the vulgar life around you.
TATYÁNA. For a time, yes! Then life will be harder than ever. BABÁYEV.
Do you know, I want to move to the country; then we could be near to one
another. I am even ready to move to this town, if only you----
TATYÁNA. [_Turning away_] Please don't talk to me like that! I didn't
expect to hear such things from you, Valentin Pávlich.
LUKÉRYA. [_To_ BABÁYEV] You're getting in pretty deep there. I hear
everything you're saying.
BABÁYEV. Lukérya Danílovna, I think some one is coming. Take a look out on
the bank there. I'm anxious that we should not be seen here together.
LUKÉRYA. Oh, you're a sly gentleman! [_Goes away_.
TATYÁNA. So you will have tea with us to-morrow, Valentin Pávlich?
BABÁYEV. I really don't know--very likely.
TATYÁNA. No, don't fail to come! [_Pause_] Well, how shall I invite you?
[_Takes_ BABÁYEV _by the hand_] Well, my darling! Well, my precious!
BABÁYEV. It seems to me that you have changed, Tatyána Danílovna.
TATYÁNA. I, changed! Honestly I haven't. Not a bit. Why are you so cruel to
me?
BABÁYEV. Do you remember Zavetnoye, Tatyána Danílovna?
TATYÁNA. Why? I remember it all.
BABÁYEV. Do you remember the garden? Do you remember the linden walk? Do
you remember how, after supper, while mother slept, we used to sit on the
terrace? Do you recall the narrow ribbon?
TATYÁNA. [_In a low voice_] Which one?
BABÁYEV. With which you tied my hands.
TATYÁNA. [_Embarrassed_] Well, what of that? Yes, I remember absolutely
everything.
BABÁYEV. Just that you, my precious, are now entirely different; you have
met me so coldly.
TATYÁNA. Ah, Valentin Pávlich! Then I was a girl and could love any one I
wished; now I am married. Just think!
BABÁYEV. Why, certainly. Yet I can't imagine you belonging to any one else.
Do what you will, I can hardly control my desire to call you Tánya, as I
used to.
TATYÁNA. Why control yourself? Call me Tánya.
BABÁYEV. But what's the use, my dear! You don't love me any more!
TATYÁNA. Who told you that? I love you as much, even more than before.
BABÁYEV. [_Bending towards her_] Is it possible, Tanechka, that that is the
truth?
TATYÁNA. [_Kissing him_] Well, here's my evidence! _Now_ do you believe?
But, darling Valentin Pávlich, if you don't wish me unhappiness for the
rest of my life, we must love one another as we are doing now; but you
mustn't think of more than that. Otherwise, good-by to you--away from
temptation!
BABÁYEV. Set your mind at rest, darling, about that.
TATYÁNA. No, you swear to me! Swear, so that I may not fear you.
BABÁYEV. How foolish you are!
TATYÁNA. Yes, I am foolish, certainly. If I should listen to the opinions
of older people, then I am committing a great wrong. According to the old
law, I must love no one other than my husband. But since I can't love
him--and loved you before my marriage, and can't change my heart, so
I--only God preserve you from--and I won't in any respect--because I wish
to live right.
BABÁYEV. Calm yourself.
TATYÁNA. That's the way, my dear Valentin Pávlich. It means that we shall
now have a very pleasant love-affair, without sinning against God, or
feeling shame before men.
BABÁYEV. Yes, yes, that'll be splendid!
TATYÁNA. Now I'll give you a kiss because you're so clever! [_Kisses him_]
So you will come to-morrow evening?
BABÁYEV. And then you'll visit me?
TATYÁNA. Be sure to come! Then we'll visit you. Now I'm not afraid of you.
BABÁYEV. How beautiful you are! You're even lovelier than you used to be.
TATYÁNA. Let that be a secret. Good-by. Come on, Lusha!
LUKÉRYA. [_Approaching_] Good-by! Good night, pleasant dreams--of plucking
roses, of watering jasmine! [_Going_] But what a man you are! Oh, oh, oh!
He's clever, I must say! I just looked and wondered. [_They go out_.
BABÁYEV. Now the novel is beginning; I wonder how it'll end!
ACT II
TABLEAU I
_A room in_ KRASNÓV'_s house; directly in front a door leading to a
vestibule; to the right a window and a bed with chintz curtains; to the
left a stove-couch and a door into the kitchen; in the foreground a plain
board table and several chairs; along the back wall and window benches;
along the left wall a cupboard with cups, a small mirror, and a wall
clock_.
SCENE I
TATYÁNA _stands before the mirror putting on a kerchief_; AFÓNYA _is lying
on the stove-couch_; LUKÉRYA _comes in with a figured table-cloth_.
LUKÉRYA. There, Tánya, I've borrowed a cloth from the neighbor to cover our
table. Ours is awfully poor. [_Lays the cloth on the table_.
TATYÁNA. Have you started the samovar?
LUKÉRYA. Long ago; it'll boil soon. Well, you see it's just as I told you;
that kerchief is much more becoming to you. But why did you stick the pin
through it? [_Adjusting it_] There, that's much better.
AFÓNYA. Where are you dressing up to go to? Why are you prinking so at that
mirror?
TATYÁNA. Nowhere; we're going to stay at home.
LUKÉRYA. What business is it of yours? Do you think we ought to be as
slovenly as yourself?
AFÓNYA. But who are you fixing up for? For your husband? He loves you more
than you deserve even without the fine clothes. Or is it for some one else?
LUKÉRYA. Hear him! A fool, a fool! yet he understands that she's dressing
up for some one else.
TATYÁNA. Why should I dress for my husband? He knows me anyway. When I
dress, of course it's for a stranger.
AFÓNYA. Who are you going to flirt with? Who are you going to charm? Have
you no conscience?
LUKÉRYA. What's the use of arguing with a fool! All he has to do is to
chatter. Lies on the stove-couch and plots trouble.
TATYÁNA. What kind of judge are you, anyway? My husband never says anything
to me, and yet you dare to put in your opinion!
AFÓNYA. Yes, but he's blinded by you, blinded. You've given him some sort
of love-charm.
LUKÉRYA. Keep still, seeing that God has made you a sick man. Tend to your
own business; keep on coughing, there's no sin in that.
AFÓNYA. Fool--brother is a fool! He's ruined himself.
LUKÉRYA. Tánya, shouldn't I bring the samovar in here?
TATYÁNA. Yes, and I'll set the cups. [_Puts cups on the table_. LUKÉRYA
_goes out_] You'd better go into the kitchen.
AFÓNYA. I'm all right here.
TATYÁNA. Strangers are coming and you'll make us gloomy.
AFÓNYA. I won't go.
TATYÁNA. It's a true proverb: "There's no brewing beer with a fool." Our
guest is no cheap shopkeeper like your brother. A gentleman is coming, do
you hear? What are you fussing about?
AFÓNYA. What sort of a gentleman? Why is he coming?
TATYÁNA. Just the same kind of gentleman as all the rest. He's our
acquaintance, a rich landowner; well, now get out!
AFÓNYA. He's a gentleman in his own house, but I'm one here. I'm not going
to him, but he's coming here. I'm in my own house, and sick, so I won't
consider anybody. Was it him you dressed up for?
TATYÁNA. That's my business, not yours.
LUKÉRYA _brings in the samovar_.
LUKÉRYA. [_Placing the samovar on the table_] Lev Rodionych is coming with
some people.
TATYÁNA. I guess some of his relatives; what a horrid nuisance!
AFÓNYA. Nuisance! Why did you ever intrude into our family?
_Enter_ KRASNÓV, KÚRITSYN, ULYÁNA.
SCENE II
KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA, AFÓNYA, KÚRITSYN, _and_ ULYÁNA.
KRASNÓV. [_To his wife_] How are you? [_Kisses her_.
TATYÁNA. How affectionate!
KRASNÓV. Never mind. We have a perfect right to! Let me treat you. We've
just received fresh grapes. [_Gives her a bunch_] Here I have brought you
some company. The samovar is all ready--that's good.
ULYÁNA. How do you do, sister? You are so proud you never call on us! But
we're common folks; so we picked ourselves up and came, uninvited.
KÚRITSYN. How do you do, sister? Why are you so contemptuous of your
relatives? You might run over once in a while for tea; your feet are able
to carry you!
KRASNÓV. How has she time to go visiting? She has so much to do at home.
She's just beginning to get used to the household!
ULYÁNA. Yes, sister, you must get used to the household. That's our woman's
duty. You didn't marry a millionaire, so you needn't put on airs.
KÚRITSYN. Yes, you'd better learn, and well.
ULYÁNA. [_Approaching_ AFÓNYA] Ah, Afónya, are you still sick? You ought to
take something!
KÚRITSYN. [_Also approaching_ AFÓNYA] You eat more--then you'll get well.
If you don't want to, then force yourself to eat; that's what I tell you!
[_Speaks in a low voice to_ AFÓNYA.
TATYÁNA. [_To her husband_] What have you done! What sort of company have
you brought?
LUKÉRYA. To be frank, you've spoiled everything. How embarrassing, how
awfully embarrassing!
KRASNÓV. What, embarrassing? Is some lord coming? What's the odds! Nothing
to get excited over! Let him see our relatives.
LUKÉRYA. Much he's interested!
KRASNÓV. I can't chase my sister away for him. So there's nothing more to
be said about it. I haven't set eyes on him yet, I don't know what he's
like; these, at any rate, are our own. And, besides, they'll not stay long.
[_To his wife_] Be seated; pour the tea! Brother, sister, have a cup of
tea.
_All excepting_ AFÓNYA _seat themselves at the table_.
KÚRITSYN. Brother, this is a holiday occasion, so it is customary before
tea to--just a little. Don't you drink, yourself?
KRASNÓV. From the day I married Tatyána Danílovna I stopped all that.
Tatyána Danílovna, treat brother and sister with some vodka.
TATYÁNA. [_Takes out of the cupboard and places on the table decanter,
glasses, and refreshments_] Have some, sister! [ULYÁNA _drinks_] Have some,
brother!
KÚRITSYN. That's no invitation, you don't know how to do it.
KRASNÓV. Brother, don't be quite so particular! My wife doesn't know your
common ways, and there's no use knowing them. Please, without ceremony.
KÚRITSYN. [_After drinking_] You are spoiling your wife, that's what I tell
you. Freedom spoils even a good wife. You ought to take example from me,
and teach her common sense; that would be lots better. Ask your sister how
I trained her; we had a hot time of it.
ULYÁNA. Yes, you, Manuylo Kalinich, are a terrible barbarian, and a
blood-sucker! You spend your whole life bossing your wife and showing your
authority.
KÚRITSYN. What words are those? Who's talking? What's that you say?
[_Looking around_] Is any stranger here? Seems to me, my people in my own
house don't dare to speak that way!
ULYÁNA. [_With a start_] I just said that for instance, Manuylo Kalinich.
Because, sister, women like us can't live without strict discipline. It's a
true proverb: "If you beat your wife, the soup tastes better."
TATYÁNA. Every one to his own taste! You, sister, like such treatment,
while I consider it the height of rudeness.
LUKÉRYA. Nowadays, such peasant's conduct is discarded everywhere; it's
getting out of fashion.
KÚRITSYN. You lie! Such treatment of women can never get out of fashion,
because you can't get along without it. Brother, listen to what point
I've brought Ulyana. We used to have disputes among ourselves, among
acquaintances or relatives, whose wife was more attentive; I'd bring 'em
to my house, sit on the bench, and push my foot out, so--and say to wife,
"What does my foot want?" and she understood because she'd been trained. Of
course she at once fell at my feet.
ULYÁNA. Yes, that's so, that used to happen. I can say that without shame,
to everybody.
KRASNÓV. There's nothing good in that, just swagger.
KÚRITSYN. Ah, brother! Beat your overcoat and it will be warmer; beat a
wife--she'll be smarter.
TATYÁNA. Not every wife will allow herself to be beaten, and the one that
allows it, isn't worth any other treatment.
ULYÁNA. Why are you giving yourself such airs all of a sudden, sister? Am
I worse than you? You just wait awhile, you'll taste all that. We can clip
your wings, too.
KRASNÓV. Yes, but be careful.
ULYÁNA. What are you saying? Married a beggar and you're putting on airs.
Do you think that you've married the daughter of a distinguished landowner?
KRASNÓV. What I think--is my business, and you can't understand it with
your wits. You'd better keep still.
LUKÉRYA. What an interesting conversation--worth while hearing!
ULYÁNA. It seems to me she doesn't come from nobles but from government
clerks. Not a very great lady! Goats and government clerks are the devil's
own kin.
KRASNÓV. I told you to keep still! I shouldn't have to tell you ten times.
You ought to understand it at once.
KÚRITSYN. Leave them alone. I like it when the women start a row.
KRASNÓV. But I don't like it.
ULYÁNA. What do I care what you like! I'm not trying to please you. My, how
stern you are! You'd better scold your own wife, not me; I'm not under your
orders; you aren't my boss. I have a good husband who can boss me, not you.
I'm not to blame because your wife wanders around highways and byways, and
flirts with young gentlemen for hours.
KRASNÓV. [_Jumping up_] What's that!
TATYÁNA. I know nothing of highways and byways; I have told you, Lev
Rodionych, that I met Valentin Pávlich on the bank, and even everything
that we said.
LUKÉRYA. Yes, I was there with them.
ULYÁNA. Yes, you're the same sort.
KRASNÓV. You're a regular snake in the grass! And you call yourself a
sister. What do you want? To make trouble between us? You're spiteful
because I love my wife! You may rest assured that I wouldn't change her for
anybody. For thirty years I've slaved for my family, labored till I sweated
blood, and I thought of marriage only when I'd provided for the whole
family. For thirty years I haven't known any pleasures. That's why I have
to be thankful to my wife, who has beauty and education, for loving me, a
peasant. Formerly I worked for you; now I will work for her forever. I'll
perish working, but I'll give her every comfort. I should kiss her feet,
because I very well understand that I and my whole household aren't worth
her little finger. Do you think after this I will allow her to be abused! I
respect her--and you all must respect her!
LUKÉRYA. Sister herself understands that she deserves all respect.
KRASNÓV. What's that you were saying, Ulyana? If you're right, then it's
all up with me! See here! I have only one joy, one consolation, and I
should have to give it up. Is that easy? Is it? I'm not made of stone that
I can look at such wifely doings through my fingers! Your foolish words
have entered my ears and wrenched my heart. If I believed you, then--God
keep me from it--I should soon do some violence! One can't vouch for
himself as to what may happen. Maybe the devil will jog my elbow. God save
us! This is not a joking matter! If you wanted to hurt me, you should have
taken a knife and thrust it into my side--that would have been easier for
me. After such words it's better that I never see you again, you breaker-up
of families. I'd rather disown all my people than endure your poison.
ULYÁNA. I'm not the cause of separation. It's she that's breaking up
families.
KÚRITSYN. Well, brother! Evidently, if it's the wife's kin--open the door;
but if it's the husband's kin--then shut the door. You visit us and we'll
show you hospitality. Come, wife, we'd better go home!
ULYÁNA. Well, good-by, sister, but remember! And you, brother, just wait;
we'll settle accounts somehow. [_They go out_.
SCENE III
KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA, and AFÓNYA
KRASNÓV. [_Approaching his wife_] Tatyána Danílovna, I hope you won't take
that to heart, because they're a rough lot.
TATYÁNA. That's the kind of relatives you have! I lived better beyond
comparison as a girl; at least I knew that no one dared to insult me.
LUKÉRYA. [_Clearing the table_] We didn't associate with the common people.
KRASNÓV. And I'll never let you be insulted. You saw I didn't spare my own
sister, and drove her out of my house; but if it had been a stranger, he
wouldn't have got off alive. You don't know my character yet; at times I'm
afraid of myself.
TATYÁNA. What, do you become dreadfully furious?
KRASNÓV. Not that I'm furious, I'm hot-tempered. I'm beside myself, and
don't see people at such times.
TATYÁNA. How terribly you talk! Why didn't you tell me about your character
before? I wouldn't have married you.
KRASNÓV. There's nothing bad in a man's being hot-tempered. That means that
he's eager in all things, even in his work, and he can love better, because
he has more feeling than others.
TATYÁNA. Now I shall be afraid of you.
KRASNÓV. I don't want you to fear me. But I should like to know when you
are going to love me?
TATYÁNA. What sort of love do you want to have from me?
KRASNÓV. You know yourself what sort; but maybe you don't feel it. What's
to be done? We'll wait, perhaps it'll come later. Everything can happen in
this world! There have been cases where love has come the fifth or sixth
year after marriage. And what love! Better than if it came at first.
TATYÁNA. Keep on waiting.
LUKÉRYA. You're very hot in your love; but we're of entirely different
bringing up.
KRASNÓV. You speak of bringing up? I'll tell you this, that if I were
younger, I'd take up and study for Tatyána Danílovna. I know, myself, what
I lack, but now it's too late. I've a soul but no training. If I were
trained----
LUKÉRYA. [_Glancing towards the window_] He's coming, Tánya; he's coming!
[_Both run out of the room_.
KRASNÓV. Where so suddenly? What are you running after?
LUKÉRYA. What do you mean? Recollect yourself. We must be courteous and go
to meet him. [_They go out_.
AFÓNYA. Brother! You drove sister away. Whether right or not, let God judge
you! But I tell you, you'd better watch the gentleman.
KRASNÓV. What the deuce have you got to do with this? You hiss like a
snake. You want to wound me. Get out of here! Go, I tell you, or I'll kill
you.
AFÓNYA. Well, kill! My life isn't very sweet to me, and I haven't long to
live, anyway. But don't be blind! Don't be blind! [_Goes out_.
KRASNÓV. What are they doing to me? Must I really be on my guard, or are
they just frightening me? Where then is love! Is it possible, Lord, that I
have taken unto me not a joy but a torture! Rouse yourself, Lev Rodionych,
rouse yourself. Hearken not to the fiend. You have one joy--he's seizing
it, and draining your heart. You will ruin your whole life! You will perish
for no cause. All those are slanderous words. They're spiteful because my
wife is good, and we get along together--so they begin to stir up trouble.
That's clearly seen. It's so in every family. The best way is to drop it
and not think about it. The gentleman will have to be gotten rid of; I must
see that he never looks our way any more. "Come oftener," I'll tell him,
"we like it better when you aren't here." So there'll be less talk and my
heart will be calmer.
_Enter_ BABÁYEV, TATYÁNA, _and_ LUKÉRYA.
SCENE IV
BABÁYEV, KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA, and LUKÉRYA
BABÁYEV. So this is where you live! Is this your own little house?
TATYÁNA. Our own. This is my husband.
BABÁYEV. I'm delighted. I've known your wife a long while.
KRASNÓV. That's your affair.
BABÁYEV. You're in business?
KRASNÓV. That's my affair.
TATYÁNA. Won't you be seated? [BABÁYEV _and_ KRASNÓV _take seats_]
Shouldn't you like some tea?
BABÁYEV. No, thank you; I don't care for tea now.
LUKÉRYA. Ah, Tánya, we've forgotten that now in St. Petersburg they have
different tastes. [To BABÁYEV] We can have coffee immediately.
BABÁYEV. No, please do not trouble yourself; I've already had some. Let us
rather sit and talk. Are you happy here? Have you any amusements here?
TATYÁNA. No. What sort of amusements can one have here?
BABÁYEV. How do you spend your time? Is it possible you are always at home?
TATYÁNA. Mostly.
KRASNÓV. And that is proper among such as us. Our Russian way is: husband
and dog in the yard, and wife and cat in the house.
LUKÉRYA. [In a low voice to KRASNÓV] Can't you speak more politely?
KRASNÓV. I know my business.
BABÁYEV. So you're a housekeeper. I should think it must have been hard for
you to get used to your new duties.
TATYÁNA. [_Glancing at her husband_] Yes; of course I can't say--of
course--at first----
BABÁYEV. [_To_ LUKÉRYA] I'm asking, but I don't really know myself what
these duties consist of.
LUKÉRYA. But considering your noble birth, that's beneath your knowledge.
KRASNÓV. There's nothing vulgar about it.
BABÁYEV. Really, what is there vulgar in it?
LUKÉRYA. The words are low and even quite coarse, and they aren't usually
spoken before people of good breeding.
BABÁYEV. Well, imagine that I'm a man of no breeding. What are the words,
tell me?
LUKÉRYA. You're embarrassing Tánya and me. But if you're interested to hear
those words, all right! The kitchen and other common things belong to the
household: the frying-pan, the handle, the oven fork. Isn't that low?
KRASNÓV. Whether the oven fork is high or low, if you put the soup in the
stove you've got to get it out.
TATYÁNA. You might spare your wife before guests.
KRASNÓV. I haven't insulted you a hair's breadth either before guests or
without guests. When you're asked what sort of a housekeeper you are for
your husband, right before him, then I should think you'd answer, that
you're a good housekeeper, and aren't ashamed of your position, because
among such as us that is the first duty.
LUKÉRYA. [_In a low voice to_ KRASNÓV] You're disturbing our conversation
with our guest.
BABÁYEV. [_In a low voice to_ TATYÁNA] Is he always like this?
TATYÁNA. [_In a low voice_] I don't know what's the matter with him.
BABÁYEV. [_In a low voice_] You see for yourself that I've no business
here. You'd better come to me to-day, and I'll go home now. [_Aloud_] Well,
good-by. I hope this isn't the last time we meet.
LUKÉRYA. Certainly, certainly.
TATYÁNA. We are most grateful for your visit!
KRASNÓV. [_Bowing_] Good-by to you! Are you going away from here soon?
BABÁYEV. I don't know. Whenever my affairs are settled.
KRASNÓV. But when, do you think?
BABÁYEV. They tell me, at court, the day after to-morrow.
KRASNÓV. So, when that's over you're going directly?
BABÁYEV. I think so. What is there to do here?
KRASNÓV. Yes, there's nothing to do here. My regards to you! [BABÁYEV,
TATYÁNA, _and_ LUKÉRYA _go out_] An unbidden guest is worse than a Tatar.
What do we want with him? What use is he to us? I won't have his help; we
aren't beggars. Well, be off with you! Go to St. Petersburg, and good luck
to you.
_Enter_ TATYÁNA _and_ LUKÉRYA.
SCENE V
KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA, _and_ LUKÉRYA
TATYÁNA. What are you doing? Why did you go and insult me so?
KRASNÓV. There's no insult! Now, look here! We haven't quarrelled once
since our wedding, and I hope that we may never do so, but may always live
in love.
LUKÉRYA. Fine love, I must say!
[KRASNÓV _looks at her sharply._
TATYÁNA. Where is your love? Now we see it very plainly. I must serve your
relatives and friends like a cook; but when our friend came, a gentleman,
then you almost drove him away.
LUKÉRYA. You did drive him away, only in a roundabout fashion.
TATYÁNA. You'd better not speak of your love. What do I want with your love
when you disgrace me at every step.
KRASNÓV. I don't understand the reason for this argument! The whole affair
isn't worth discussing. We probably won't ever see him again, and we
have no need of him; he went with what he came. We have to live our life
together; it isn't worth our having trouble over him.
TATYÁNA. Ah, Lusha, what a disgrace! I wonder what he'll think of us now?
LUKÉRYA. Yes. He'll soon go back to St. Petersburg; a fine opinion of us
he'll take away with him!
KRASNÓV. I tell you again, that you should dismiss him and his opinions
from your mind. The whole affair isn't worth a kopek. I think that whether
he's alive or no, it's all the same to us.
TATYÁNA. It may be all the same for you, but not so for us. Sister and I
have promised to visit him and we want to go to-day.
KRASNÓV. There's no need.
TATYÁNA. How, no need? I tell you that I want to see him.
KRASNÓV. You want to, but I'm not anxious. Ought you to consider my wishes
or not?
TATYÁNA. You seem to have assumed authority all of a sudden. You certainly
don't imagine that we'll obey you.--No, indeed, _we won't_.
KRASNÓV. [_Striking the table_] What do you mean by "no, indeed"? No, if I
tell you something, then that has to go. I'm talking sense and what's good
for you, and that's why I give you strict orders. [_Again strikes the
table._
TATYÁNA. [_Crying_] What tyranny! What torture!
LUKÉRYA. [With a laugh] Oh, what a fearful, oh, what a terrible man, ha,
ha, ha!
KRASNÓV. What are you cackling about? I'll fire you out so fast that your
skirts will squeak on the gate.
TATYÁNA. Well, do what you like, even kill us, but we'll go. We don't want
to show him we're boors. We surely have to thank him for remembering us,
and wish him a pleasant journey.
KRASNÓV. Tatyána Danílovna, please understand what you are told.
TATYÁNA. I hope you aren't going to fight? That'll be just like you. That's
what's to be expected.
KRASNÓV. You're mistaken. You'll never see me do that. I love you so much
that this time I'll even respect your caprices. Go along, but never set
your foot there again. Only one more thing, Tatyána Danílovna: you see this
clock! [_Points to the wall clock_] Look at the clock when you leave, and
be back in half an hour! [_Pointing to the floor_] On this very spot.
Understand?
TATYÁNA. Come, Lusha, let's dress. [_Both go out._
KRASNÓV. I think everything will be all right now. They were a little
spoiled; in that case sternness will do no harm. If I hold on she'll come
to love me. Then when the gentleman is gone, I can humor her again; then
our misunderstanding will be forgotten. What wouldn't I give for the
half-hour they're with the gentleman? But what's to be done? I can't cut
her off sharp--that'd entirely turn her away from me. Whatever I try to
think of, horrid things come into my head. But he certainly isn't a bandit.
And then my wife, a little while ago--I'm just an enemy to myself! There
surely can't be anything bad; but I think of all sorts of nonsense! I'd
better go and have a chat with my friends at the tavern. What did he
whisper to her just now? Well, they're old acquaintances; just something!
[Takes his cap] Tatyána Danílovna! I pined for you until I married you; and
now that I have married you, all my heart aches. Don't ruin me, poor lad
that I am; it will be a sin for you! [Goes out.
TABLEAU II
Same room as in ACT I
SCENE I
KARP and PROKÓFYEVNA come in
PROKÓFYEVNA. Is he asleep?
KARP. Don't know. I guess not; he hasn't that habit. It isn't time yet,
anyway. What do you think? In St. Petersburg it isn't dinner-time yet, it's
still morning.
PROKÓFYEVNA. What's that, good heavens!
KARP. Why, at times in the winter, when it's already dusk and the lights
are lit everywhere, it's still considered morning.
PROKÓFYEVNA. What's the wonder! It's a big city, the capital, not like
this. I just came in to see if anything was needed. [Glancing out of the
window] I believe some one is coming here. I'll go and meet them. [Goes
out.
KARP. One is bored to extinction here. If he'd grease the palms of the
principal men at the court, then they'd have done it in a jiffy. At least
we'd now be home, at business. I wonder how it is he isn't bored! I wonder
if he hasn't found some prey here! He surely doesn't go about town for
nothing! I know his ways: he walks and walks past the windows, and casts
his eye around for some brunette.
PROKÓFYEVNA _comes in._
PROKÓFYEVNA. Go and tell him that he is wanted, my dear sir.
KARP. Why is he wanted?
PROKÓFYEVNA. You tell him; he knows why.
KARP. [_Through the door_] Please, sir, you have visitors.
BABÁYEV. [_From the door_] Who?
PROKÓFYEVNA. Come out, sir, for a minute; you're wanted!
BABÁYEV _enters._
SCENE II
KARP, PROKÓFYEVNA, BABÁYEV
PROKÓFYEVNA. Listen! Tatyána Danílovna, the wife of the shopkeeper, has
come with her sister, and wants to know if they may come in.
BABÁYEV. Ask them in. I'll tell you what! Listen, landlady! Please avoid
gossip! It's possible that she'll come again, so you'll please say that she
comes to see you. If any one asks you, you know; the city is small, and
every one knows every one else, and every one watches every one else, where
each goes, and what each does.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Oh, sir! What's that to me! I looked but I didn't see. You're
a stranger, not of this place.
BABÁYEV. Ask them in! You and I, dear landlady, are old friends. [_Pats her
on the shoulder._
PROKÓFYEVNA. Indeed we are, sir, friends! [_Goes out._
KARP. [_With an impatient wave of his hand_] Sins! [_Goes out._
TATYÁNA _and_ LUKÉRYA _come in._
SCENE III
BABÁYEV, TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA
LUKÉRYA. How do you do, again! Were you looking for us?
BABÁYEV. To be frank, I didn't expect you so soon. Be seated; why are you
standing? [_They all sit down_.
LUKÉRYA. We fairly ran over here. We had such a time getting away.
TATYÁNA. That's enough, Lusha; stop!
LUKÉRYA. There's no use concealing matters! You can't do it. Valentin
Pávlich has seen our local gentry to-day, himself. You should see what a
rumpus we had after you left!
TATYÁNA. Ah, Lusha, those things happen in every family; there's no need
telling every one! It's no one's affair how we live.
LUKÉRYA. Now you understand, Valentin Pávlich, what a peasant is when he
assumes importance?
TATYÁNA. It's well for you to talk, since you aren't concerned. You might
spare me! He's my husband, and I have to live with him till the brink of
the grave.
BABÁYEV. You weren't careful in your marriage, Tatyána Danílovna; you
weren't careful.
TATYÁNA. How queer you are! What are you reproaching me for? Where were
you when we had nothing to eat? But now there is no going back. All that
remains for me to do is to cry all the rest of my life. [_Cries_.
BABÁYEV. Why are you crying now?
TATYÁNA. What have I to rejoice over? You? I might be happy if I had
freedom. Understand this: on your account I quarrelled with my husband;
you'll be going away to-day or to-morrow, while I have to remain with him.
You only made matters worse by coming; until you came he didn't seem so
bad, and suddenly he has changed entirely. Before he saw you he fulfilled
my every wish, he licked my hands like a dog; but now he has begun to look
askance at me and to scold. How can I endure torment all my life with the
man I loathe! [_Cries_.
BABÁYEV. Now, please stop! Why do you grieve! [_To_ LUKÉRYA] Listen,
Lukérya Danílovna! You go to the landlady, I can calm her better alone.
LUKÉRYA. All right, but don't be too sly! [_Goes out_.
SCENE IV
BABÁYEV _and_ TATYÁNA
BABÁYEV. [_Draws nearer and puts one arm around_ TATYÁNA] Darling,
Tanechka, now stop! Why do you weep so! Let's think, together, how we can
help your grief.
TATYÁNA. There's no use thinking! There's no way.
BABÁYEV. Is that so? But what if I take you off to the village?
TATYÁNA. Which one? Where?
BABÁYEV. To my own village. There everything is the same as when mother
lived: the same lanes, ponds, and arbors; everything is familiar to you,
and will remind you of the past. There you'd be my housekeeper.
TATYÁNA. [_Freeing herself from his arm_] What ideas you do get, my dear
sir! How could you get such a foolish notion into your head! Do you think
my husband would allow such a thing! Why, he'd find me, at the bottom of
the sea!
BABÁYEV. For a time we'll be able to hide you so that he won't find you;
and meanwhile we can smooth it over with him.
TATYÁNA. What! What! That's a bright idea! Stop talking such nonsense!
You'd better advise me how to live with my husband the rest of my life.
BABÁYEV. Why so! Much I care for that!
TATYÁNA. So, you don't love me a little bit! You're just making believe!
Yes, that's it!
BABÁYEV. Tánya, isn't it a sin for you to talk so? Now, tell me, isn't it?
TATYÁNA. What?
BABÁYEV. Isn't it a sin to suspect me?
TATYÁNA. Oh, you! One can't tell whether you're making believe or not.
BABÁYEV. Why should you tell, my angel! Don't worry about me! Just ask your
own heart what it tells you! [_Embraces her_.
TATYÁNA. But what does yours tell you?
BABÁYEV. Yes, but, Tánya, you don't believe me; you say that I'm making
believe, and yet you are asking questions. But how could I deceive you?
TATYÁNA. You aren't a bit interested! You're just talking.
BABÁYEV. Don't be afraid; I'll not deceive! Why should I deceive you?
[_Leans towards her; she listens with downcast eyes_] I'll tell you what,
Tánya! My heart tells me that I have never loved any one as I do you. It's
all the same whether you believe me or not. But I will prove that it is the
truth, and you yourself will agree with me. Why, I don't tell you that I've
never seen women more beautiful than you, or cleverer. Then you might tell
me to my face that I lied. No, I have seen more beautiful women than you,
and cleverer; but I have never seen such a darling, charming, artless
little woman as you.
TATYÁNA. [Sighing] Artless--Ah, you speak the truth.
BABÁYEV. Well, I've told you what I feel. Why don't you tell me?
TATYÁNA. What should I say? I don't know how. I might say more than you.
But why say anything--you know yourself.
BABÁYEV. That is, possibly, I guess, but----
TATYÁNA. Why "but"? There's nothing to be said!
BABÁYEV. Yes, there is. I guess the secret but I get no good from it.
[_Pause_] Tell me yourself that you love me! Well, how about it, Tánya?
TATYÁNA. What do you want?
BABÁYEV. Do you love me? [_Pause_] Do you love me?
TATYÁNA. [_Dropping her eyes_] Well, yes.
BABÁYEV. Very much? [_Pause_] Why are you silent? Do you love me very much?
TATYÁNA. Yes.
BABÁYEV. Will you go to the village with me?
TATYÁNA. Ah, stop urging me!
BABÁYEV. Well, you needn't go to the village then. I know what we'll do:
I'll rent a lodging here in the city, and will come here every other week.
Do you agree to that?
TATYÁNA. Yes.
BABÁYEV. Now you see, my darling Tanechka, I'm ready to do anything for
you.
TATYÁNA. I see.
BABÁYEV. And you? [_Pause_] Why are you silent?
TATYÁNA. But our compact?
BABÁYEV. What compact?
TATYÁNA. Yesterday's. You remember, on the bank.
BABÁYEV. What's there to remember? There wasn't any compact.
TATYÁNA. Shameless, you're shameless! Can you forget so soon!
BABÁYEV. I don't want to know of any compacts. [_Embraces and kisses her_.
TATYÁNA. [_Rising_] Oh! Stop, please!
BABÁYEV. Why "stop"? What do you mean by "stop"?
TATYÁNA. I mean, stop.
BABÁYEV. What whims!
TATYÁNA. No whims at all, only please move a little further off.
BABÁYEV. If you're going to be so whimsical, then I'll go away. I'll drop
the business for which I came and will go away immediately.
TATYÁNA. Very well, go.
BABÁYEV. I'm not joking. Karp! [KARP _comes in_] Pack up and then go order
horses.
KARP. Yes, sir.
TATYÁNA. So that's the way? Well, good luck to you! Good-by! [_Runs out_.
KARP. Well, sir, do you want me to pack up?
BABÁYEV. Pack up, for where? You make me tired, man! [_Goes to the window_]
I wonder if they've gone home?
KARP. They won't leave.
BABÁYEV. That's none of your business! Get out!
KARP _goes out_; LUKÉRYA _comes in_.
SCENE V
BABÁYEV and LUKÉRYA
LUKÉRYA. Sister has asked me to tell you to put off your going. An
acquaintance is visiting the landlady; so you'll understand that it's
awkward for her to come to you. But when she goes away sister will come to
you. She has something to talk over with you.
BABÁYEV. You're very kind, Lukérya Danílovna! LUKÉRYA. I can't believe my
ears! Is it possible that I hear such compliments from you! [_Courtesies_.
ACT III
TABLEAU I
_Same room as in_ ACT II
SCENE I
TATYÁNA _is lying on the bed_; LUKÉRYA _comes in_
LUKÉRYA. Tánya, are you asleep?
TATYÁNA. No.
LUKÉRYA. Then you'd better get up! What are you lying around for all day?
You've been in bed all the morning, and still not up.
TATYÁNA. What's the use of getting up? What's there to do?
LUKÉRYA. If you were only asleep--but to lie in bed and cry just rends your
heart. Better get up and let's talk it over!
TATYÁNA. [_Getting up_] Oh, what an unhappy, gloomy day this is! [_Sits
down_] How unfortunate I am! What have I done to myself? Why did I marry?
I've drowned my happiness, simply drowned it!
LUKÉRYA. Who could have told? As a suitor he was as quiet as water and
as meek as the grass; now I don't know what has happened to him. Why,
yesterday I thought he was joking when he told us to be back in a
half-hour.
TATYÁNA. I did, too. If you only had seen how he pounced on me, and how
terrible he's become. He looked daggers all the morning, left without
saying good-by, and now he hasn't even come back for dinner.
LUKÉRYA. What did he say to you when you were left alone yesterday?
TATYÁNA. He scolded and abused, got all wrought up, and wept himself; what
didn't he do! "For all my love for you," he said, "I ask you only one thing
in return: soothe me, give me back my peace of mind, because I am jealous."
LUKÉRYA. What an affliction!
TATYÁNA. He said he wasn't jealous of any one but this gentleman.
LUKÉRYA. The idea of his being jealous of every one! That would be a great
idea!
TATYÁNA. "When that man leaves," he said, "then you may do anything you
like, and go anywhere, but because you didn't heed my command, don't dare
cross the threshold until he has left the city for good."
LUKÉRYA. What did you say to that?
TATYÁNA. He kept shouting but I kept still through it all; but it hurts me
because he lords it over me so. At first he was sly as a fox, but now he
has started to order me about, and talk to me in his vulgar, peasant's way.
He doesn't care that he has insulted me, but I've been crying all day. I
couldn't love him if he killed me. If he gave me freedom, then I might have
some affection for him; but now I'll do everything he doesn't want me to,
just for meanness; even if I had wronged him, I wouldn't regret it. I must
get even with him some way. I can't fight with him; I haven't the strength
for that.
LUKÉRYA. Certainly. He ought to be satisfied that you married him; and now
he's got the notion of watching your deportment.
TATYÁNA. Since yesterday I've begun to fear him so. You won't believe me;
why, I shudder when he looks at me.
LUKÉRYA. What do you think you'll do now?
TATYÁNA. What's the use of thinking? My head's all in a muddle. It's bad,
no matter how you look at it. I sold my very youth to one I cannot love,
just for a piece of bread, and from one day to another he becomes more
repulsive to me.
LUKÉRYA. After such actions on his part, it's no wonder he's repulsive.
Especially when you compare him with others. The other man is a born
gentleman in every sense of the word.
TATYÁNA. Now what shall I do? If I could break off all connection with
Valentin Pávlich, I should be very glad. But I see I should have thought
of that before, and attended to the matter earlier; but now it's too late.
It's beyond my strength.
LUKÉRYA. But he loves you very much, Tánya.
TATYÁNA. Is that so? Oh, bother him. That's just it; at first I haven't
enough sense, then I have to cry over it. My mother used to say to me: "Be
careful, daughter, your lack of common sense will be your ruin."
LUKÉRYA. You want to see him, I suppose? I think he's waiting.
TATYÁNA. Well, of course. If it depended on me, I'd fly to him.
LUKÉRYA. We'll have to rack our brains how we may work that.
TATYÁNA. No matter how I rack my brain, I can't think of anything.
LUKÉRYA. I know what, Tánya! You'll have to fool your husband.
TATYÁNA. How?
LUKÉRYA. We women couldn't live without cunning, because we're the weaker
sex, and abused on all sides.
TATYÁNA. But what cunning? Tell me!
LUKÉRYA. Now that you and your husband live like cats and dogs, he can't
help getting the notion into his noddle that you don't love him, but do
love another.
TATYÁNA. How shall I manage?
LUKÉRYA. You'll have to change your tactics. Be very submissive; peasants
like that. Make believe that you're in love with him; give him all sorts
of humbug and he'll prick up his ears at it. Flatter him with all sorts of
flatteries--that'll be a new thing for him.
TATYÁNA. I'll have to say what I don't feel.
LUKÉRYA. Where's the harm in that? How does he know what's in your heart?
He doesn't need to understand that your action is make-believe, and not
sincere. You'll see, after such actions, he'll believe in you so much that
even though you made love before his very eyes, he wouldn't notice it.
TATYÁNA. One can't make such a sudden change in oneself.
LUKÉRYA. It certainly must be sudden. What's there to wait for?
TATYÁNA. He's angry with me now; how can I approach him? I can't beg his
pardon!
LUKÉRYA. Why pardon? [_She thinks_] Do it this way: you tell grandfather
Arkhíp that you'd like to make up with your husband, so that you'd have
no misunderstandings, that you love your husband, and that you feel his
displeasure very much.
TATYÁNA. Well, I'll try.
LUKÉRYA. It's all the same to me! I'm talking for your own good.
TATYÁNA. Go and bring grandfather; he's sitting in the garden. [LUKÉRYA
_goes out_] That's what it is for a woman to have wits! Even if she takes a
fancy to a man she won't let anybody guess it. She'll so fool her husband
that he'll just dote on her. But without wit one is lost.
LUKÉRYA _comes in leading_ ARKHÍP.
SCENE II
TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA, ARKHÍP
ARKHÍP. Do you need me? What do you want me for? Tatyána, are you here?
TATYÁNA. Yes, grandfather.
ARKHÍP. Lukérya is leading me, and she says: "Grandfather Arkhíp, we need
you!" What business can you have of me in my old age?
LUKÉRYA. You see, grandfather, sister is displeased with her husband.
ARKHÍP. Well, what of that? Who is the judge between husband and wife? Let
them live as they wish.
TATYÁNA. What happiness is there in living so? It is better to live in
harmony.
ARKHÍP. Then what's the matter? Live in harmony! Who's preventing you?
LUKÉRYA. You see, he has a very crude manner, and we're not used to it.
ARKHÍP. Wait, don't put in your word. She has a tongue of her own. You tell
me, Tatyána.
TATYÁNA. My husband is now angry with me and doesn't even look at me; he
thinks I don't love him, and in that he's mistaken.
LUKÉRYA. [_Motioning to_ TATYÁNA _to talk_] She's afraid of his temper.
TATYÁNA. I love him as my duty requires. If he thinks badly of me, I don't
deserve it. Does he think I could betray him for any one else? I would
never do such a thing in my life.
LUKÉRYA. And such a splendid man! Doesn't she realize it?
TATYÁNA. If I had wronged him in any way, then he might scold, and be done
with it. But if he'll only be kind to me, then I'll show him all respect.
I'll indulge him as he never dared hope.
LUKÉRYA. How many times she's told me: "I love my husband very much, very,
very much."
ARKHÍP. What do you keep backing each other up for? Have you been plotting
together?
LUKÉRYA. Why should I be silent? Is it pleasant for me to see that my
sister, whom I adore, lives in such discord with her husband? [_Signals to_
TATYÁNA.
TATYÁNA. Grandfather Arkhíp, I want to ask you to have a talk with my
husband-----
ARKHÍP. Wait! Wait! Give me time--don't take me off my feet! You say that
your husband is angry with you? Then you're to blame?
TATYÁNA. Much I am to blame!
ARKHÍP. Much or little, you're certainly to blame. You don't want to humble
yourself; you're ashamed to--so you ask me. Is that so?
TATYÁNA. Yes, grandfather Arkhíp.
ARKHÍP. Are you speaking sincerely, or just words?
TATYÁNA. Sincerely, grandfather.
ARKHÍP. But what's that to me! It's not my business. If you lie, then
you'll answer to God! But I will speak to him. Why not? If you stop
quarrelling, then it will be pleasant for all of us.
LUKÉRYA. You talk to him to-day.
ARKHÍP. I'll talk to him when he comes home. _Enter_ AFÓNYA.
SCENE III
TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA, ARKHÍP, and AFÓNYA
ARKHÍP. Who came in?
AFÓNYA. I, Grandfather Arkhíp.
ARKHÍP. To-day we have a holiday, Afónya. Tatyána wishes to make peace with
her husband, and to submit to him.
AFÓNYA. Submit? Submit? Don't believe her, Grandfather Arkhíp, she's
fooling you.
ARKHÍP. That's enough from you!
TATYÁNA. Why should I fool you? What's the use?
AFÓNYA. You came to your senses when brother frightened you a little. You
ought to have done it long ago. If you're in earnest, then drop your proud
ways. You ought to bow down to your husband's feet, right to his feet. And
to all of us, to all. You have wronged all of us.
LUKÉRYA. [_In a low voice_] That would be entirely too much honor.
TATYÁNA. Why should I bow down to my husband?
AFÓNYA. For everything that he's done for you. I saw myself how he kneeled
before you! It's a shame! [_Covers his face with his hands_.
LUKÉRYA. What of it, if he wanted to?
AFÓNYA. He's no worse than you, yet he bowed down to you; now you bow down
to him. Make up to him for his humiliation. It won't hurt you! And bow down
to all of us, even to our brother-in-law and sister.
TATYÁNA. Bowing down to my husband has some sense in it, but why should I
to you?
AFÓNYA. Because brother insulted all of us on your account. On account
of you our family has been broken up. You're dearer to him than anybody,
dearer than all his own.
ARKHÍP. Calm yourself! Try to control this fit of anger! We want to make
peace, and you are starting a quarrel again.
LUKÉRYA. He's not even her husband, yet what awful things he says! If you
gave him his way, he would make our life unbearable.
ARKHÍP. [_Patting_ AFÓNYA _on the head_] What do you expect of him? He's a
sick man.
KRASNÓV _comes in_.
SCENE IV
KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA, ARKHÍP, _and_ AFÓNYA
LUKÉRYA. [_In a low voice to_ ARKHÍP] Lev Rodionych is here.
ARKHÍP. Lev, you haven't had any dinner to-day.
KRASNÓV. I had no time.
TATYÁNA. If you wish, we'll serve you now.
KRASNÓV. [_Sitting down to the table_] Certainly. I can't get along without
eating!
TATYÁNA. Set the table, sister! [_Goes to the kitchen_. LUKÉRYA _sets the
table_.