1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
800
801
802
803
804
805
806
807
808
809
810
811
812
813
814
815
816
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
840
841
842
843
844
845
846
847
848
849
850
851
852
853
854
855
856
857
858
859
860
861
862
863
864
865
866
867
868
869
870
871
872
873
874
875
876
877
878
879
880
881
882
883
884
885
886
887
888
889
890
891
892
893
894
895
896
897
898
899
900
901
902
903
904
905
906
907
908
909
910
911
912
913
914
915
916
917
918
919
920
921
922
923
924
925
926
927
928
929
930
931
932
933
934
935
936
937
938
939
940
941
942
943
944
945
946
947
948
949
950
951
952
953
954
955
956
957
958
959
960
961
962
963
964
965
966
967
968
969
970
971
972
973
974
975
976
977
978
979
980
981
982
983
984
985
986
987
988
989
990
991
992
993
994
995
996
997
998
999
1000
1001
1002
1003
1004
1005
1006
1007
1008
1009
1010
1011
1012
1013
1014
1015
1016
1017
1018
1019
1020
1021
1022
1023
1024
1025
1026
1027
1028
1029
1030
1031
1032
1033
1034
1035
1036
1037
1038
1039
1040
1041
1042
1043
1044
1045
1046
1047
1048
1049
1050
1051
1052
1053
1054
1055
1056
1057
1058
1059
1060
1061
1062
1063
1064
1065
1066
1067
1068
1069
1070
1071
1072
1073
1074
1075
1076
1077
1078
1079
1080
1081
1082
1083
1084
1085
1086
1087
1088
1089
1090
1091
1092
1093
1094
1095
1096
1097
1098
1099
1100
1101
1102
1103
1104
1105
1106
1107
1108
1109
1110
1111
1112
1113
1114
1115
1116
1117
1118
1119
1120
1121
1122
1123
1124
1125
1126
1127
1128
1129
1130
1131
1132
1133
1134
1135
1136
1137
1138
1139
1140
1141
1142
1143
1144
1145
1146
1147
1148
1149
1150
1151
1152
1153
1154
1155
1156
1157
1158
1159
1160
1161
1162
1163
1164
1165
1166
1167
1168
1169
1170
1171
1172
1173
1174
1175
1176
1177
1178
1179
1180
1181
1182
1183
1184
1185
1186
1187
1188
1189
1190
1191
1192
1193
1194
1195
1196
1197
1198
1199
1200
1201
1202
1203
1204
1205
1206
1207
1208
1209
1210
1211
1212
1213
1214
1215
1216
1217
1218
1219
1220
1221
1222
1223
1224
1225
1226
1227
1228
1229
1230
1231
1232
1233
1234
1235
1236
1237
1238
1239
1240
1241
1242
1243
1244
1245
1246
1247
1248
1249
1250
1251
1252
1253
1254
1255
1256
1257
1258
1259
1260
1261
1262
1263
1264
1265
1266
1267
1268
1269
1270
1271
1272
1273
1274
1275
1276
1277
1278
1279
1280
1281
1282
1283
1284
1285
1286
1287
1288
1289
1290
1291
1292
1293
1294
1295
1296
1297
1298
1299
1300
1301
1302
1303
1304
1305
1306
1307
1308
1309
1310
1311
1312
1313
1314
1315
1316
1317
1318
1319
1320
1321
1322
1323
1324
1325
1326
1327
1328
1329
1330
1331
1332
1333
1334
1335
1336
1337
1338
1339
1340
1341
1342
1343
1344
1345
1346
1347
1348
1349
1350
1351
1352
1353
1354
1355
1356
1357
1358
1359
1360
1361
1362
1363
1364
1365
1366
1367
1368
1369
1370
1371
1372
1373
1374
1375
1376
1377
1378
1379
1380
1381
1382
1383
1384
1385
1386
1387
1388
1389
1390
1391
1392
1393
1394
1395
1396
1397
1398
1399
1400
1401
1402
1403
1404
1405
1406
1407
1408
1409
1410
1411
1412
1413
1414
1415
1416
1417
1418
1419
1420
1421
1422
1423
1424
1425
1426
1427
1428
1429
1430
1431
1432
1433
1434
1435
1436
1437
1438
1439
1440
1441
1442
1443
1444
1445
1446
1447
1448
1449
1450
1451
1452
1453
1454
1455
1456
1457
1458
1459
1460
1461
1462
1463
1464
1465
1466
1467
1468
1469
1470
1471
1472
1473
1474
1475
1476
1477
1478
1479
1480
1481
1482
1483
1484
1485
1486
1487
1488
1489
1490
1491
1492
1493
1494
1495
1496
1497
1498
1499
1500
1501
1502
1503
1504
1505
1506
1507
1508
1509
1510
1511
1512
1513
1514
1515
1516
1517
1518
1519
1520
1521
1522
1523
1524
1525
1526
1527
1528
1529
1530
1531
1532
1533
1534
1535
1536
1537
1538
1539
1540
1541
1542
1543
1544
1545
1546
1547
1548
1549
1550
1551
1552
1553
1554
1555
1556
1557
1558
1559
1560
1561
1562
1563
1564
1565
1566
1567
1568
1569
1570
1571
1572
1573
1574
1575
1576
1577
1578
1579
1580
1581
1582
1583
1584
1585
1586
1587
1588
1589
1590
1591
1592
1593
1594
1595
1596
1597
1598
1599
1600
1601
1602
1603
1604
1605
1606
1607
1608
1609
1610
1611
1612
1613
1614
1615
1616
1617
1618
1619
1620
1621
1622
1623
1624
1625
1626
1627
1628
1629
1630
1631
1632
1633
1634
1635
1636
1637
1638
1639
1640
1641
1642
1643
1644
1645
1646
1647
1648
1649
1650
1651
1652
1653
1654
1655
1656
1657
1658
1659
1660
1661
1662
1663
1664
1665
1666
1667
1668
1669
1670
1671
1672
1673
1674
1675
1676
1677
1678
1679
1680
1681
1682
1683
1684
1685
1686
1687
1688
1689
1690
1691
1692
1693
1694
1695
1696
1697
1698
1699
1700
1701
1702
1703
1704
1705
1706
1707
1708
1709
1710
1711
1712
1713
1714
1715
1716
1717
1718
1719
1720
1721
1722
1723
1724
1725
1726
1727
1728
1729
1730
1731
1732
1733
1734
1735
1736
1737
1738
1739
1740
1741
1742
1743
1744
1745
1746
1747
1748
1749
1750
1751
1752
1753
1754
1755
1756
1757
1758
1759
1760
1761
1762
1763
1764
1765
1766
1767
1768
1769
1770
1771
1772
1773
1774
1775
1776
1777
1778
1779
1780
1781
1782
1783
1784
1785
1786
1787
1788
1789
1790
1791
1792
1793
1794
1795
1796
1797
1798
1799
1800
1801
1802
1803
1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
1809
1810
1811
1812
1813
1814
1815
1816
1817
1818
1819
1820
1821
1822
1823
1824
1825
1826
1827
1828
1829
1830
1831
1832
1833
1834
1835
1836
1837
1838
1839
1840
1841
1842
1843
1844
1845
1846
1847
1848
1849
1850
1851
1852
1853
1854
1855
1856
1857
1858
1859
1860
1861
1862
1863
1864
1865
1866
1867
1868
1869
1870
1871
1872
1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878
1879
1880
1881
1882
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
1894
1895
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
1904
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2038
2039
2040
2041
2042
2043
2044
2045
2046
2047
2048
2049
2050
2051
2052
2053
2054
2055
2056
2057
2058
2059
2060
2061
2062
2063
2064
2065
2066
2067
2068
2069
2070
2071
2072
2073
2074
2075
2076
2077
2078
2079
2080
2081
2082
2083
2084
2085
2086
2087
2088
2089
2090
2091
2092
2093
2094
2095
2096
2097
2098
2099
2100
2101
2102
2103
2104
2105
2106
2107
2108
2109
2110
2111
2112
2113
2114
2115
2116
2117
2118
2119
2120
2121
2122
2123
2124
2125
2126
2127
2128
2129
2130
2131
2132
2133
2134
2135
2136
2137
2138
2139
2140
2141
2142
2143
2144
2145
2146
2147
2148
2149
2150
2151
2152
2153
2154
2155
2156
2157
2158
2159
2160
2161
2162
2163
2164
2165
2166
2167
2168
2169
2170
2171
2172
2173
2174
2175
2176
2177
2178
2179
2180
2181
2182
2183
2184
2185
2186
2187
2188
2189
2190
2191
2192
2193
2194
2195
2196
2197
2198
2199
2200
2201
2202
2203
2204
2205
2206
2207
2208
2209
2210
2211
2212
2213
2214
2215
2216
2217
2218
2219
2220
2221
2222
2223
2224
2225
2226
2227
2228
2229
2230
2231
2232
2233
2234
2235
2236
2237
2238
2239
2240
2241
2242
2243
2244
2245
2246
2247
2248
2249
2250
2251
2252
2253
2254
2255
2256
2257
2258
2259
2260
2261
2262
2263
2264
2265
2266
2267
2268
2269
2270
2271
2272
2273
2274
2275
2276
2277
2278
2279
2280
2281
2282
2283
2284
2285
2286
2287
2288
2289
2290
2291
2292
2293
2294
2295
2296
2297
2298
2299
2300
2301
2302
2303
2304
2305
2306
2307
2308
2309
2310
2311
2312
2313
2314
2315
2316
2317
2318
2319
2320
2321
2322
2323
2324
2325
2326
2327
2328
2329
2330
2331
2332
2333
2334
2335
2336
2337
2338
2339
2340
2341
2342
2343
2344
2345
2346
2347
2348
2349
2350
2351
2352
2353
2354
2355
2356
2357
2358
2359
2360
2361
2362
2363
2364
2365
2366
2367
2368
2369
2370
2371
2372
2373
2374
2375
2376
2377
2378
2379
2380
2381
2382
2383
2384
2385
2386
2387
2388
2389
2390
2391
2392
2393
2394
2395
2396
2397
2398
2399
2400
2401
2402
2403
2404
2405
2406
2407
2408
2409
2410
2411
2412
2413
2414
2415
2416
2417
2418
2419
2420
2421
2422
2423
2424
2425
2426
2427
2428
2429
2430
2431
2432
2433
2434
2435
2436
2437
2438
2439
2440
2441
2442
2443
2444
2445
2446
2447
2448
2449
2450
2451
2452
2453
2454
2455
2456
2457
2458
2459
2460
2461
2462
2463
2464
2465
2466
2467
2468
2469
2470
2471
2472
2473
2474
2475
2476
2477
2478
2479
2480
2481
2482
2483
2484
2485
2486
2487
2488
2489
2490
2491
2492
2493
2494
2495
2496
2497
2498
2499
2500
2501
2502
2503
2504
2505
2506
2507
2508
2509
2510
2511
2512
2513
2514
2515
2516
2517
2518
2519
2520
2521
2522
2523
2524
2525
2526
2527
2528
2529
2530
2531
2532
2533
2534
2535
2536
2537
2538
2539
2540
2541
2542
2543
2544
2545
2546
2547
2548
2549
2550
2551
2552
2553
2554
2555
2556
2557
2558
2559
2560
2561
2562
2563
2564
2565
2566
2567
2568
2569
2570
2571
2572
2573
2574
2575
2576
2577
2578
2579
2580
2581
2582
2583
2584
2585
2586
2587
2588
2589
2590
2591
2592
2593
2594
2595
2596
2597
2598
2599
2600
2601
2602
2603
2604
2605
2606
2607
2608
2609
2610
2611
2612
2613
2614
2615
2616
2617
2618
2619
2620
2621
2622
2623
2624
2625
2626
2627
2628
2629
2630
2631
2632
2633
2634
2635
2636
2637
2638
2639
2640
2641
2642
2643
2644
2645
2646
2647
2648
2649
2650
2651
2652
2653
2654
2655
2656
2657
2658
2659
2660
2661
2662
2663
2664
2665
2666
2667
2668
2669
2670
2671
2672
2673
2674
2675
2676
2677
2678
2679
2680
2681
2682
2683
2684
2685
2686
2687
2688
2689
2690
2691
2692
2693
2694
2695
2696
2697
2698
2699
2700
2701
2702
2703
2704
2705
2706
2707
2708
2709
2710
2711
2712
2713
2714
2715
2716
2717
2718
2719
2720
2721
2722
2723
2724
2725
2726
2727
2728
2729
2730
2731
2732
2733
2734
2735
2736
2737
2738
2739
2740
2741
2742
2743
2744
2745
2746
2747
2748
2749
2750
2751
2752
2753
2754
2755
2756
2757
2758
2759
2760
2761
2762
2763
2764
2765
2766
2767
2768
2769
2770
2771
2772
2773
2774
2775
2776
2777
2778
2779
2780
2781
2782
2783
2784
2785
2786
2787
2788
2789
2790
2791
2792
2793
2794
2795
2796
2797
2798
2799
2800
2801
2802
2803
2804
2805
2806
2807
2808
2809
2810
2811
2812
2813
2814
2815
2816
2817
2818
2819
2820
2821
2822
2823
2824
2825
2826
2827
2828
2829
2830
2831
2832
2833
2834
2835
2836
2837
2838
2839
2840
2841
2842
2843
2844
2845
2846
2847
2848
2849
2850
2851
2852
2853
2854
2855
2856
2857
2858
2859
2860
2861
2862
2863
2864
2865
2866
2867
2868
2869
2870
2871
2872
2873
2874
2875
2876
2877
2878
2879
2880
2881
2882
2883
2884
2885
2886
2887
2888
2889
2890
2891
2892
2893
2894
2895
2896
2897
2898
2899
2900
2901
2902
2903
2904
2905
2906
2907
2908
2909
2910
2911
2912
2913
2914
2915
2916
2917
2918
2919
2920
2921
2922
2923
2924
2925
2926
2927
2928
2929
2930
2931
2932
2933
2934
2935
2936
2937
2938
2939
2940
2941
2942
2943
2944
2945
2946
2947
2948
2949
2950
2951
2952
2953
2954
2955
2956
2957
2958
2959
2960
2961
2962
2963
2964
2965
2966
2967
2968
2969
2970
2971
2972
2973
2974
2975
2976
2977
2978
2979
2980
2981
2982
2983
2984
2985
2986
2987
2988
2989
2990
2991
2992
2993
2994
2995
2996
2997
2998
2999
3000
3001
3002
3003
3004
3005
3006
3007
3008
3009
3010
3011
3012
3013
3014
3015
3016
3017
3018
3019
3020
3021
3022
3023
3024
3025
3026
3027
3028
3029
3030
3031
3032
3033
3034
3035
3036
3037
3038
3039
3040
3041
3042
3043
3044
3045
3046
3047
3048
3049
3050
3051
3052
3053
3054
3055
3056
3057
3058
3059
3060
3061
3062
3063
3064
3065
3066
3067
3068
3069
3070
3071
3072
3073
3074
3075
3076
3077
3078
3079
3080
3081
3082
3083
3084
3085
3086
3087
3088
3089
3090
3091
3092
3093
3094
3095
3096
3097
3098
3099
3100
3101
3102
3103
3104
3105
3106
3107
3108
3109
3110
3111
3112
3113
3114
3115
3116
3117
3118
3119
3120
3121
3122
3123
3124
3125
3126
3127
3128
3129
3130
3131
3132
3133
3134
3135
3136
3137
3138
3139
3140
3141
3142
3143
3144
3145
3146
3147
3148
3149
3150
3151
3152
3153
3154
3155
3156
3157
3158
3159
3160
3161
3162
3163
3164
3165
3166
3167
3168
3169
3170
3171
3172
3173
3174
3175
3176
3177
3178
3179
3180
3181
3182
3183
3184
3185
3186
3187
3188
3189
3190
3191
3192
3193
3194
3195
3196
3197
3198
3199
3200
3201
3202
3203
3204
3205
3206
3207
3208
3209
3210
3211
3212
3213
3214
3215
3216
3217
3218
3219
3220
3221
3222
3223
3224
3225
3226
3227
3228
3229
3230
3231
3232
3233
3234
3235
3236
3237
3238
3239
3240
3241
3242
3243
3244
3245
3246
3247
3248
3249
3250
3251
3252
3253
3254
3255
3256
3257
3258
3259
3260
3261
3262
3263
3264
3265
3266
3267
3268
3269
3270
3271
3272
3273
3274
3275
3276
3277
3278
3279
3280
3281
3282
3283
3284
3285
3286
3287
3288
3289
3290
3291
3292
3293
3294
3295
3296
3297
3298
3299
3300
3301
3302
3303
3304
3305
3306
3307
3308
3309
3310
3311
3312
3313
3314
3315
3316
3317
3318
3319
3320
3321
3322
3323
3324
3325
3326
3327
3328
3329
3330
3331
3332
3333
3334
3335
3336
3337
3338
3339
3340
3341
3342
3343
3344
3345
3346
3347
3348
3349
3350
3351
3352
3353
3354
3355
3356
3357
3358
3359
3360
3361
3362
3363
3364
3365
3366
3367
3368
3369
3370
3371
3372
3373
3374
3375
3376
3377
3378
3379
3380
3381
3382
3383
3384
3385
3386
3387
3388
3389
3390
3391
3392
3393
3394
3395
3396
3397
3398
3399
3400
3401
3402
3403
3404
3405
3406
3407
3408
3409
3410
3411
3412
3413
3414
3415
3416
3417
3418
3419
3420
3421
3422
3423
3424
3425
3426
3427
3428
3429
3430
3431
3432
3433
3434
3435
3436
3437
3438
3439
3440
3441
3442
3443
3444
3445
3446
3447
3448
3449
3450
3451
3452
3453
3454
3455
3456
3457
3458
3459
3460
3461
3462
3463
3464
3465
3466
3467
3468
3469
3470
3471
3472
3473
3474
3475
3476
3477
3478
3479
3480
3481
3482
3483
3484
3485
3486
3487
3488
3489
3490
3491
3492
3493
3494
3495
3496
3497
3498
3499
3500
3501
3502
3503
3504
3505
3506
3507
3508
3509
3510
3511
3512
3513
3514
3515
3516
3517
3518
3519
3520
3521
3522
3523
3524
3525
3526
3527
3528
3529
3530
3531
3532
3533
3534
3535
3536
3537
3538
3539
3540
3541
3542
3543
3544
3545
3546
3547
3548
3549
3550
3551
3552
3553
3554
3555
3556
3557
3558
3559
3560
3561
3562
3563
3564
3565
3566
3567
3568
3569
3570
3571
3572
3573
3574
3575
3576
3577
3578
3579
3580
3581
3582
3583
3584
3585
3586
3587
3588
3589
3590
3591
3592
3593
3594
3595
3596
3597
3598
3599
3600
3601
3602
3603
3604
3605
3606
3607
3608
3609
3610
3611
3612
3613
3614
3615
3616
3617
3618
3619
3620
3621
3622
3623
3624
3625
3626
3627
3628
3629
3630
3631
3632
3633
3634
3635
3636
3637
3638
3639
3640
3641
3642
3643
3644
3645
3646
3647
3648
3649
3650
3651
3652
3653
3654
3655
3656
3657
3658
3659
3660
3661
3662
3663
3664
3665
3666
3667
3668
3669
3670
3671
3672
3673
3674
3675
3676
3677
3678
3679
3680
3681
3682
3683
3684
3685
3686
3687
3688
3689
3690
3691
3692
3693
3694
3695
3696
3697
3698
3699
3700
3701
3702
3703
3704
3705
3706
3707
3708
3709
3710
3711
3712
3713
3714
3715
3716
3717
3718
3719
3720
3721
3722
3723
3724
3725
3726
3727
3728
3729
3730
3731
3732
3733
3734
3735
3736
3737
3738
3739
3740
3741
3742
3743
3744
3745
3746
3747
3748
3749
3750
3751
3752
3753
3754
3755
3756
3757
3758
3759
3760
3761
3762
3763
3764
3765
3766
3767
3768
3769
3770
3771
3772
3773
3774
3775
3776
3777
3778
3779
3780
3781
3782
3783
3784
3785
3786
3787
3788
3789
3790
3791
3792
3793
3794
3795
3796
3797
3798
3799
3800
3801
3802
3803
3804
3805
3806
3807
3808
3809
3810
3811
3812
3813
3814
3815
3816
3817
3818
3819
3820
3821
3822
3823
3824
3825
3826
3827
3828
3829
3830
3831
3832
3833
3834
3835
3836
3837
3838
3839
3840
3841
3842
3843
3844
3845
3846
3847
3848
3849
3850
3851
3852
3853
3854
3855
3856
3857
3858
3859
3860
3861
3862
3863
3864
3865
3866
3867
3868
3869
3870
3871
3872
3873
3874
3875
3876
3877
3878
3879
3880
3881
3882
3883
3884
3885
3886
3887
3888
3889
3890
3891
3892
3893
3894
3895
3896
3897
3898
3899
3900
3901
3902
3903
3904
3905
3906
3907
3908
3909
3910
3911
3912
3913
3914
3915
3916
3917
3918
3919
3920
3921
3922
3923
3924
3925
3926
3927
3928
3929
3930
3931
3932
3933
3934
3935
3936
3937
3938
3939
3940
3941
3942
3943
3944
3945
3946
3947
3948
3949
3950
3951
3952
3953
3954
3955
3956
3957
3958
3959
3960
3961
3962
3963
3964
3965
3966
3967
3968
3969
3970
3971
3972
3973
3974
3975
3976
3977
3978
3979
3980
3981
3982
3983
3984
3985
3986
3987
3988
3989
3990
3991
3992
3993
3994
3995
3996
3997
3998
3999
4000
4001
4002
4003
4004
4005
4006
4007
4008
4009
4010
4011
4012
4013
4014
4015
4016
4017
4018
4019
4020
4021
4022
4023
4024
4025
4026
4027
4028
4029
4030
4031
4032
4033
4034
4035
4036
4037
4038
4039
4040
4041
4042
4043
4044
4045
4046
4047
4048
4049
4050
4051
4052
4053
4054
4055
4056
4057
4058
4059
4060
4061
4062
4063
4064
4065
4066
4067
4068
4069
4070
4071
4072
4073
4074
4075
4076
4077
4078
4079
4080
4081
4082
4083
4084
4085
4086
4087
4088
4089
4090
4091
4092
4093
4094
4095
4096
4097
4098
4099
4100
4101
4102
4103
4104
4105
4106
4107
4108
4109
4110
4111
4112
4113
4114
4115
4116
4117
4118
4119
4120
4121
4122
4123
4124
4125
4126
4127
4128
4129
4130
4131
4132
4133
4134
4135
4136
4137
4138
4139
4140
4141
4142
4143
4144
4145
4146
4147
4148
4149
4150
4151
4152
4153
4154
4155
4156
4157
4158
4159
4160
4161
4162
4163
4164
4165
4166
4167
4168
4169
4170
4171
4172
4173
4174
4175
4176
4177
4178
4179
4180
4181
4182
4183
4184
4185
4186
4187
4188
4189
4190
4191
4192
4193
4194
4195
4196
4197
4198
4199
4200
4201
4202
4203
4204
4205
4206
4207
4208
4209
4210
4211
4212
4213
4214
4215
4216
4217
4218
4219
4220
4221
4222
4223
4224
4225
4226
4227
4228
4229
4230
4231
4232
4233
4234
4235
4236
4237
4238
4239
4240
4241
4242
4243
4244
4245
4246
4247
4248
4249
4250
4251
4252
4253
4254
4255
4256
4257
4258
4259
4260
4261
4262
4263
4264
4265
4266
4267
4268
4269
4270
4271
4272
4273
4274
4275
4276
4277
4278
4279
4280
4281
4282
4283
4284
4285
4286
4287
4288
4289
4290
4291
4292
4293
4294
4295
4296
4297
4298
4299
4300
4301
4302
4303
4304
4305
4306
4307
4308
4309
4310
4311
4312
4313
4314
4315
4316
4317
4318
4319
4320
4321
4322
4323
4324
4325
4326
4327
4328
4329
4330
4331
4332
4333
4334
4335
4336
4337
4338
4339
4340
4341
4342
4343
4344
4345
4346
4347
4348
4349
4350
4351
4352
4353
4354
4355
4356
4357
4358
4359
4360
4361
4362
4363
4364
4365
4366
4367
4368
4369
4370
4371
4372
4373
4374
4375
4376
4377
4378
4379
4380
4381
4382
4383
4384
4385
4386
4387
4388
4389
4390
4391
4392
4393
4394
4395
4396
4397
4398
4399
4400
4401
4402
4403
4404
4405
4406
4407
4408
4409
4410
4411
4412
4413
4414
4415
4416
4417
4418
4419
4420
4421
4422
4423
4424
4425
4426
4427
4428
4429
4430
4431
4432
4433
4434
4435
4436
4437
4438
4439
4440
4441
4442
4443
4444
4445
4446
4447
4448
4449
4450
4451
4452
4453
4454
4455
4456
4457
4458
4459
4460
4461
4462
4463
4464
4465
4466
4467
4468
4469
4470
4471
4472
4473
4474
4475
4476
4477
4478
4479
4480
4481
4482
4483
4484
4485
4486
4487
4488
4489
4490
4491
4492
4493
4494
4495
4496
4497
4498
4499
4500
4501
4502
4503
4504
4505
4506
4507
4508
4509
4510
4511
4512
4513
4514
4515
4516
4517
4518
4519
4520
4521
4522
4523
4524
4525
4526
4527
4528
4529
4530
4531
4532
4533
4534
4535
4536
4537
4538
4539
4540
4541
4542
4543
4544
4545
4546
4547
4548
4549
4550
4551
4552
4553
4554
4555
4556
4557
4558
4559
4560
4561
4562
4563
4564
4565
4566
4567
4568
4569
4570
4571
4572
4573
4574
4575
4576
4577
4578
4579
4580
4581
4582
4583
4584
4585
4586
4587
4588
4589
4590
4591
4592
4593
4594
4595
4596
4597
4598
4599
4600
4601
4602
4603
4604
4605
4606
4607
4608
4609
4610
4611
4612
4613
4614
4615
4616
4617
4618
4619
4620
4621
4622
4623
4624
4625
4626
4627
4628
4629
4630
4631
4632
4633
4634
4635
4636
4637
4638
4639
4640
4641
4642
4643
4644
4645
4646
4647
4648
4649
4650
4651
4652
4653
4654
4655
4656
4657
4658
4659
4660
4661
4662
4663
4664
4665
4666
4667
4668
4669
4670
4671
4672
4673
4674
4675
4676
4677
4678
4679
4680
4681
4682
4683
4684
4685
4686
4687
4688
4689
4690
4691
4692
4693
4694
4695
4696
4697
4698
4699
4700
4701
4702
4703
4704
4705
4706
4707
4708
4709
4710
4711
4712
4713
4714
4715
4716
4717
4718
4719
4720
4721
4722
4723
4724
4725
4726
4727
4728
4729
4730
4731
4732
4733
4734
4735
4736
4737
4738
4739
4740
4741
4742
4743
4744
4745
4746
4747
4748
4749
4750
4751
4752
4753
4754
4755
4756
4757
4758
4759
4760
4761
4762
4763
4764
4765
4766
4767
4768
4769
4770
4771
4772
4773
4774
4775
4776
4777
4778
4779
4780
4781
4782
4783
4784
4785
4786
4787
4788
4789
4790
4791
4792
4793
4794
4795
4796
4797
4798
4799
4800
4801
4802
4803
4804
4805
4806
4807
4808
4809
4810
4811
4812
4813
4814
4815
4816
4817
4818
4819
4820
4821
4822
4823
4824
4825
4826
4827
4828
4829
4830
4831
4832
4833
4834
4835
4836
4837
4838
4839
4840
4841
4842
4843
4844
4845
4846
4847
4848
4849
4850
4851
4852
4853
4854
4855
4856
4857
4858
4859
4860
4861
4862
4863
4864
4865
4866
4867
4868
4869
4870
4871
4872
4873
4874
4875
4876
4877
4878
4879
4880
4881
4882
4883
4884
4885
4886
4887
4888
4889
4890
4891
4892
4893
4894
4895
4896
4897
4898
4899
4900
4901
4902
4903
4904
4905
4906
4907
4908
4909
4910
4911
4912
4913
4914
4915
4916
4917
4918
4919
4920
4921
4922
4923
4924
4925
4926
4927
4928
4929
4930
4931
4932
4933
4934
4935
4936
4937
4938
4939
4940
4941
4942
4943
4944
4945
4946
4947
4948
4949
4950
4951
4952
4953
4954
4955
4956
4957
4958
4959
4960
4961
4962
4963
4964
4965
4966
4967
4968
4969
4970
4971
4972
4973
4974
4975
4976
4977
4978
4979
4980
4981
4982
4983
4984
4985
4986
4987
4988
4989
4990
4991
4992
4993
4994
4995
4996
4997
4998
4999
5000
5001
5002
5003
5004
5005
5006
5007
5008
5009
5010
5011
5012
5013
5014
5015
5016
5017
5018
5019
5020
5021
5022
5023
5024
5025
5026
5027
5028
5029
5030
5031
5032
5033
5034
5035
5036
5037
5038
5039
5040
5041
5042
5043
5044
5045
5046
5047
5048
5049
5050
5051
5052
5053
5054
5055
5056
5057
5058
5059
5060
5061
5062
5063
5064
5065
5066
5067
5068
5069
5070
5071
5072
5073
5074
5075
5076
5077
5078
5079
5080
5081
5082
5083
5084
5085
5086
5087
5088
5089
5090
5091
5092
5093
5094
5095
5096
5097
5098
5099
5100
5101
5102
5103
5104
5105
5106
5107
5108
5109
5110
5111
5112
5113
5114
5115
5116
5117
5118
5119
5120
5121
5122
5123
5124
5125
5126
5127
5128
5129
5130
5131
5132
5133
5134
5135
5136
5137
5138
5139
5140
5141
5142
5143
5144
5145
5146
5147
5148
5149
5150
5151
5152
5153
5154
5155
5156
5157
5158
5159
5160
5161
5162
5163
5164
5165
5166
5167
5168
5169
5170
5171
5172
5173
5174
5175
5176
5177
5178
5179
5180
5181
5182
5183
5184
5185
5186
5187
5188
5189
5190
5191
5192
5193
5194
5195
5196
5197
5198
5199
5200
5201
5202
5203
5204
5205
5206
5207
5208
5209
5210
5211
5212
5213
5214
5215
5216
5217
5218
5219
5220
5221
5222
5223
5224
5225
5226
5227
5228
5229
5230
5231
5232
5233
5234
5235
5236
5237
5238
5239
5240
5241
5242
5243
5244
5245
5246
5247
5248
5249
5250
5251
5252
5253
5254
5255
5256
5257
5258
5259
5260
5261
5262
5263
5264
5265
5266
5267
5268
5269
5270
5271
5272
5273
5274
5275
5276
5277
5278
5279
5280
5281
5282
5283
5284
5285
5286
5287
5288
5289
5290
5291
5292
5293
5294
5295
5296
5297
5298
5299
5300
5301
5302
5303
5304
5305
5306
5307
5308
5309
5310
5311
5312
5313
5314
5315
5316
5317
5318
5319
5320
5321
5322
5323
5324
5325
5326
5327
5328
5329
5330
5331
5332
5333
5334
5335
5336
5337
5338
5339
5340
5341
5342
5343
5344
5345
5346
5347
5348
5349
5350
5351
5352
5353
5354
5355
5356
5357
5358
5359
5360
5361
5362
5363
5364
5365
5366
5367
5368
5369
5370
5371
5372
5373
5374
5375
5376
5377
5378
5379
5380
5381
5382
5383
5384
5385
5386
5387
5388
5389
5390
5391
5392
5393
5394
5395
5396
5397
5398
5399
5400
5401
5402
5403
5404
5405
5406
5407
5408
5409
5410
5411
5412
5413
5414
5415
5416
5417
5418
5419
5420
5421
5422
5423
5424
5425
5426
5427
5428
5429
5430
5431
5432
5433
5434
5435
5436
5437
5438
5439
5440
5441
5442
5443
5444
5445
5446
5447
5448
5449
5450
5451
5452
5453
5454
5455
5456
5457
5458
5459
5460
5461
5462
5463
5464
5465
5466
5467
5468
5469
5470
5471
5472
5473
5474
5475
5476
5477
5478
5479
5480
5481
5482
5483
5484
5485
5486
5487
5488
5489
5490
5491
5492
5493
5494
5495
5496
5497
5498
5499
5500
5501
5502
5503
5504
5505
5506
5507
5508
5509
5510
5511
5512
5513
5514
5515
5516
5517
5518
5519
5520
5521
5522
5523
5524
5525
5526
5527
5528
5529
5530
5531
5532
5533
5534
5535
5536
5537
5538
5539
5540
5541
5542
5543
5544
5545
5546
5547
5548
5549
5550
5551
5552
5553
5554
5555
5556
5557
5558
5559
5560
5561
5562
5563
5564
5565
5566
5567
5568
5569
5570
5571
5572
5573
5574
5575
5576
5577
5578
5579
5580
5581
5582
5583
5584
5585
5586
5587
5588
5589
5590
5591
5592
5593
5594
5595
5596
5597
5598
5599
5600
5601
5602
5603
5604
5605
5606
5607
5608
5609
5610
5611
5612
5613
5614
5615
5616
5617
5618
5619
5620
5621
5622
5623
5624
5625
5626
5627
5628
5629
5630
5631
5632
5633
5634
5635
5636
5637
5638
5639
5640
5641
5642
5643
5644
5645
5646
5647
5648
5649
5650
5651
5652
5653
5654
5655
5656
5657
5658
5659
5660
5661
5662
5663
5664
5665
5666
5667
5668
5669
5670
5671
5672
5673
5674
5675
5676
5677
5678
5679
5680
5681
5682
5683
5684
5685
5686
5687
5688
5689
5690
5691
5692
5693
5694
5695
5696
5697
5698
5699
5700
5701
5702
5703
5704
5705
5706
5707
5708
5709
5710
5711
5712
5713
5714
5715
5716
5717
5718
5719
5720
5721
5722
5723
5724
5725
5726
5727
5728
5729
5730
5731
5732
5733
5734
5735
5736
5737
5738
5739
5740
5741
5742
5743
5744
5745
5746
5747
5748
5749
5750
5751
5752
5753
5754
5755
5756
5757
5758
5759
5760
5761
5762
5763
5764
5765
5766
5767
5768
5769
5770
5771
5772
5773
5774
5775
5776
5777
5778
5779
5780
5781
5782
5783
5784
5785
5786
5787
5788
5789
5790
5791
5792
5793
5794
5795
5796
5797
5798
5799
5800
5801
5802
5803
5804
5805
5806
5807
5808
5809
5810
5811
5812
5813
5814
5815
5816
5817
5818
5819
5820
5821
5822
5823
5824
5825
5826
5827
5828
5829
5830
5831
5832
5833
5834
5835
5836
5837
5838
5839
5840
5841
5842
5843
5844
5845
5846
5847
5848
5849
5850
5851
5852
5853
5854
5855
5856
5857
5858
5859
5860
5861
5862
5863
5864
5865
5866
5867
5868
5869
5870
5871
5872
5873
5874
5875
5876
5877
5878
5879
5880
5881
5882
5883
5884
5885
5886
5887
5888
5889
5890
5891
5892
5893
5894
5895
5896
5897
5898
5899
5900
5901
5902
5903
5904
5905
5906
5907
5908
5909
5910
5911
5912
5913
5914
5915
5916
5917
5918
5919
5920
5921
5922
5923
5924
5925
5926
5927
5928
5929
5930
5931
5932
5933
5934
5935
5936
5937
5938
5939
5940
5941
5942
5943
5944
5945
5946
5947
5948
5949
5950
5951
5952
5953
5954
5955
5956
5957
5958
5959
5960
5961
5962
5963
5964
5965
5966
5967
5968
5969
5970
5971
5972
5973
5974
5975
5976
5977
5978
5979
5980
5981
5982
5983
5984
5985
5986
5987
5988
5989
5990
5991
5992
5993
5994
5995
5996
5997
5998
5999
6000
6001
6002
6003
6004
6005
6006
6007
6008
6009
6010
6011
6012
6013
6014
6015
6016
6017
6018
6019
6020
6021
6022
6023
6024
6025
6026
6027
6028
6029
6030
6031
6032
6033
6034
6035
6036
6037
6038
6039
6040
6041
6042
6043
6044
6045
6046
6047
6048
6049
6050
6051
6052
6053
6054
6055
6056
6057
6058
6059
6060
6061
6062
6063
6064
6065
6066
6067
6068
6069
6070
6071
6072
6073
6074
6075
6076
6077
6078
6079
6080
6081
6082
6083
6084
6085
6086
6087
6088
6089
6090
6091
6092
6093
6094
6095
6096
6097
6098
6099
6100
6101
6102
6103
6104
6105
6106
6107
6108
6109
6110
6111
6112
6113
6114
6115
6116
6117
6118
6119
6120
6121
6122
6123
6124
6125
6126
6127
6128
6129
6130
6131
6132
6133
6134
6135
6136
6137
6138
6139
6140
6141
6142
6143
6144
6145
6146
6147
6148
6149
6150
6151
6152
6153
6154
6155
6156
6157
6158
6159
6160
6161
6162
6163
6164
6165
6166
6167
6168
6169
6170
6171
6172
6173
6174
6175
6176
6177
6178
6179
6180
6181
6182
6183
6184
6185
6186
6187
6188
6189
6190
6191
6192
6193
6194
6195
6196
6197
6198
6199
6200
6201
6202
6203
6204
6205
6206
6207
6208
6209
6210
6211
6212
6213
6214
6215
6216
6217
6218
6219
6220
6221
6222
6223
6224
6225
6226
6227
6228
6229
6230
6231
6232
6233
6234
6235
6236
6237
6238
6239
6240
6241
6242
6243
6244
6245
6246
6247
6248
6249
6250
6251
6252
6253
6254
6255
6256
6257
6258
6259
6260
6261
6262
6263
6264
6265
6266
6267
6268
6269
6270
6271
6272
6273
6274
6275
6276
6277
6278
6279
6280
6281
6282
6283
6284
6285
6286
6287
6288
6289
6290
6291
6292
6293
6294
6295
6296
6297
6298
6299
6300
6301
6302
6303
6304
6305
6306
6307
6308
6309
6310
6311
6312
6313
6314
6315
6316
6317
6318
6319
6320
6321
6322
6323
6324
6325
6326
6327
6328
6329
6330
6331
6332
6333
6334
6335
6336
6337
6338
6339
6340
6341
6342
6343
6344
6345
6346
6347
6348
6349
6350
6351
6352
6353
6354
6355
6356
6357
6358
6359
6360
6361
6362
6363
6364
6365
6366
6367
6368
6369
6370
6371
6372
6373
6374
6375
6376
6377
6378
6379
6380
6381
6382
6383
6384
6385
6386
6387
6388
6389
6390
6391
6392
6393
6394
6395
6396
6397
6398
6399
6400
6401
6402
6403
6404
6405
6406
6407
6408
6409
6410
6411
6412
6413
6414
6415
6416
6417
6418
6419
6420
6421
6422
6423
6424
6425
6426
6427
6428
6429
6430
6431
6432
6433
6434
6435
6436
6437
6438
6439
6440
6441
6442
6443
6444
6445
6446
6447
6448
6449
6450
6451
6452
6453
6454
6455
6456
6457
6458
6459
6460
6461
6462
6463
6464
6465
6466
6467
6468
6469
6470
6471
6472
6473
6474
6475
6476
6477
6478
6479
6480
6481
6482
6483
6484
6485
6486
6487
6488
6489
6490
6491
6492
6493
6494
6495
6496
6497
6498
6499
6500
6501
6502
6503
6504
6505
6506
6507
6508
6509
6510
6511
6512
6513
6514
6515
6516
6517
6518
6519
6520
6521
6522
6523
6524
6525
6526
6527
6528
6529
6530
6531
6532
6533
6534
6535
6536
6537
6538
6539
6540
6541
6542
6543
6544
6545
6546
6547
6548
6549
6550
6551
6552
6553
6554
6555
6556
6557
6558
6559
6560
6561
6562
6563
6564
6565
6566
6567
6568
6569
6570
6571
6572
6573
6574
6575
6576
6577
6578
6579
6580
6581
6582
6583
6584
6585
6586
6587
6588
6589
6590
6591
6592
6593
6594
6595
6596
6597
6598
6599
6600
6601
6602
6603
6604
6605
6606
6607
6608
6609
6610
6611
6612
6613
6614
6615
6616
6617
6618
6619
6620
6621
6622
6623
6624
6625
6626
6627
6628
6629
6630
6631
6632
6633
6634
6635
6636
6637
6638
6639
6640
6641
6642
6643
6644
6645
6646
6647
6648
6649
6650
6651
6652
6653
6654
6655
6656
6657
6658
6659
6660
6661
6662
6663
6664
6665
6666
6667
6668
6669
6670
6671
6672
6673
6674
6675
6676
6677
6678
6679
6680
6681
6682
6683
6684
6685
6686
6687
6688
6689
6690
6691
6692
6693
6694
6695
6696
6697
6698
6699
6700
6701
6702
6703
6704
6705
6706
6707
6708
6709
6710
6711
6712
6713
6714
6715
6716
6717
6718
6719
6720
6721
6722
6723
6724
6725
6726
6727
6728
6729
6730
6731
6732
6733
6734
6735
6736
6737
6738
6739
6740
6741
6742
6743
6744
6745
6746
6747
6748
6749
6750
6751
6752
6753
6754
6755
6756
6757
6758
6759
6760
6761
6762
6763
6764
6765
6766
6767
6768
6769
6770
6771
6772
6773
6774
6775
6776
6777
6778
6779
6780
6781
6782
6783
6784
6785
6786
6787
6788
6789
6790
6791
6792
6793
6794
6795
6796
6797
6798
6799
6800
6801
6802
6803
6804
6805
6806
6807
6808
6809
6810
6811
6812
6813
6814
6815
6816
6817
6818
6819
6820
6821
6822
6823
6824
6825
6826
6827
6828
6829
6830
6831
6832
6833
6834
6835
6836
6837
6838
6839
6840
6841
6842
6843
6844
6845
6846
6847
6848
6849
6850
6851
6852
6853
6854
6855
6856
6857
6858
6859
6860
6861
6862
6863
6864
6865
6866
6867
6868
6869
6870
6871
6872
6873
6874
6875
6876
6877
6878
6879
6880
6881
6882
6883
6884
6885
6886
6887
6888
6889
6890
6891
6892
6893
6894
6895
6896
6897
6898
6899
6900
6901
6902
6903
6904
6905
6906
6907
6908
6909
6910
6911
6912
6913
6914
6915
6916
6917
6918
6919
6920
6921
6922
6923
6924
6925
6926
6927
6928
6929
6930
6931
6932
6933
6934
6935
6936
6937
6938
6939
6940
6941
6942
6943
6944
6945
6946
6947
6948
6949
6950
6951
6952
6953
6954
6955
6956
6957
6958
6959
6960
6961
6962
6963
6964
6965
6966
6967
6968
6969
6970
6971
6972
6973
6974
6975
6976
6977
6978
6979
6980
6981
6982
6983
6984
6985
6986
6987
6988
6989
6990
6991
6992
6993
6994
6995
6996
6997
6998
6999
7000
7001
7002
7003
7004
7005
7006
7007
7008
7009
7010
7011
7012
7013
7014
7015
7016
7017
7018
7019
7020
7021
7022
7023
7024
7025
7026
7027
7028
7029
7030
7031
7032
7033
7034
7035
7036
7037
7038
7039
7040
7041
7042
7043
7044
7045
7046
7047
7048
7049
7050
7051
7052
7053
7054
7055
7056
7057
7058
7059
7060
7061
7062
7063
7064
7065
7066
7067
7068
7069
7070
7071
7072
7073
7074
7075
7076
7077
7078
7079
7080
7081
7082
7083
7084
7085
7086
7087
7088
7089
7090
7091
7092
7093
7094
7095
7096
7097
7098
7099
7100
7101
7102
7103
7104
7105
7106
7107
7108
7109
7110
7111
7112
7113
7114
7115
7116
7117
7118
7119
7120
7121
7122
7123
7124
7125
7126
7127
7128
7129
7130
7131
7132
7133
7134
7135
7136
7137
7138
7139
7140
7141
7142
7143
7144
7145
7146
7147
7148
7149
7150
7151
7152
7153
7154
7155
7156
7157
7158
7159
7160
7161
7162
7163
7164
7165
7166
7167
7168
7169
7170
7171
7172
7173
7174
7175
7176
7177
7178
7179
7180
7181
7182
7183
7184
7185
7186
7187
7188
7189
7190
7191
7192
7193
7194
7195
7196
7197
7198
7199
7200
7201
7202
7203
7204
7205
7206
7207
7208
7209
7210
7211
7212
7213
7214
7215
7216
7217
7218
7219
7220
7221
7222
7223
7224
7225
7226
7227
7228
7229
7230
7231
7232
7233
7234
7235
7236
7237
7238
7239
7240
7241
7242
7243
7244
7245
7246
7247
7248
7249
7250
7251
7252
7253
7254
7255
7256
7257
7258
7259
7260
7261
7262
7263
7264
7265
7266
7267
7268
7269
7270
7271
7272
7273
7274
7275
7276
7277
7278
7279
7280
7281
7282
7283
7284
7285
7286
7287
7288
7289
7290
7291
7292
7293
7294
7295
7296
7297
7298
7299
7300
7301
7302
7303
7304
7305
7306
7307
7308
7309
7310
7311
7312
7313
7314
7315
7316
7317
7318
7319
7320
7321
7322
7323
7324
7325
7326
7327
7328
7329
7330
7331
7332
7333
7334
7335
7336
7337
7338
7339
7340
7341
7342
7343
7344
7345
7346
7347
7348
7349
7350
7351
7352
7353
7354
7355
7356
7357
7358
7359
7360
7361
7362
7363
7364
7365
7366
7367
7368
7369
7370
7371
7372
7373
7374
7375
7376
7377
7378
7379
7380
7381
7382
7383
7384
7385
7386
7387
7388
7389
7390
7391
7392
7393
7394
7395
7396
7397
7398
7399
7400
7401
7402
7403
7404
7405
7406
7407
7408
7409
7410
7411
7412
7413
7414
7415
7416
7417
7418
7419
7420
7421
7422
7423
7424
7425
7426
7427
7428
7429
7430
7431
7432
7433
7434
7435
7436
7437
7438
7439
7440
7441
7442
7443
7444
7445
7446
7447
7448
7449
7450
7451
7452
7453
7454
7455
7456
7457
7458
7459
7460
7461
7462
7463
7464
7465
7466
7467
7468
7469
7470
7471
7472
7473
7474
7475
7476
7477
7478
7479
7480
7481
7482
7483
7484
7485
7486
7487
7488
7489
7490
7491
7492
7493
7494
7495
7496
7497
7498
7499
7500
7501
7502
7503
7504
7505
7506
7507
7508
7509
7510
7511
7512
7513
7514
7515
7516
7517
7518
7519
7520
7521
7522
7523
7524
7525
7526
7527
7528
7529
7530
7531
7532
7533
7534
7535
7536
7537
7538
7539
7540
7541
7542
7543
7544
7545
7546
7547
7548
7549
7550
7551
7552
7553
7554
7555
7556
7557
7558
7559
7560
7561
7562
7563
7564
7565
7566
7567
7568
7569
7570
7571
7572
7573
7574
7575
7576
7577
7578
7579
7580
7581
7582
7583
7584
7585
7586
7587
7588
7589
7590
7591
7592
7593
7594
7595
7596
7597
7598
7599
7600
7601
7602
7603
7604
7605
7606
7607
7608
7609
7610
7611
7612
7613
7614
7615
7616
7617
7618
7619
7620
7621
7622
7623
7624
7625
7626
7627
7628
7629
7630
7631
7632
7633
7634
7635
7636
7637
7638
7639
7640
7641
7642
7643
7644
7645
7646
7647
7648
7649
7650
7651
7652
7653
7654
7655
7656
7657
7658
7659
7660
7661
7662
7663
7664
7665
7666
7667
7668
7669
7670
7671
7672
7673
7674
7675
7676
7677
7678
7679
7680
7681
7682
7683
7684
7685
7686
7687
7688
7689
7690
7691
7692
7693
7694
7695
7696
7697
7698
7699
7700
7701
7702
7703
7704
7705
7706
7707
7708
7709
7710
7711
7712
7713
7714
7715
7716
7717
7718
7719
7720
7721
7722
7723
7724
7725
7726
7727
7728
7729
7730
7731
7732
7733
7734
7735
7736
7737
7738
7739
7740
7741
7742
7743
7744
7745
7746
7747
7748
7749
7750
7751
7752
7753
7754
7755
7756
7757
7758
7759
7760
7761
7762
7763
7764
7765
7766
7767
7768
7769
7770
7771
7772
7773
7774
7775
7776
7777
7778
7779
7780
7781
7782
7783
7784
7785
7786
7787
7788
7789
7790
7791
7792
7793
7794
7795
7796
7797
7798
7799
7800
7801
7802
7803
7804
7805
7806
7807
7808
7809
7810
7811
7812
7813
7814
7815
7816
7817
7818
7819
7820
7821
7822
7823
7824
7825
7826
7827
7828
7829
7830
7831
7832
7833
7834
7835
7836
7837
7838
7839
7840
7841
7842
7843
7844
7845
7846
7847
7848
7849
7850
7851
7852
7853
7854
7855
7856
7857
7858
7859
7860
7861
7862
7863
7864
7865
7866
7867
7868
7869
7870
7871
7872
7873
7874
7875
7876
7877
7878
7879
7880
7881
7882
7883
7884
7885
7886
7887
7888
7889
7890
7891
7892
7893
7894
7895
7896
7897
7898
7899
7900
7901
7902
7903
7904
7905
7906
7907
7908
7909
7910
7911
7912
7913
7914
7915
7916
7917
7918
7919
7920
7921
7922
7923
7924
7925
7926
7927
7928
7929
7930
7931
7932
7933
7934
7935
7936
7937
7938
7939
7940
7941
7942
7943
7944
7945
7946
7947
7948
7949
7950
7951
7952
7953
7954
7955
7956
7957
7958
7959
7960
7961
7962
7963
7964
7965
7966
7967
7968
7969
7970
7971
7972
7973
7974
7975
7976
7977
7978
7979
7980
7981
7982
7983
7984
7985
7986
7987
7988
7989
7990
7991
7992
7993
7994
7995
7996
7997
7998
7999
8000
8001
8002
8003
8004
8005
8006
8007
8008
8009
8010
8011
8012
8013
8014
8015
8016
8017
8018
8019
8020
8021
8022
8023
8024
8025
8026
8027
8028
8029
8030
8031
8032
8033
8034
8035
8036
8037
8038
8039
8040
8041
8042
8043
8044
8045
8046
8047
8048
8049
8050
8051
8052
8053
8054
8055
8056
8057
8058
8059
8060
8061
8062
8063
8064
8065
8066
8067
8068
8069
8070
8071
8072
8073
8074
8075
8076
8077
8078
8079
8080
8081
8082
8083
8084
8085
8086
8087
8088
8089
8090
8091
8092
8093
8094
8095
8096
8097
8098
8099
8100
8101
8102
8103
8104
8105
8106
8107
8108
8109
8110
8111
8112
8113
8114
8115
8116
8117
8118
8119
8120
8121
8122
8123
8124
8125
8126
8127
8128
8129
8130
8131
8132
8133
8134
8135
8136
8137
8138
8139
8140
8141
8142
8143
8144
8145
8146
8147
8148
8149
8150
8151
8152
8153
8154
8155
8156
8157
8158
8159
8160
8161
8162
8163
8164
8165
8166
8167
8168
8169
8170
8171
8172
8173
8174
8175
8176
8177
8178
8179
8180
8181
8182
8183
8184
8185
8186
8187
8188
8189
8190
8191
8192
8193
8194
8195
8196
8197
8198
8199
8200
8201
8202
8203
8204
8205
8206
8207
8208
8209
8210
8211
8212
8213
8214
8215
8216
8217
8218
8219
8220
8221
8222
8223
8224
8225
8226
8227
8228
8229
8230
8231
8232
8233
8234
8235
8236
8237
8238
8239
8240
8241
8242
8243
8244
8245
8246
8247
8248
8249
8250
8251
8252
8253
8254
8255
8256
8257
8258
8259
8260
8261
8262
8263
8264
8265
8266
8267
8268
8269
8270
8271
8272
8273
8274
8275
8276
8277
8278
8279
8280
8281
8282
8283
8284
8285
8286
8287
8288
8289
8290
8291
8292
8293
8294
8295
8296
8297
8298
8299
8300
8301
8302
8303
8304
8305
8306
8307
8308
8309
8310
8311
8312
8313
8314
8315
8316
8317
8318
8319
8320
8321
8322
8323
8324
8325
8326
8327
8328
8329
8330
8331
8332
8333
8334
8335
8336
8337
8338
8339
8340
8341
8342
8343
8344
8345
8346
8347
8348
8349
8350
8351
8352
8353
8354
8355
8356
8357
8358
8359
8360
8361
8362
8363
8364
8365
8366
8367
8368
8369
8370
8371
8372
8373
8374
8375
8376
8377
8378
8379
8380
8381
8382
8383
8384
8385
8386
8387
8388
8389
8390
8391
8392
8393
8394
8395
8396
8397
8398
8399
8400
8401
8402
8403
8404
8405
8406
8407
8408
8409
8410
8411
8412
8413
8414
8415
8416
8417
8418
8419
8420
8421
8422
8423
8424
8425
8426
8427
8428
8429
8430
8431
8432
8433
8434
8435
8436
8437
8438
8439
8440
8441
8442
8443
8444
8445
8446
8447
8448
8449
8450
8451
8452
8453
8454
8455
8456
8457
8458
8459
8460
8461
8462
8463
8464
8465
8466
8467
8468
8469
8470
8471
8472
8473
8474
8475
8476
8477
8478
8479
8480
8481
8482
8483
8484
8485
8486
8487
8488
8489
8490
8491
8492
8493
8494
8495
8496
8497
8498
8499
8500
8501
8502
8503
8504
8505
8506
8507
8508
8509
8510
8511
8512
8513
8514
8515
8516
8517
8518
8519
8520
8521
8522
8523
8524
8525
8526
8527
8528
8529
8530
8531
8532
8533
8534
8535
8536
8537
8538
8539
8540
8541
8542
8543
8544
8545
8546
8547
8548
8549
8550
8551
8552
8553
8554
8555
8556
8557
8558
8559
8560
8561
8562
8563
8564
8565
8566
8567
8568
8569
8570
8571
8572
8573
8574
8575
8576
8577
8578
8579
8580
8581
8582
8583
8584
8585
8586
8587
8588
8589
8590
8591
8592
8593
8594
8595
8596
8597
8598
8599
8600
8601
8602
8603
8604
8605
8606
8607
8608
8609
8610
8611
8612
8613
8614
8615
8616
8617
8618
8619
8620
8621
8622
8623
8624
8625
8626
8627
8628
8629
8630
8631
8632
8633
8634
8635
8636
8637
8638
8639
8640
8641
8642
8643
8644
8645
8646
8647
8648
8649
8650
8651
8652
8653
8654
8655
8656
8657
8658
8659
8660
8661
8662
8663
8664
8665
8666
8667
8668
8669
8670
8671
8672
8673
8674
8675
8676
8677
8678
8679
8680
8681
8682
8683
8684
8685
8686
8687
8688
8689
8690
8691
8692
8693
8694
8695
8696
8697
8698
8699
8700
8701
8702
8703
8704
8705
8706
8707
8708
8709
8710
8711
8712
8713
8714
8715
8716
8717
8718
8719
8720
8721
8722
8723
8724
8725
8726
8727
8728
8729
8730
8731
8732
8733
8734
8735
8736
8737
8738
8739
8740
8741
8742
8743
8744
8745
8746
8747
8748
8749
8750
8751
8752
8753
8754
8755
8756
8757
8758
8759
8760
8761
8762
8763
8764
8765
8766
8767
8768
8769
8770
8771
8772
8773
8774
8775
8776
8777
8778
8779
8780
8781
8782
8783
8784
8785
8786
8787
8788
8789
8790
8791
8792
8793
8794
8795
8796
8797
8798
8799
8800
8801
8802
8803
8804
8805
8806
8807
8808
8809
8810
8811
8812
8813
8814
8815
8816
8817
8818
8819
8820
8821
8822
8823
8824
8825
8826
8827
8828
8829
8830
8831
8832
8833
8834
8835
8836
8837
8838
8839
8840
8841
8842
8843
8844
8845
8846
8847
8848
8849
8850
8851
8852
8853
8854
8855
8856
8857
8858
8859
8860
8861
8862
8863
8864
8865
8866
8867
8868
8869
8870
8871
8872
8873
8874
8875
8876
8877
8878
8879
8880
8881
8882
8883
8884
8885
8886
8887
8888
8889
8890
8891
8892
8893
8894
8895
8896
8897
8898
8899
8900
8901
8902
8903
8904
8905
8906
8907
8908
8909
8910
8911
8912
8913
8914
8915
8916
8917
8918
8919
8920
8921
8922
8923
8924
8925
8926
8927
8928
8929
8930
8931
8932
8933
8934
8935
8936
8937
8938
8939
8940
8941
8942
8943
8944
8945
8946
8947
8948
8949
8950
8951
8952
8953
8954
8955
8956
8957
8958
8959
8960
8961
8962
8963
8964
8965
8966
8967
8968
8969
8970
8971
8972
8973
8974
8975
8976
8977
8978
8979
8980
8981
8982
8983
8984
8985
8986
8987
8988
8989
8990
8991
8992
8993
8994
8995
8996
8997
8998
8999
9000
9001
9002
9003
9004
9005
9006
9007
9008
9009
9010
9011
9012
9013
9014
9015
9016
9017
9018
9019
9020
9021
9022
9023
9024
9025
9026
9027
9028
9029
9030
9031
9032
9033
9034
9035
9036
9037
9038
9039
9040
9041
9042
9043
9044
9045
9046
9047
9048
9049
9050
9051
9052
9053
9054
9055
9056
9057
9058
9059
9060
9061
9062
9063
9064
9065
9066
9067
9068
9069
9070
9071
9072
9073
9074
9075
9076
9077
9078
9079
9080
9081
9082
9083
9084
9085
9086
9087
9088
9089
9090
9091
9092
9093
9094
9095
9096
9097
9098
9099
9100
9101
9102
9103
9104
9105
9106
9107
9108
9109
9110
9111
9112
9113
9114
9115
9116
9117
9118
9119
9120
9121
9122
9123
9124
9125
9126
9127
9128
9129
9130
9131
9132
9133
9134
9135
9136
9137
9138
9139
9140
9141
9142
9143
9144
9145
9146
9147
9148
9149
9150
9151
9152
9153
9154
9155
9156
9157
9158
9159
9160
9161
9162
9163
9164
9165
9166
9167
9168
9169
9170
9171
9172
9173
9174
9175
9176
9177
9178
9179
9180
9181
9182
9183
9184
9185
9186
9187
9188
9189
9190
9191
9192
9193
9194
9195
9196
9197
9198
9199
9200
9201
9202
9203
9204
9205
9206
9207
9208
9209
9210
9211
9212
9213
9214
9215
9216
9217
9218
9219
9220
9221
9222
9223
9224
9225
9226
9227
9228
9229
9230
9231
9232
9233
9234
9235
9236
9237
9238
9239
9240
9241
9242
9243
9244
9245
9246
9247
9248
9249
9250
9251
9252
9253
9254
9255
9256
9257
9258
9259
9260
9261
9262
9263
9264
9265
9266
9267
9268
9269
9270
9271
9272
9273
9274
9275
9276
9277
9278
9279
9280
9281
9282
9283
9284
9285
9286
9287
9288
9289
9290
9291
9292
9293
9294
9295
9296
9297
9298
9299
9300
9301
9302
9303
9304
9305
9306
9307
9308
9309
9310
9311
9312
9313
9314
9315
9316
9317
9318
9319
9320
9321
9322
9323
9324
9325
9326
9327
9328
9329
9330
9331
9332
9333
9334
9335
9336
9337
9338
9339
9340
9341
9342
9343
9344
9345
9346
9347
9348
9349
9350
9351
9352
9353
9354
9355
9356
9357
9358
9359
9360
9361
9362
9363
9364
9365
9366
9367
9368
9369
9370
9371
9372
9373
9374
9375
9376
9377
9378
9379
9380
9381
9382
9383
9384
9385
9386
9387
9388
9389
9390
9391
9392
9393
9394
9395
9396
9397
9398
9399
9400
9401
9402
9403
9404
9405
9406
9407
9408
9409
9410
9411
9412
9413
9414
9415
9416
9417
9418
9419
9420
9421
9422
9423
9424
9425
9426
9427
9428
9429
9430
9431
9432
9433
9434
9435
9436
9437
9438
9439
9440
9441
9442
9443
9444
9445
9446
9447
9448
9449
9450
9451
9452
9453
9454
9455
9456
9457
9458
9459
9460
9461
9462
9463
9464
9465
9466
9467
9468
9469
9470
9471
9472
9473
9474
9475
9476
9477
9478
9479
9480
9481
9482
9483
9484
9485
9486
9487
9488
9489
9490
9491
9492
9493
9494
9495
9496
9497
9498
9499
9500
9501
9502
9503
9504
9505
9506
9507
9508
9509
9510
9511
9512
9513
9514
9515
9516
9517
9518
9519
9520
9521
9522
9523
9524
9525
9526
9527
9528
9529
9530
9531
9532
9533
9534
9535
9536
9537
9538
9539
9540
9541
9542
9543
9544
9545
9546
9547
9548
9549
9550
9551
9552
9553
9554
9555
9556
9557
9558
9559
9560
9561
9562
9563
9564
9565
9566
9567
9568
9569
9570
9571
9572
9573
9574
9575
9576
9577
9578
9579
9580
9581
9582
9583
9584
9585
9586
9587
9588
9589
9590
9591
9592
9593
9594
9595
9596
9597
9598
9599
9600
9601
9602
9603
9604
9605
9606
9607
9608
9609
9610
9611
9612
9613
9614
9615
9616
9617
9618
9619
9620
9621
9622
9623
9624
9625
9626
9627
9628
9629
9630
9631
9632
9633
9634
9635
9636
9637
9638
9639
9640
9641
9642
9643
9644
9645
9646
9647
9648
9649
9650
9651
9652
9653
9654
9655
9656
9657
9658
9659
9660
9661
9662
9663
9664
9665
9666
9667
9668
9669
9670
9671
9672
9673
9674
9675
9676
9677
9678
9679
9680
9681
9682
9683
9684
9685
9686
9687
9688
9689
9690
9691
9692
9693
9694
9695
9696
9697
9698
9699
9700
9701
9702
9703
9704
9705
9706
9707
9708
9709
9710
9711
9712
9713
9714
9715
9716
9717
9718
9719
9720
9721
9722
9723
9724
9725
9726
9727
9728
9729
9730
9731
9732
9733
9734
9735
9736
9737
9738
9739
9740
9741
9742
9743
9744
9745
9746
9747
9748
9749
9750
9751
9752
9753
9754
9755
9756
9757
9758
9759
9760
9761
9762
9763
9764
9765
9766
9767
9768
9769
9770
9771
9772
9773
9774
9775
9776
9777
9778
9779
9780
9781
9782
9783
9784
9785
9786
9787
9788
9789
9790
9791
9792
9793
9794
9795
9796
9797
9798
9799
9800
9801
9802
9803
9804
9805
9806
9807
9808
9809
9810
9811
9812
9813
9814
9815
9816
9817
9818
9819
9820
9821
9822
9823
9824
9825
9826
9827
9828
9829
9830
9831
9832
9833
9834
9835
9836
9837
9838
9839
9840
9841
9842
9843
9844
9845
9846
9847
9848
9849
9850
9851
9852
9853
9854
9855
9856
9857
9858
9859
9860
9861
9862
9863
9864
9865
9866
9867
9868
9869
9870
9871
9872
9873
9874
9875
9876
9877
9878
9879
9880
9881
9882
9883
9884
9885
9886
9887
9888
9889
9890
9891
9892
9893
9894
9895
9896
9897
9898
9899
9900
9901
9902
9903
9904
9905
9906
9907
9908
9909
9910
9911
9912
9913
9914
9915
9916
9917
9918
9919
9920
9921
9922
9923
9924
9925
9926
9927
9928
9929
9930
9931
9932
9933
9934
9935
9936
9937
9938
9939
9940
9941
9942
9943
9944
9945
9946
9947
9948
9949
9950
9951
9952
9953
9954
9955
9956
9957
9958
9959
9960
9961
9962
9963
9964
9965
9966
9967
9968
9969
9970
9971
9972
9973
9974
9975
9976
9977
9978
9979
9980
9981
9982
9983
9984
9985
9986
9987
9988
9989
9990
9991
9992
9993
9994
9995
9996
9997
9998
9999
10000
10001
10002
10003
10004
10005
10006
10007
10008
10009
10010
10011
10012
10013
10014
10015
10016
10017
10018
10019
10020
10021
10022
10023
10024
10025
10026
10027
10028
10029
10030
10031
10032
10033
10034
10035
10036
10037
10038
10039
10040
10041
10042
10043
10044
10045
10046
10047
10048
10049
10050
10051
10052
10053
10054
10055
10056
10057
10058
10059
10060
10061
10062
10063
10064
10065
10066
10067
10068
10069
10070
10071
10072
10073
10074
10075
10076
10077
10078
10079
10080
10081
10082
10083
10084
10085
10086
10087
10088
10089
10090
10091
10092
10093
10094
10095
10096
10097
10098
10099
10100
10101
10102
10103
10104
10105
10106
10107
10108
10109
10110
10111
10112
10113
10114
10115
10116
10117
10118
10119
10120
10121
10122
10123
10124
10125
10126
10127
10128
10129
10130
10131
10132
10133
10134
10135
10136
10137
10138
10139
10140
10141
10142
10143
10144
10145
10146
10147
10148
10149
10150
10151
10152
10153
10154
10155
10156
10157
10158
10159
10160
10161
10162
10163
10164
10165
10166
10167
10168
10169
10170
10171
10172
10173
10174
10175
10176
10177
10178
10179
10180
10181
10182
10183
10184
10185
10186
10187
10188
10189
10190
10191
10192
10193
10194
10195
10196
10197
10198
10199
10200
10201
10202
10203
10204
10205
10206
10207
10208
10209
10210
10211
10212
10213
10214
10215
10216
10217
10218
10219
10220
10221
10222
10223
10224
10225
10226
10227
10228
10229
10230
10231
10232
10233
10234
10235
10236
10237
10238
10239
10240
10241
10242
10243
10244
10245
10246
10247
10248
10249
10250
10251
10252
10253
10254
10255
10256
10257
10258
10259
10260
10261
10262
10263
10264
10265
10266
10267
10268
10269
10270
10271
10272
10273
10274
10275
10276
10277
10278
10279
10280
10281
10282
10283
10284
10285
10286
10287
10288
10289
10290
10291
10292
10293
10294
10295
10296
10297
10298
10299
10300
10301
10302
10303
10304
10305
10306
10307
10308
10309
10310
10311
10312
10313
10314
10315
10316
10317
10318
10319
10320
10321
10322
10323
10324
10325
10326
10327
10328
10329
10330
10331
10332
10333
10334
10335
10336
10337
10338
10339
10340
10341
10342
10343
10344
10345
10346
10347
10348
10349
10350
10351
10352
10353
10354
10355
10356
10357
10358
10359
10360
10361
10362
10363
10364
10365
10366
10367
10368
10369
10370
10371
10372
10373
10374
10375
10376
10377
10378
10379
10380
10381
10382
10383
10384
10385
10386
10387
10388
10389
10390
10391
10392
10393
10394
10395
10396
10397
10398
10399
10400
10401
10402
10403
10404
10405
10406
10407
10408
10409
10410
10411
10412
10413
10414
10415
10416
10417
10418
10419
10420
10421
10422
10423
10424
10425
10426
10427
10428
10429
10430
10431
10432
10433
10434
10435
10436
10437
10438
10439
10440
10441
10442
10443
10444
10445
10446
10447
10448
10449
10450
10451
10452
10453
10454
10455
10456
10457
10458
10459
10460
10461
10462
10463
10464
10465
10466
10467
10468
10469
10470
10471
10472
10473
10474
10475
10476
10477
10478
10479
10480
10481
10482
10483
10484
10485
10486
10487
10488
10489
10490
10491
10492
10493
10494
10495
10496
10497
10498
10499
10500
10501
10502
10503
10504
10505
10506
10507
10508
10509
10510
10511
10512
10513
10514
10515
10516
10517
10518
10519
10520
10521
10522
10523
10524
10525
10526
10527
10528
10529
10530
10531
10532
10533
10534
10535
10536
10537
10538
10539
10540
10541
10542
10543
10544
10545
10546
10547
10548
10549
10550
10551
10552
10553
10554
10555
10556
10557
10558
10559
10560
10561
10562
10563
10564
10565
10566
10567
10568
10569
10570
10571
10572
10573
10574
10575
10576
10577
10578
10579
10580
10581
10582
10583
10584
10585
10586
10587
10588
10589
10590
10591
10592
10593
10594
10595
10596
10597
10598
10599
10600
10601
10602
10603
10604
10605
10606
10607
10608
10609
10610
10611
10612
10613
10614
10615
10616
10617
10618
10619
10620
10621
10622
10623
10624
10625
10626
10627
10628
10629
10630
10631
10632
10633
10634
10635
10636
10637
10638
10639
10640
10641
10642
10643
10644
10645
10646
10647
10648
10649
10650
10651
10652
10653
10654
10655
10656
10657
10658
10659
10660
10661
10662
10663
10664
10665
10666
10667
10668
10669
10670
10671
10672
10673
10674
10675
10676
10677
10678
10679
10680
10681
10682
10683
10684
10685
10686
10687
10688
10689
10690
10691
10692
10693
10694
10695
10696
10697
10698
10699
10700
10701
10702
10703
10704
10705
10706
10707
10708
10709
10710
10711
10712
10713
10714
10715
10716
10717
10718
10719
10720
10721
10722
10723
10724
10725
10726
10727
10728
10729
10730
10731
10732
10733
10734
10735
10736
10737
10738
10739
10740
10741
10742
10743
10744
10745
10746
10747
10748
10749
10750
10751
10752
10753
10754
10755
10756
10757
10758
10759
10760
10761
10762
10763
10764
10765
10766
10767
10768
10769
10770
10771
10772
10773
10774
10775
10776
10777
10778
10779
10780
10781
10782
10783
10784
10785
10786
10787
10788
10789
10790
10791
10792
10793
10794
10795
10796
10797
10798
10799
10800
10801
10802
10803
10804
10805
10806
10807
10808
10809
10810
10811
10812
10813
10814
10815
10816
10817
10818
10819
10820
10821
10822
10823
10824
10825
10826
10827
10828
10829
10830
10831
10832
10833
10834
10835
10836
10837
10838
10839
10840
10841
10842
10843
10844
10845
10846
10847
10848
10849
10850
10851
10852
10853
10854
10855
10856
10857
10858
10859
10860
10861
10862
10863
10864
10865
10866
10867
10868
10869
10870
10871
10872
10873
10874
10875
10876
10877
10878
10879
10880
10881
10882
10883
10884
10885
10886
10887
10888
10889
10890
10891
10892
10893
10894
10895
10896
10897
10898
10899
10900
10901
10902
10903
10904
10905
10906
10907
10908
10909
10910
10911
10912
10913
10914
10915
10916
10917
10918
10919
10920
10921
10922
10923
10924
10925
10926
10927
10928
10929
10930
10931
10932
10933
10934
10935
10936
10937
10938
10939
10940
10941
10942
10943
10944
10945
10946
10947
10948
10949
10950
10951
10952
10953
10954
10955
10956
10957
10958
10959
10960
10961
10962
10963
10964
10965
10966
10967
10968
10969
10970
10971
10972
10973
10974
10975
10976
10977
10978
10979
10980
10981
10982
10983
10984
10985
10986
10987
10988
10989
10990
10991
10992
10993
10994
10995
10996
10997
10998
10999
11000
11001
11002
11003
11004
11005
11006
11007
11008
11009
11010
11011
11012
11013
11014
11015
11016
11017
11018
11019
11020
11021
11022
11023
11024
11025
11026
11027
11028
11029
11030
11031
11032
11033
11034
11035
11036
11037
11038
11039
11040
11041
11042
11043
11044
11045
11046
11047
11048
11049
11050
11051
11052
11053
11054
11055
11056
11057
11058
11059
11060
11061
11062
11063
11064
11065
11066
11067
11068
11069
11070
11071
11072
11073
11074
11075
11076
11077
11078
11079
11080
11081
11082
11083
11084
11085
11086
11087
11088
11089
11090
11091
11092
11093
11094
11095
11096
11097
11098
11099
11100
11101
11102
11103
11104
11105
11106
11107
11108
11109
11110
11111
11112
11113
11114
11115
11116
11117
11118
11119
11120
11121
11122
11123
11124
11125
11126
11127
11128
11129
11130
11131
11132
11133
11134
11135
11136
11137
11138
11139
11140
11141
11142
11143
11144
11145
11146
11147
11148
11149
11150
11151
11152
11153
11154
11155
11156
11157
11158
11159
11160
11161
11162
11163
11164
11165
11166
11167
11168
11169
11170
11171
11172
11173
11174
11175
11176
11177
11178
11179
11180
11181
11182
11183
11184
11185
11186
11187
11188
11189
11190
11191
11192
11193
11194
11195
11196
11197
11198
11199
11200
11201
11202
11203
11204
11205
11206
11207
11208
11209
11210
11211
11212
11213
11214
11215
11216
11217
11218
11219
11220
11221
11222
11223
11224
11225
11226
11227
11228
11229
11230
11231
11232
11233
11234
11235
11236
11237
11238
11239
11240
11241
11242
11243
11244
11245
11246
11247
11248
11249
11250
11251
11252
11253
11254
11255
11256
11257
11258
11259
11260
11261
11262
11263
11264
11265
11266
11267
11268
11269
11270
11271
11272
11273
11274
11275
11276
11277
11278
11279
11280
11281
11282
11283
11284
11285
11286
11287
11288
11289
11290
11291
11292
11293
11294
11295
11296
11297
11298
11299
11300
11301
11302
11303
11304
11305
11306
11307
11308
11309
11310
11311
11312
11313
11314
11315
11316
11317
11318
11319
11320
11321
11322
11323
11324
11325
11326
11327
11328
11329
11330
11331
11332
11333
11334
11335
11336
11337
11338
11339
11340
11341
11342
11343
11344
11345
11346
11347
11348
11349
11350
11351
11352
11353
11354
11355
11356
11357
11358
11359
11360
11361
11362
11363
11364
11365
11366
11367
11368
11369
11370
11371
11372
11373
11374
11375
11376
11377
11378
11379
11380
11381
11382
11383
11384
11385
11386
11387
11388
11389
11390
11391
11392
11393
11394
11395
11396
11397
11398
11399
11400
11401
11402
11403
11404
11405
11406
11407
11408
11409
11410
11411
11412
11413
11414
11415
11416
11417
11418
11419
11420
11421
11422
11423
11424
11425
11426
11427
11428
11429
11430
11431
11432
11433
11434
11435
11436
11437
11438
11439
11440
11441
11442
11443
11444
11445
11446
11447
11448
11449
11450
11451
11452
11453
11454
11455
11456
11457
11458
11459
11460
11461
11462
11463
11464
11465
11466
11467
11468
11469
11470
11471
11472
11473
11474
11475
11476
11477
11478
11479
11480
11481
11482
11483
11484
11485
11486
11487
11488
11489
11490
11491
11492
11493
11494
11495
11496
11497
11498
11499
11500
11501
11502
11503
11504
11505
11506
11507
11508
11509
11510
11511
11512
11513
11514
11515
11516
11517
11518
11519
11520
11521
11522
11523
11524
11525
11526
11527
11528
11529
11530
11531
11532
11533
11534
11535
11536
11537
11538
11539
11540
11541
11542
11543
11544
11545
11546
11547
11548
11549
11550
11551
11552
11553
11554
11555
11556
11557
11558
11559
11560
11561
11562
11563
11564
11565
11566
11567
11568
11569
11570
11571
11572
11573
11574
11575
11576
11577
11578
11579
11580
11581
11582
11583
11584
11585
11586
11587
11588
11589
11590
11591
11592
11593
11594
11595
11596
11597
11598
11599
11600
11601
11602
11603
11604
11605
11606
11607
11608
11609
11610
11611
11612
11613
11614
11615
11616
11617
11618
11619
11620
11621
11622
11623
11624
11625
11626
11627
11628
11629
11630
11631
11632
11633
11634
11635
11636
11637
11638
11639
11640
11641
11642
11643
11644
11645
11646
11647
11648
11649
11650
11651
11652
11653
11654
11655
11656
11657
11658
11659
11660
11661
11662
11663
11664
11665
11666
11667
11668
11669
11670
11671
11672
11673
11674
11675
11676
11677
11678
11679
11680
11681
11682
11683
11684
11685
11686
11687
11688
11689
11690
11691
11692
11693
11694
11695
11696
11697
11698
11699
11700
11701
11702
11703
11704
11705
11706
11707
11708
11709
11710
11711
11712
11713
11714
11715
11716
11717
11718
11719
11720
11721
11722
11723
11724
11725
11726
11727
11728
11729
11730
11731
11732
11733
11734
11735
11736
11737
11738
11739
11740
11741
11742
11743
11744
11745
11746
11747
11748
11749
11750
11751
11752
11753
11754
11755
11756
11757
11758
11759
11760
11761
11762
11763
11764
11765
11766
11767
11768
11769
11770
11771
11772
11773
11774
11775
11776
11777
11778
11779
11780
11781
11782
11783
11784
11785
11786
11787
11788
11789
11790
11791
11792
11793
11794
11795
11796
11797
11798
11799
11800
11801
11802
11803
11804
11805
11806
11807
11808
11809
11810
11811
11812
11813
11814
11815
11816
11817
11818
11819
11820
11821
11822
11823
11824
11825
11826
11827
11828
11829
11830
11831
11832
11833
11834
11835
11836
11837
11838
11839
11840
11841
11842
11843
11844
11845
11846
11847
11848
11849
11850
11851
11852
11853
11854
11855
11856
11857
11858
11859
11860
11861
11862
11863
11864
11865
11866
11867
11868
11869
11870
11871
11872
11873
11874
11875
11876
11877
11878
11879
11880
11881
11882
11883
11884
11885
11886
11887
11888
11889
11890
11891
11892
11893
11894
11895
11896
11897
11898
11899
11900
11901
11902
11903
11904
11905
11906
11907
11908
11909
11910
11911
11912
11913
11914
11915
11916
11917
11918
11919
11920
11921
11922
11923
11924
11925
11926
11927
11928
11929
11930
11931
11932
11933
11934
11935
11936
11937
11938
11939
11940
11941
11942
11943
11944
11945
11946
11947
11948
11949
11950
11951
11952
11953
11954
11955
11956
11957
11958
11959
11960
11961
11962
11963
11964
11965
11966
11967
11968
11969
11970
11971
11972
11973
11974
11975
11976
11977
11978
11979
11980
11981
11982
11983
11984
11985
11986
11987
11988
11989
11990
11991
11992
11993
11994
11995
11996
11997
11998
11999
12000
12001
12002
12003
12004
12005
12006
12007
12008
12009
12010
12011
12012
12013
12014
12015
12016
12017
12018
12019
12020
12021
12022
12023
12024
12025
12026
12027
12028
12029
12030
12031
12032
12033
12034
12035
12036
12037
12038
12039
12040
12041
12042
12043
12044
12045
12046
12047
12048
12049
12050
12051
12052
12053
12054
12055
12056
12057
12058
12059
12060
12061
12062
12063
12064
12065
12066
12067
12068
12069
12070
12071
12072
12073
12074
12075
12076
12077
12078
12079
12080
12081
12082
12083
12084
12085
12086
12087
12088
12089
12090
12091
12092
12093
12094
12095
12096
12097
12098
12099
12100
12101
12102
12103
12104
12105
12106
12107
12108
12109
12110
12111
12112
12113
12114
12115
12116
12117
12118
12119
12120
12121
12122
12123
12124
12125
12126
12127
12128
12129
12130
12131
12132
12133
12134
12135
12136
12137
12138
12139
12140
12141
12142
12143
12144
12145
12146
12147
12148
12149
12150
12151
12152
12153
12154
12155
12156
12157
12158
12159
12160
12161
12162
12163
12164
12165
12166
12167
12168
12169
12170
12171
12172
12173
12174
12175
12176
12177
12178
12179
12180
12181
12182
12183
12184
12185
12186
12187
12188
12189
12190
12191
12192
12193
12194
12195
12196
12197
12198
12199
12200
12201
12202
12203
12204
12205
12206
12207
12208
12209
12210
12211
12212
12213
12214
12215
12216
12217
12218
12219
12220
12221
12222
12223
12224
12225
12226
12227
12228
12229
12230
12231
12232
12233
12234
12235
12236
12237
12238
12239
12240
12241
12242
12243
12244
12245
12246
12247
12248
12249
12250
12251
12252
12253
12254
12255
12256
12257
12258
12259
12260
12261
12262
12263
12264
12265
12266
12267
12268
12269
12270
12271
12272
12273
12274
12275
12276
12277
12278
12279
12280
12281
12282
12283
12284
12285
12286
12287
12288
12289
12290
12291
12292
12293
12294
12295
12296
12297
12298
12299
12300
12301
12302
12303
12304
12305
12306
12307
12308
12309
12310
12311
12312
12313
12314
12315
12316
12317
12318
12319
12320
12321
12322
12323
12324
12325
12326
12327
12328
12329
12330
12331
12332
12333
12334
12335
12336
12337
12338
12339
12340
12341
12342
12343
12344
12345
12346
12347
12348
12349
12350
12351
12352
12353
12354
12355
12356
12357
12358
12359
12360
12361
12362
12363
12364
12365
12366
12367
12368
12369
12370
12371
12372
12373
12374
12375
12376
12377
12378
12379
12380
12381
12382
12383
12384
12385
12386
12387
12388
12389
12390
12391
12392
12393
12394
12395
12396
12397
12398
12399
12400
12401
12402
12403
12404
12405
12406
12407
12408
12409
12410
12411
12412
12413
12414
12415
12416
12417
12418
12419
12420
12421
12422
12423
12424
12425
12426
12427
12428
12429
12430
12431
12432
12433
12434
12435
12436
12437
12438
12439
12440
12441
12442
12443
12444
12445
12446
12447
12448
12449
12450
12451
12452
12453
12454
12455
12456
12457
12458
12459
12460
12461
12462
12463
12464
12465
12466
12467
12468
12469
12470
12471
12472
12473
12474
12475
12476
12477
12478
12479
12480
12481
12482
12483
12484
12485
12486
12487
12488
12489
12490
12491
12492
12493
12494
12495
12496
12497
12498
12499
12500
12501
12502
12503
12504
12505
12506
12507
12508
12509
12510
12511
12512
12513
12514
12515
12516
12517
12518
12519
12520
12521
12522
12523
12524
12525
12526
12527
12528
12529
12530
12531
12532
12533
12534
12535
12536
12537
12538
12539
12540
12541
12542
12543
12544
12545
12546
12547
12548
12549
12550
12551
12552
12553
12554
12555
12556
12557
12558
12559
12560
12561
12562
12563
12564
12565
12566
12567
12568
12569
12570
12571
12572
12573
12574
12575
12576
12577
12578
12579
12580
12581
12582
12583
12584
12585
12586
12587
12588
12589
12590
12591
12592
12593
12594
12595
12596
12597
12598
12599
12600
12601
12602
12603
12604
12605
12606
12607
12608
12609
12610
12611
12612
12613
12614
12615
12616
12617
12618
12619
12620
12621
12622
12623
12624
12625
12626
12627
12628
12629
12630
12631
12632
12633
12634
12635
12636
12637
12638
12639
12640
12641
12642
12643
12644
12645
12646
12647
12648
12649
12650
12651
12652
12653
12654
12655
12656
12657
12658
12659
12660
12661
12662
12663
12664
12665
12666
12667
12668
12669
12670
12671
12672
12673
12674
12675
12676
12677
12678
12679
12680
12681
12682
12683
12684
12685
12686
12687
12688
12689
12690
12691
12692
12693
12694
12695
12696
12697
12698
12699
12700
12701
12702
12703
12704
12705
12706
12707
12708
12709
12710
12711
12712
12713
12714
12715
12716
12717
12718
12719
12720
12721
12722
12723
12724
12725
12726
12727
12728
12729
12730
12731
12732
12733
12734
12735
12736
12737
12738
12739
12740
12741
12742
12743
12744
12745
12746
12747
12748
12749
12750
12751
12752
12753
12754
12755
12756
12757
12758
12759
12760
12761
12762
12763
12764
12765
12766
12767
12768
12769
12770
12771
12772
12773
12774
12775
12776
12777
12778
12779
12780
12781
12782
12783
12784
12785
12786
12787
12788
12789
12790
12791
12792
12793
12794
12795
12796
12797
12798
12799
12800
12801
12802
12803
12804
12805
12806
12807
12808
12809
12810
12811
12812
12813
12814
12815
12816
12817
12818
12819
12820
12821
12822
12823
12824
12825
12826
12827
12828
12829
12830
12831
12832
12833
12834
12835
12836
12837
12838
12839
12840
12841
12842
12843
12844
12845
12846
12847
12848
12849
12850
12851
12852
12853
12854
12855
12856
12857
12858
12859
12860
12861
12862
12863
12864
12865
12866
12867
12868
12869
12870
12871
12872
12873
12874
12875
12876
12877
12878
12879
12880
12881
12882
12883
12884
12885
12886
12887
12888
12889
12890
12891
12892
12893
12894
12895
12896
12897
12898
12899
12900
12901
12902
12903
12904
12905
12906
12907
12908
12909
12910
12911
12912
12913
12914
12915
12916
12917
12918
12919
12920
12921
12922
12923
12924
12925
12926
12927
12928
12929
12930
12931
12932
12933
12934
12935
12936
12937
12938
12939
12940
12941
12942
12943
12944
12945
12946
12947
12948
12949
12950
12951
12952
12953
12954
12955
12956
12957
12958
12959
12960
12961
12962
12963
12964
12965
12966
12967
12968
12969
12970
12971
12972
12973
12974
12975
12976
12977
12978
12979
12980
12981
12982
12983
12984
12985
12986
12987
12988
12989
12990
12991
12992
12993
12994
12995
12996
12997
12998
12999
13000
13001
13002
13003
13004
13005
13006
13007
13008
13009
13010
13011
13012
13013
13014
13015
13016
13017
13018
13019
13020
13021
13022
13023
13024
13025
13026
13027
13028
13029
13030
13031
13032
13033
13034
13035
13036
13037
13038
13039
13040
13041
13042
13043
13044
13045
13046
13047
13048
13049
13050
13051
13052
13053
13054
13055
13056
13057
13058
13059
13060
13061
13062
13063
13064
13065
13066
13067
13068
13069
13070
13071
13072
13073
13074
13075
13076
13077
13078
13079
13080
13081
13082
13083
13084
13085
13086
13087
13088
13089
13090
13091
13092
13093
13094
13095
13096
13097
13098
13099
13100
13101
13102
13103
13104
13105
13106
13107
13108
13109
13110
13111
13112
13113
13114
13115
13116
13117
13118
13119
13120
13121
13122
13123
13124
13125
13126
13127
13128
13129
13130
13131
13132
13133
13134
13135
13136
13137
13138
13139
13140
13141
13142
13143
13144
13145
13146
13147
13148
13149
13150
13151
13152
13153
13154
13155
13156
13157
13158
13159
13160
13161
13162
13163
13164
13165
13166
13167
13168
13169
13170
13171
13172
13173
13174
13175
13176
13177
13178
13179
13180
13181
13182
13183
13184
13185
13186
13187
13188
13189
13190
13191
13192
13193
13194
13195
13196
13197
13198
13199
13200
13201
13202
13203
13204
13205
13206
13207
13208
13209
13210
13211
13212
13213
13214
13215
13216
13217
13218
13219
13220
13221
13222
13223
13224
13225
13226
13227
13228
13229
13230
13231
13232
13233
13234
13235
13236
13237
13238
13239
13240
13241
13242
13243
13244
13245
13246
13247
13248
13249
13250
13251
13252
13253
13254
13255
13256
13257
13258
13259
13260
13261
13262
13263
13264
13265
13266
13267
13268
13269
13270
13271
13272
13273
13274
13275
13276
13277
13278
13279
13280
13281
13282
13283
13284
13285
13286
13287
13288
13289
13290
13291
13292
13293
13294
13295
13296
13297
13298
13299
13300
13301
13302
13303
13304
13305
13306
13307
13308
13309
13310
13311
13312
13313
13314
13315
13316
13317
13318
13319
13320
13321
13322
13323
13324
13325
13326
13327
13328
13329
13330
13331
13332
13333
13334
13335
13336
13337
13338
13339
13340
13341
13342
13343
13344
13345
13346
13347
13348
13349
13350
13351
13352
13353
13354
13355
13356
13357
13358
13359
13360
13361
13362
13363
13364
13365
13366
13367
13368
13369
13370
13371
13372
13373
13374
13375
13376
13377
13378
13379
13380
13381
13382
13383
13384
13385
13386
13387
13388
13389
13390
13391
13392
13393
13394
13395
13396
13397
13398
13399
13400
13401
13402
13403
13404
13405
13406
13407
13408
13409
13410
13411
13412
13413
13414
13415
13416
13417
13418
13419
13420
13421
13422
13423
13424
13425
13426
13427
13428
13429
13430
13431
13432
13433
13434
13435
13436
13437
13438
13439
13440
13441
13442
13443
13444
13445
13446
13447
13448
13449
13450
13451
13452
13453
13454
13455
13456
13457
13458
13459
13460
13461
13462
13463
13464
13465
13466
13467
13468
13469
13470
13471
13472
13473
13474
13475
13476
13477
13478
13479
13480
13481
13482
13483
13484
13485
13486
13487
13488
13489
13490
13491
13492
13493
13494
13495
13496
13497
13498
13499
13500
13501
13502
13503
13504
13505
13506
13507
13508
13509
13510
13511
13512
13513
13514
13515
13516
13517
13518
13519
13520
13521
13522
13523
13524
13525
13526
13527
13528
13529
13530
13531
13532
13533
13534
13535
13536
13537
13538
13539
13540
13541
13542
13543
13544
13545
13546
13547
13548
13549
13550
13551
13552
13553
13554
13555
13556
13557
13558
13559
13560
13561
13562
13563
13564
13565
13566
13567
13568
13569
13570
13571
13572
13573
13574
13575
13576
13577
13578
13579
13580
13581
13582
13583
13584
13585
13586
13587
13588
13589
13590
13591
13592
13593
13594
13595
13596
13597
13598
13599
13600
13601
13602
13603
13604
13605
13606
13607
13608
13609
13610
13611
13612
13613
13614
13615
13616
13617
13618
13619
13620
13621
13622
13623
13624
13625
13626
13627
13628
13629
13630
13631
13632
13633
13634
13635
13636
13637
13638
13639
13640
13641
13642
13643
13644
13645
13646
13647
13648
13649
13650
13651
13652
13653
13654
13655
13656
13657
13658
13659
13660
13661
13662
13663
13664
13665
13666
13667
13668
13669
13670
13671
13672
13673
13674
13675
13676
13677
13678
13679
13680
13681
13682
13683
13684
13685
13686
13687
13688
13689
13690
13691
13692
13693
13694
13695
13696
13697
13698
13699
13700
13701
13702
13703
13704
13705
13706
13707
13708
13709
13710
13711
13712
13713
13714
13715
13716
13717
13718
13719
13720
13721
13722
13723
13724
13725
13726
13727
13728
13729
13730
13731
13732
13733
13734
13735
13736
13737
13738
13739
13740
13741
13742
13743
13744
13745
13746
13747
13748
13749
13750
13751
13752
13753
13754
13755
13756
13757
13758
13759
13760
13761
13762
13763
13764
13765
13766
13767
13768
13769
13770
13771
13772
13773
13774
13775
13776
13777
13778
13779
13780
13781
13782
13783
13784
13785
13786
13787
13788
13789
13790
13791
13792
13793
13794
13795
13796
13797
13798
13799
13800
13801
13802
13803
13804
13805
13806
13807
13808
13809
13810
13811
13812
13813
13814
13815
13816
13817
13818
13819
13820
13821
13822
13823
13824
13825
13826
13827
13828
13829
13830
13831
13832
13833
13834
13835
13836
13837
13838
13839
13840
13841
13842
13843
13844
13845
13846
13847
13848
13849
13850
13851
13852
13853
13854
13855
13856
13857
13858
13859
13860
13861
13862
13863
13864
13865
13866
13867
13868
13869
13870
13871
13872
13873
13874
13875
13876
13877
13878
13879
13880
13881
13882
13883
13884
13885
13886
13887
13888
13889
13890
13891
13892
13893
13894
13895
13896
13897
13898
13899
13900
13901
13902
13903
13904
13905
13906
13907
13908
13909
13910
13911
13912
13913
13914
13915
13916
13917
13918
13919
13920
13921
13922
13923
13924
13925
13926
13927
13928
13929
13930
13931
13932
13933
13934
13935
13936
13937
13938
13939
13940
13941
13942
13943
13944
13945
13946
13947
13948
13949
13950
13951
13952
13953
13954
13955
13956
13957
13958
13959
13960
13961
13962
13963
13964
13965
13966
13967
13968
13969
13970
13971
13972
13973
13974
13975
13976
13977
13978
13979
13980
13981
13982
13983
13984
13985
13986
13987
13988
13989
13990
13991
13992
13993
13994
13995
13996
13997
13998
13999
14000
14001
14002
14003
14004
14005
14006
14007
14008
14009
14010
14011
14012
14013
14014
14015
14016
14017
14018
14019
14020
14021
14022
14023
14024
14025
14026
14027
14028
14029
14030
14031
14032
14033
14034
14035
14036
14037
14038
14039
14040
14041
14042
14043
14044
14045
14046
14047
14048
14049
14050
14051
14052
14053
14054
14055
14056
14057
14058
14059
14060
14061
14062
14063
14064
14065
14066
14067
14068
14069
14070
14071
14072
14073
14074
14075
14076
14077
14078
14079
14080
14081
14082
14083
14084
14085
14086
14087
14088
14089
14090
14091
14092
14093
14094
14095
14096
14097
14098
14099
14100
14101
14102
14103
14104
14105
14106
14107
14108
14109
14110
14111
14112
14113
14114
14115
14116
14117
14118
14119
14120
14121
14122
14123
14124
14125
14126
14127
14128
14129
14130
14131
14132
14133
14134
14135
14136
14137
14138
14139
14140
14141
14142
14143
14144
14145
14146
14147
14148
14149
14150
14151
14152
14153
14154
14155
14156
14157
14158
14159
14160
14161
14162
14163
14164
14165
14166
14167
14168
14169
14170
14171
14172
14173
14174
14175
14176
14177
14178
14179
14180
14181
14182
14183
14184
14185
14186
14187
14188
14189
14190
14191
14192
14193
14194
14195
14196
14197
14198
14199
14200
14201
14202
14203
14204
14205
14206
14207
14208
14209
14210
14211
14212
14213
14214
14215
14216
14217
14218
14219
14220
14221
14222
14223
14224
14225
14226
14227
14228
14229
14230
14231
14232
14233
14234
14235
14236
14237
14238
14239
14240
14241
14242
14243
14244
14245
14246
14247
14248
14249
14250
14251
14252
14253
14254
14255
14256
14257
14258
14259
14260
14261
14262
14263
14264
14265
14266
14267
14268
14269
14270
14271
14272
14273
14274
14275
14276
14277
14278
14279
14280
14281
14282
14283
14284
14285
14286
14287
14288
14289
14290
14291
14292
14293
14294
14295
14296
14297
14298
14299
14300
14301
14302
14303
14304
14305
14306
14307
14308
14309
14310
14311
14312
14313
14314
14315
14316
14317
14318
14319
14320
14321
14322
14323
14324
14325
14326
14327
14328
14329
14330
14331
14332
14333
14334
14335
14336
14337
14338
14339
14340
14341
14342
14343
14344
14345
14346
14347
14348
14349
14350
14351
14352
14353
14354
14355
14356
14357
14358
14359
14360
14361
14362
14363
14364
14365
14366
14367
14368
14369
14370
14371
14372
14373
14374
14375
14376
14377
14378
14379
14380
14381
14382
14383
14384
14385
14386
14387
14388
14389
14390
14391
14392
14393
14394
14395
14396
14397
14398
14399
14400
14401
14402
14403
14404
14405
14406
14407
14408
14409
14410
14411
14412
14413
14414
14415
14416
14417
14418
14419
14420
14421
14422
14423
14424
14425
14426
14427
14428
14429
14430
14431
14432
14433
14434
14435
14436
14437
14438
14439
14440
14441
14442
14443
14444
14445
14446
14447
14448
14449
14450
14451
14452
14453
14454
14455
14456
14457
14458
14459
14460
14461
14462
14463
14464
14465
14466
14467
14468
14469
14470
14471
14472
14473
14474
14475
14476
14477
14478
14479
14480
14481
14482
14483
14484
14485
14486
14487
14488
14489
14490
14491
14492
14493
14494
14495
14496
14497
14498
14499
14500
14501
14502
14503
14504
14505
14506
14507
14508
14509
14510
14511
14512
14513
14514
14515
14516
14517
14518
14519
14520
14521
14522
14523
14524
14525
14526
14527
14528
14529
14530
14531
14532
14533
14534
14535
14536
14537
14538
14539
14540
14541
14542
14543
14544
14545
14546
14547
14548
14549
14550
14551
14552
14553
14554
14555
14556
14557
14558
14559
14560
14561
14562
14563
14564
14565
14566
14567
14568
14569
14570
14571
14572
14573
14574
14575
14576
14577
14578
14579
14580
14581
14582
14583
14584
14585
14586
14587
14588
14589
14590
14591
14592
14593
14594
14595
14596
14597
14598
14599
14600
14601
14602
14603
14604
14605
14606
14607
14608
14609
14610
14611
14612
14613
14614
14615
14616
14617
14618
14619
14620
14621
14622
14623
14624
14625
14626
14627
14628
14629
14630
14631
14632
14633
14634
14635
14636
14637
14638
14639
14640
14641
14642
14643
14644
14645
14646
14647
14648
14649
14650
14651
14652
14653
14654
14655
14656
14657
14658
14659
14660
14661
14662
14663
14664
14665
14666
14667
14668
14669
14670
14671
14672
14673
14674
14675
14676
14677
14678
14679
14680
14681
14682
14683
14684
14685
14686
14687
14688
14689
14690
14691
14692
14693
14694
14695
14696
14697
14698
14699
14700
14701
14702
14703
14704
14705
14706
14707
14708
14709
14710
14711
14712
14713
14714
14715
14716
14717
14718
|
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
<html>
<head>
<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Redemption and Two Other Plays, by Leo Tolstoy et al</title>
<meta HTTP-EQUIV="content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<style type="text/css">
<!--
body { margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; }
.hang { text-indent: -30; margin-left: 30 }
.indent { margin-left: 100 }
.follow { text indent: 0 ; margin-left: 30 }
.deep_hang { text-indent: -30: margin-left: 60 }
.deep_indent { margin-left: 100 }
h3 { margin-top: 4em }
h4 { margin-bottom: 2em }
a:link {color:blue;
text-decoration:none}
link {color:blue;
text-decoration:none}
a:visited {color:blue;
text-decoration:none}
a:hover {color:red}
-->
</style>
</head>
<body>
<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Redemption and Two Other Plays, by Leo Tolstoy et al</h1>
<pre>
Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the
copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing
this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook.
This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project
Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the
header without written permission.
Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the
eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is
important information about your specific rights and restrictions in
how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a
donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved.
**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts**
**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971**
*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!*****
Title: Redemption and Two Other Plays
Author: Leo Tolstoy et al
Release Date: January, 2006 [EBook #9792]
[This file was first posted on October 17, 2003]
Edition: 10
Language: English
Character set encoding: iso-8859-1
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, REDEMPTION AND TWO OTHER PLAYS ***
</pre>
<center>
<h3>
E-text prepared by David Starner, Skip Doughty,<br>
and Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders
</h3>
</center>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<h1>REDEMPTION AND TWO OTHER PLAYS</h1>
<p> </p>
<p class="hang">By LEO TOLSTOY</p>
<p class="hang">Introduction By ARTHUR HOPKINS</p>
<h3>CONTENTS</h3>
<p class="normal"><a href="#intro">INTRODUCTION BY ARTHUR HOPKINS</a><br>
<a href="#redemption">REDEMPTION</a><br>
<a href="#darkness">THE POWER OF DARKNESS</a><br>
<a href="#fruits">FRUITS OF CULTURE</a></p>
<h3><a name="intro">INTRODUCTION</a></h3>
<p class="normal">After making a production of <i>Redemption</i>, the chief
feeling of the producer is one of deep regret that Tolstoi did not
make more use of the theatre as a medium. His was the rare gift of
vitalization: the ability to breathe life into word-people which
survives in them so long as there is any one left to turn up the
pages they have made their abode.</p>
<p class="normal">In the world of writing, many terms that should be illuminative
have become meaningless. So often has the barren been called
"pregnant," the chill of death "the breath of life," the atrophied
"pulsating," that when we really come upon a work with beating
heart we find it difficult to give it place that has not already
been stuffed to suffocation with misplaced dummies.</p>
<p class="normal">We seat it at table with staring wax figures and bid it to join
the feast. There is no exclusion act in art, no passport bureau,
not even hygienic segregation.</p>
<p class="normal">In writing the briefest introduction to Tolstoi's work, I am
appointed by the publisher, a sort of reception committee of one to
escort the work to some fitting place where it may enjoy the
surroundings and deference it deserves.</p>
<p class="normal">The place to which I escort it is built of words, but what words
have been left me by the long procession of previous committees?
Where they have been truthfully used they have been glorified, and
offer all the rarer material for my structure, but how often have
they been subjected to base use. Perhaps some day we will learn the
proper respect of such simple words as love and truth and life, and
then when we meet them in books we shall know how to greet
them.</p>
<p class="normal">The study of <i>Redemption</i> is so simple that it needs no
illumination from me. The characters may walk in strange lands
without introduction. They are part of us. Fédya is in all
of us. His one cry "There has always been so much lacking between
what I felt and what I could do" instantly makes him brother to all
mankind. His simultaneous physical degeneration and spiritual
regeneration is the glory that all people have invested in death.
Tolstoi's cry against convention that disregards spiritual
struggle, and system that ignores human growth, will find answering
cries in many breasts in many lands.</p>
<p class="normal">Utterly disregarding effect, technique or method, Tolstoi has
explored his own soul and there touched hands with countless other
souls, and since he has trod the path of countless millions who
will come after him, the mementos of his journey will long be
sought.</p>
<p class="hang">ARTHUR HOPKINS.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
<p> </p>
<p class="normal">The translation of <i>Redemption</i> here published is the one
produced by Mr. Arthur Hopkins at the Plymouth Theatre, New York,
in the season of 1918-1919. The part of FÉDYA was played by
Mr. John Barrymore.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
<p> </p>
<h1><a name="redemption">REDEMPTION</a></h1>
<h3>CHARACTERS</h3>
<p class="normal">THEODORE VASÍLYEVICH PROTOSOV (FÉDYA).<br>
ELISABETH ANDRÉYEVNA PROTOSOVA (LISA). <i>His wife</i>.<br>
MÍSHA. <i>Their son</i>.<br>
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. <i>Lisa's mother</i>.<br>
SASHA. <i>Lisa's younger, unmarried sister</i>.<br>
VICTOR MICHAELOVITCH KARÉNIN.<br>
SOPHIA DMÍTRIEVNA KARÉNINA.<br>
PRINCE SERGIUS DMÍTRIEVICH ABRÉSKOV.<br>
MASHA. <i>A gypsy girl</i>.<br>
IVÁN MAKÁROVICH. <i>An old gypsy man. Masha's
parent.</i><br>
NASTASÏA IVÁNOVNA. <i>An old gypsy woman. Masha's
parent.</i><br>
OFFICER.<br>
MUSICIAN.<br>
FIRST GYPSY MAN.<br>
SECOND GYPSY MAN.<br>
GYPSY WOMAN.<br>
GYPSY CHOIR.<br>
DOCTOR.<br>
MICHAEL ALEXÁNDROVICH AFRÉMOV.<br>
STÁKHOV. <i>One of Fédya's boon companions.</i><br>
BUTKÉVICH. <i>One of Fédya's boon companions.</i><br>
KOROTKÓV. <i>One of Fédya's boon companions.</i><br>
IVÁN PETROVICH ALEXÁNDROV.<br>
VOZNESÉNSKY. <i>Karénin's secretary</i>.<br>
PETUSHKÓV. <i>An artist</i>.<br>
ARTIMIEV.<br>
WAITER IN THE PRIVATE ROOM AT THE RESTAURANT.<br>
WAITER IN A LOW-CLASS RESTAURANT.<br>
MANAGER OF THE SAME.<br>
POLICEMAN.<br>
INVESTIGATING MAGISTRATE.<br>
MÉLNIKOV.<br>
CLERK.<br>
USHER.<br>
YOUNG LAWYER.<br>
PETRÚSHIN. <i>A lawyer</i>.<br>
LADY.<br>
ANOTHER OFFICER.<br>
ATTENDANT AT LAW COURTS.<br>
PROTOSOVS' NURSE.<br>
PROTOSOVS' MAID.<br>
AFRÉMOV'S FOOTMAN.<br>
KARÉNINS' FOOTMAN.</p>
<h3>ACT I</h3>
<h4>SCENE I</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>Protosovs' flat in Moscow. The scene represents
a small dining room.</i> ANNA PÁVLOVNA<i>, a stout,
gray-haired lady, tightly laced, is sitting alone at the tea-table
on which is a samovár.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Enter</i> NURSE <i>carrying a tea-pot.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nurse</i> (<i>enters R. I, over to table
C.</i>). Please, Madam, may I have some water?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>sitting R. of table
C.</i>). Certainly. How is the baby now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nurse.</i> Oh, restless, fretting all the time.
There's nothing worse than for a lady to nurse her child. She has
her worries and the baby suffers for them. What sort of milk could
she have, not peeping all night, and crying and crying?</p>
<p class="indent">[SASHA <i>enters R. I, strolls to L. of table
C.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> But I thought she was more calm
now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nurse.</i> Fine calm! It makes me sick to look at her. She's
just been writing something and crying all the time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i> (<i>to nurse</i>). Lisa's looking for you.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sits in chair L. of table C.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nurse.</i> I'm going.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exits R. I.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Nurse says she's
always crying. Why can't she try and calm herself a little?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha.</i> Well, really, Mother, you're amazing.
How can you expect her to behave as if nothing had happened when
she's just left her husband and taken her baby with her?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Well, I don't exactly,
but that's all over. If I approve of my daughter's having left her
husband, if I'm ever glad, well, you may be quite sure he deserved
it. She has no reason to be miserable—on the contrary, she ought
to be delighted at being freed from such a wretch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Mother! Why do you go on like this?
It's not the truth and you know it. He's not a wretch, he's
wonderful. Yes, in spite of all his weakness.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. I suppose you'd like
her to wait till he'd spent every kopec they had, and smile sweetly
when be brought his gypsy mistresses home with him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. He hasn't any mistresses.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. There you go again.
Why, the man's simply bewitched you, but I can see through him, and
he knows it. If I'd been Lisa, I'd left him a year ago.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Oh, how easily you speak of these
serious things.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Not easily, not easily
at all. Do you suppose it's agreeable for me to have my daughter
admit her marriage a failure? But anything's better than for her to
throw away her life in a lie. Thank God, she's made up her mind to
finish with him for good.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Maybe it won't be for good.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. It would be if only
he'd give her a divorce.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. To what end?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Because she's young
and has the right to look for happiness.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. It's awful to listen to you. How
could she love some one else?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Why not? There are
thousands better than your Fédya, and they'd be only too
happy to marry Lisa.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Oh, it's not nice of you. I feel, I
can tell, you're thinking about Victor Karénin.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Why not? He loved her
for ten years, and she him, I believe.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Yes, but she doesn't love him as a
husband. They grew up together; they've just been friends.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Ah, those friendships!
How should you know what keeps them warm! If only they were both
free!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter a</i> MAID <i>L. U.</i></p>
<p class="follow">Well?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Maid</i>. The porter's just come back with an
answer to the note.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. What note?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Maid</i>. The note Elizaveta Protosova sent to
Victor Karénin.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Well? What answer?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Maid</i>. Victor Karénin told the porter
he'd be here directly.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Very well.</p>
<p class="indent">[MAID <i>exits L. U.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>To</i> SASHA.</p>
<p class="follow">Why do you suppose she sent for him? Do you
know?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Maybe I do and maybe I don't.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. You're always so full
of secrets.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Ask Lisa, she'll tell you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Just as I thought! She
sent for him at once.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Yes, but maybe not for the reason you
think.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Then what for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Why, Mother, Lisa cares just about as
much for Victor Karénin as she does for her old nurse.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. You'll see. She wants
consolation, a special sort of consolation.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Really, it shows you don't know Lisa
at all to talk like this.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. You'll see.
<i>Sasha</i>. Yes, I shall see.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>alone to
herself</i>). And I am very glad. I'm very, very glad.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> MAID.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Maid</i>. Victor Karénin.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Show him here and tell
your mistress.</p>
<p class="indent">[MAID <i>shows in</i> KARÉNIN <i>and exits
door R. I.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>goes C. and stands behind
table C</i>.). (<i>Shaking hands with Anna Pávlovna</i>.)
Elizaveta Andreyevna sent me a note to come at once. I should have
been here to-night anyway. How is she? Well, I hope.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Not very. The baby has
been upset again. However, she'll be here in a minute. Will you
have some tea?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. No, thank you.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sits chair R.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Tell me, do you know
that he and she—.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Yes, I was here two days ago
when she got this letter. Is she positive now about their
separating?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Oh, absolutely. It
would be impossible to begin it all over again.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Yes. To cut into living
things and then draw back the knife is terrible. But are you sure
she knows her mind?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. I should think so. To
come to this decision has caused her much pain. But now it's final,
and he understands perfectly that his behavior has made it
impossible for him to come back on any terms.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Why?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. After breaking every
oath he swore to decency, how could he come back? And so why
shouldn't he give her her freedom?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. What freedom is there for a
woman still married?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Divorce. He promised
her a divorce and we shall insist upon it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. But your daughter was so in
love with him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Her love has been
tried out of existence. Remember she had everything to contend
with: drunkenness, gambling, infidelity—what was there to go on
loving in such a person?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Love can do anything.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. How can one love a rag
torn by every wind? Their affairs were in dreadful shape; their
estate mortgaged; no money anywhere. Finally his uncle sends them
two thousand rubles to pay the interest on the estate. He takes it,
disappears, leaves Lisa home and the baby sick—when suddenly she
gets a note asking her to send him his linen.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. I know.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> LISA <i>R.I.</i> KARÉNIN
<i>crosses to</i> LISA.</p>
<p class="follow">I'm sorry to have been a little detained.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Shakes hands with</i> LISA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Oh, thank you so much for coming. I
have a great favor to ask of you. Something I couldn't ask of
anybody else.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. I'll do everything I
can.</p>
<p class="indent">[LISA <i>moves away a few steps down R.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. You know all about this.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sits chair R.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Yes, I know.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Well, I think I'll
leave you two young people to yourselves.<br>
(<i>To</i> SASHA.) Come along, dear, you and I will be just in the
way.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit L. U.</i> ANNA PÁVLOVNA
<i>and</i> SASHA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Fédya wrote to me saying it was
all over between us. (<i>She begins to cry</i>.) That hurt me so,
bewildered me so, that—well, I agreed to separate. I wrote to him
saying I was willing to give him up if he wanted me to.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. And now you're sorry?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>nodding</i>). I feel I oughtn't to
have said yes. I can't. Anything is better than not to see him
again. Victor dear, I want you to give him this letter and tell him
what I've told you, and—and bring him back to me.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Gives</i> VICTOR <i>a letter.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. I'll do what I can.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes letter, turns away and sits chair R. of
table C.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Tell him I will forget everything if
only he will come back. I thought of mailing this, only I know him:
he'd have a good impulse, first thwarted by some one, some one who
would finally make him act against himself.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pause.</i></p>
<p class="follow">Are you—are you surprised I asked you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. No. (<i>He hesitates</i>.)
But—well, candidly, yes. I am rather surprised.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. But you are not angry?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. You know I couldn't be angry
with you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. I ask you because I know you're so
fond of him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Of him—and of you too.
Thank you for trusting me. I'll do all I can.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. I know you will. Now I'm going to tell
you everything. I went to-day to Afrémov's, to find out
where he was. They told me he was living with the gypsies. Of
course that's what I was afraid of. I know he'll be swept off his
feet if he isn't stopped in time. So you'll go, won't you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Where's the place?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. It's that big tenement where the gypsy
orchestra lives, on the left bank below the bridge. I went there
myself. I went as far as the door, and was just going to send up
the letter, but somehow I was afraid. I don't know why. And then I
thought of you. Tell him, tell him I've forgotten everything and
that I'm here waiting for him to come home. (<i>Crosses to</i>
KARÉNIN—<i>a little pause</i>.) Do it out of love for him,
Victor, and out of friendship for me.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Another pause.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. I'll do all I can.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He bows to her and goes out L.U. Enter</i>
SASHA <i>L.U., goes L. over near table C.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Has the letter gone? (LISA
<i>nods</i>.) He had no objections to taking it himself?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>LISA, R. C., shakes head.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i> (<i>L.C.</i>). Why did you ask him? I
don't understand it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Who else was there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. But you know he's in love with
you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Oh, that's all past. (<i>Over to
table</i> C.) Do you think Fédya will come back?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. I'm sure he will, but—</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> ANNA PÁVLOVNA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Where's Victor
Karénin?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Gone.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Gone?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. I've asked him to do something for
me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. What was it? Another
secret?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. No, not a secret. I simply asked him
to take a letter to Fédya.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. To Fedor Protosov?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Oh, to Fédya, Fédya.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Then it's not going to
be over?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. I can't let him leave me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Oh, so we shall commence
all over again?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. I'll do anything you like, but I can't
give him up.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. You don't mean you
want him to come back?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Yes, yes.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Let that reptile into
the house again!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Please don't talk like that. He's my
husband.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Was your husband.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. No. He's still my husband.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Spendthrift. Drunkard.
Reprobate. And you'll not part from him!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Oh, Mother, why do you keep on hurting
me! You seem to enjoy it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Hurt you, do I? Enjoy
it, do I? Very well, then, if that's the case, I'd better go.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pause.</i></p>
<p class="follow">I see I'm in your way. You <i>want</i> me to go.
Well, all I can say is I can't make you out. I suppose you're being
"modern" and all that. But to me, it's just plain disgusting.
First, you make up your mind to separate from your husband, and
then you up and send for another man who's in love with you—</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Mother, <i>he's not</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. You know
Karénin proposed to you, and he's the man you pick out to
bring back your husband. I suppose you do it just to make him
jealous.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Oh, Mother, stop it. Leave me
alone.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. That's right. Send off
your mother. Open the door to that awful husband. Well, I can't
stand by and see you do it. I'll go. I'm going. And God be with you
and your extraordinary ways.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit L. U. with suppressed rage.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>sinking into a chair R. of table
C</i>.). That's the last straw.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sasha</i>. Oh, she'll come back. We'll make her
understand. (<i>Going to the door and following after her
mother</i>.) Now, Mother darling, listen—listen—</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit L. U.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>All lights dim to black out.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>SCENE II</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>A room at the gypsies', dark but beautifully
lit. The actual room is scarcely seen, and although at first it
appears squalid, there are flaring touches of Byzantine luxury.
Gypsies are singing.</i> FÉDYA <i>is lying on the sofa, his
eyes closed, coat off. An</i> OFFICER <i>sits at the table, on
which there are bottles of champagne and glasses. Beside him sits a
musician taking down the song.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Afrémov</i> (<i>standing L. U</i>.).
Asleep?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>on couch L. Raising his
hand warningly</i>). Sh! Don't talk! Now let's have "No More at
Evening."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gypsy Leader</i>. Impossible, Fedor Protosov.
Masha must have her solo first.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Afterwards. Now let's have "No
More at Evening."</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Gypsies sing.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gypsy Woman</i> (<i>R. C., when they finish
singing, turning to Musician who is sitting at table R., with his
back to audience</i>). Have you got it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Musician</i>. It's <i>impossible</i> to take it
down correctly. They change the tune each <i>time</i>, and they
seem to have a different scale, too. (<i>He calls a gypsy
woman</i>.) Is this it?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He hums a bar or two.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gypsy Woman</i> (<i>clapping her hands</i>).
Splendid! Wonderful! How can you do it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>rising. Goes to table L.
back of couch and pours out glass of wine</i>). He'll never get it.
And even if he did and shovelled it into an opera, he'd make it
seem absolutely meaningless.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Afrémov</i>. Now we'll have "The Fatal
Hour."</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Gypsies sing quartette. During this song,</i>
FÉDYA <i>is standing down R., keeping time with the wine
glass from which he has drunk. When they finish he returns to the
couch and falls into</i> MASHA'S <i>arms.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. God! That's it! That's it!
That's wonderful. What lovely things that music says. And where
does it all come from, what does it all mean?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Another pause.</i></p>
<p class="follow">To think that men can touch eternity like that,
and then—nothing—nothing at all.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Musician</i>. Yes, it's very original.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Taking notes.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Original be damned. It's
real.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Musician</i>. It's all very simple, except the
rhythm. That's very strange.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Oh, Masha, Masha! You turn my
soul inside out.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Gypsies hum a song softly.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>sitting on couch L. with</i>
FÉDYA). Do I? But what was it I asked you for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. What? Oh, money. Voilà,
mademoiselle.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He takes money front his trousers pocket.</i>
MASHA <i>laughs, takes the money, counts it swiftly, and hides it
in her dress.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Look at this strange creature.
When she sings she rushes me into the sky and all she asks for is
money, little presents of money for throwing open the Gates of
Paradise. You don't know yourself, at all, do you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i>. What's the use of me wondering about
myself? I know when I'm in love, and I know that I sing best when
my love is singing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Do you love me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>murmuring</i>). I love you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. But I am a married man, and
you belong to this gypsy troupe. They wouldn't let you leave it,
and—</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>interrupting</i>). The troupe's
one thing, and my heart's another. I love those I love, and I hate
those I hate.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Oh, you must be happy to be
like that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i>. I'm always happy when handsome
gentlemen come and say nice things to me. (<i>Gypsies stop
singing</i>.)</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>A gypsy entering speaks to</i>
FÉDYA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gypsy</i>. Some one asking for you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Who?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gypsy</i>. Don't know. He's rich, though. Fur
coat.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Fur coat? O my God, show him
in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Afrémov</i>. Who the devil wants to see
you here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>carelessly</i>). God knows,
I don't. (<i>Begins to hum a song</i>.)</p>
<p class="indent">[KARÉNIN <i>comes in, looking around the
room.</i></p>
<p class="follow">(<i>Exclaiming</i>). Ha! Victor! You're the last
man in the world I expected to break into this enchanting milieu.
Take off your coat, and they'll sing for you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin.</i> Je voudrais vous parler sans
témoins.</p>
<p class="indent">[MASHA <i>rises and joins the group R.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Oh.... What about?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin.</i> Je viens de chez vous. Votre
femme ma chargé de cette lettre, et puis—</p>
<p class="indent">[FÉDYA <i>takes the letter, opens it,
reads. He frowns, then smiles affectionately at</i>
KARÉNIN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> You know what's in this
letter, Victor?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He is smiling gently all the time.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>looking at Fédya
rather severely</i>). Yes, I know. But really, Fédya, you're
in no—</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>interrupting</i>). Please,
please don't think I'm drunk and don't realize what I'm saying. Of
course I'm drunk, but I see everything very clearly. Now go ahead.
What were you told to tell me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>is standing L. C.
Shrugging his shoulders</i>). Your wife asked me to find you and to
tell you she's waiting for you. She wants you to forget everything
and come back.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pause.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>stiffly</i>). Elizaveta
Protosova sent for me and suggested that I—</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>as he hesitates</i>).
Yes.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>finishing rather
lamely</i>). But I ask you not so much for her as for
myself—Fédya, come <i>home</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>looking up at him, smiling
rather whimsically</i>). You're a much finer person than I am,
Victor. Of course that's not saying much. I'm not very much good,
am I? (<i>Laughing gently</i>.) But that's exactly why I'm not
going to do what you want me to. It's not the only reason, though.
The real reason is that I just simply can't. How could I?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>persuasively</i>). Come
along to my rooms, Fédya, and I'll tell her you'll be back
to-morrow.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>wistfully</i>). To-morrows
can't change what we are. She'll still be she, and I will still be
I to-morrow. (<i>Goes to the table and drinks</i>.) No, it's better
to have the tooth out in one pull. Didn't I say that if I broke my
word she was to leave me? Well, I've broken it, and that's
enough.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin.</i> Yes. For you, but not for
her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>down L. Politely
insolent</i>). You know ... it's rather odd, that you, of all men,
should take so much trouble to keep our marriage from going to
pieces.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>revolted</i>). Good God,
Fédya! You don't think—</p>
<p class="indent">[MASHA <i>crosses L., goes to</i> FÉDYA.
FÉDYA <i>interrupting him with a return of his former
friendliness.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Come now, my dear Victor, you
shall hear them sing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>whispering to Fédya</i>).
What's his name? We must honor him with a song.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>laughing</i>). O good God,
yes! Honor him by all means. His name is Victor Michaelovitch.
(<i>Saluting Karénin</i>.) Victor, my lord! son of
Michael!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The gypsies sing a song of greeting and
laudation. As they begin to sing,</i> MASHA <i>and</i> FÉDYA
<i>sit on couch L.</i></p>
<p class="hang">(<i>When song is finished</i>.)</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>in an imploring
tone</i>). Fédya!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exits quietly L. U.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>business with Masha</i>).
Where's the fur coat? Gone, eh? All right. May the devil go with
it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Do you know who that was?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> I heard his name.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Ah, he's a splendid fellow. He
came to take me home to my wife. You see she loves even a fool like
me, (<i>caressing her hair</i>) and look what I'm doing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> You should go back to her and be very
sorry.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Do you think I should? (<i>He
kisses her</i>.) Well, I think I shouldn't.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Of course, you needn't go back to her
if you don't love her. Love is all that counts.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>smiling</i>). How do you
know that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>looking at him timidly</i>). I
don't know, but I do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Now, let's have "No More at
Evening." (<i>As the gypsies sing,</i> MASHA <i>lies on her back
across his lap, looking up into his face, which she draws down to
her, and they kiss until the music begins to cease</i>.) That's
wonderful! Divine! If I could only lie this way forever, with my
arms around the heart of joy, and sleep ... and die.... (<i>He
closes his eyes; his voice trails away</i>.)</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Lights dim and out, then the</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>SCENE III</h4>
<p class="hang">SOPHIA KARÉNINA'S <i>boudoir</i>. SOPHIA
KARÉNINA, VICTOR'S <i>mother, is reading a book. She is a
great lady, over fifty, but tries to look younger. She likes to
interlard her conversation with French words. A servant
enters.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servant</i> (<i>enters R., announcing</i>).
Prince Sergius Abréskov.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>on sofa over
L</i>.). Show him in, please.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>She turns and picks up hand mirror from table
back of couch, arranging her hair.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>enters R. I.
Entering</i>). J'espère que je ne force pas la consigne.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Crossing to sofa L. He kisses her hand. He is
a charming old diplomat of seventy.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. Ah, you know well
que vous êtes toujours le bien venu.... Tell me, you have
received my letter?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. I did. Me voilà.
(<i>Sits L. on sofa L</i>.) <i>Sophia Karénina</i>
(<i>working up to distress</i>). Oh, my dear friend, I begin to
lose hope. She's bewitched him, positively bewitched him. Il est
ensorcelé. I never knew he could be so obstinate, so
heartless, and so indifferent to me. He's changed completely since
that woman left her husband.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius.</i> How do matters actually
stand?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> Well, he's made up
his mind to marry her at any cost.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius.</i> And her husband?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> He agrees to a
divorce.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius.</i> Really?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> And Victor is
willing to put up with all the sordidness, the vulgarity of the
divorce court, the lawyers, evidences of guilt ... tout ça
est dégoûtant. I can't understand his sensitive nature
not being repelled by it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>smiling</i>). He's in
love, and when a man's really in love—</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>
(<i>interrupting</i>). In our time love could remain pure, coloring
one's whole life with a romantic friendship. Such love I understand
and value.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>sighing</i>). However,
the present generation refuses to live on dreams. (<i>He coughs
delicately</i>.) La possession de l'âme ne leur suffit plus.
So what is the alternative? But tell me more of Victor.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> There's not very
much to say. He seems bewitched, hardly my son. Did you know I'd
called upon her? Victor pressed me so it was impossible to refuse.
But Dieu merci, I found her out. So I merely left my card, and now
she has asked me if I could receive her to-day, and I am expecting
her (<i>she glances at her watch</i>) any moment now. I am doing
all this to please Victor, but conceive my feelings. I know you
always can. Really, really, I need your help.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>bowing</i>). Thank you
for the honor you do me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. You realize this
visit decides Victor's fate. I must refuse my consent, or——But
that's impossible.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius.</i> Have you met her?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> I've never seen her,
but I'm afraid of her. No good woman leaves her husband, especially
when there's nothing obviously intolerable about him. Why,
I've seen Protosov often with Victor, and found him even
quite charming.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>murmurs</i>). So I've
heard. So I've heard.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>continuing</i>).
She should bear her cross without complaint. And Victor must cease
trying to persuade himself that his happiness lies in defying his
principles. What I don't understand is how Victor, with his
religious views, can think of marrying a divorced woman. I've heard
him say over and over again—once quite lately—that divorce is
totally inconsistent with true Christianity. If she's been able to
fascinate him to that point, I <i>am</i> afraid of her.—But how
stupid of me to talk all the time! Have you spoken to him at all?
What does he say? And don't you thoroughly agree with me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. Yes, I've spoken to Victor.
I think he really loves her, has grown accustomed to the idea of
loving her, pour ainsi dire. (<i>Shaking his head</i>.) I don't
believe he could ever now care for another woman.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>sighing</i>). And
Varia Casanzeva would have made him such a charming wife. She's so
devoted already.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>smiling</i>). I am afraid
I hardly see her in the present ... tableau. (<i>Earnestly</i>.)
Why not submit to Victor's wish and help him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> To marry a
divorcée? And afterwards have him running into his wife's
husband? How can you calmly suggest that a mother accept such a
situation for her son?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius.</i> But, chère amie, why
not approve of the inevitable? And you might console yourself by
regarding the dangers he'll avoid by marrying this gentle, lovely
woman. After all, suppose he conceived a passion for some
one——</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Convey the word "disreputable".</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> How can a good woman
leave her husband?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius.</i> Ah, that's not like you.
You're unkind and you're harsh. Her husband is the sort of
man—well, he's his own worst enemy. A weakling, a
ne'er-do-well—he's spent all his money and hers too. She has a
child. Do you think you can condemn her for leaving him? As a
matter of fact she didn't leave him, he left her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>faintly</i>). Oh
what a mud-pen I'm slipping into!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>amused</i>). Could your
religion aid you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>smelling her
salts</i>). In this instance, religion would require of me the
impossible. C'est plus fort que moi.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. Fédya himself—you
know what a charming clever creature he is when he's in his
senses—he advised her to leave him.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> VICTOR <i>who kisses his mother's
hand and greets</i> PRINCE SERGIUS.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Ah, Prince Sergius!
(<i>Shakes hands with Prince—formally</i>.) Maman, I've come to
tell you that Elizaveta Protosova will be here directly. There's
only one thing I ask you: do you still refuse your consent to my
marriage—-</p>
<p class="hang"> <i>Sophia Karénina</i>
(<i>interrupting</i>). And I most assuredly do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>continuing.
Frowning</i>). In that case all I ask is for you not to speak to
her about it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. I don't suppose we
shall even mention the subject. I certainly shan't.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>standing at head of sofa
L</i>.). If you don't, she won't. (<i>Pleadingly</i>.) Mother dear,
I just want you to know her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. One thing I can't
understand. How is it you want to marry Lisa Protosova, a woman
with a living husband, and at the same time believe divorce is a
crime against Christianity?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Oh, Maman, that's cruel of
you. Life is far too complex to be managed by a few formulas. Why
are you so bitter about it all?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>honestly</i>). I
love you. I want you to be happy.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>imploringly to Prince
Sergius</i>) Sergius Abréskov!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>to Sophia
Karénina</i>). Naturally you want him happy. But it's
difficult for our hearts, wearied from the weight of years, to feel
the pulse of youth and sympathize, especially is it difficult for
you, my friend, who have schooled yourself to view Victor's
happiness in a single way....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. Oh, you're all
against me. Do as you like. Vous êtes majeur. (<i>Sniffing
into her pocket handkerchief</i>.) But you'll kill me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>deeply distressed</i>).
Ah, Mother, please. It's worse than cruel to say things like
that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>smiling to Victor</i>).
Come, come, Victor, you know your mother speaks more severely than
she could ever act.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. I shall tell her
exactly what I think and feel, and I hope I can do it without
offending her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. I am sure of it.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> FOOTMAN.</p>
<p class="follow">Here she is.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. I'll go. (<i>Goes to back of
sofa</i>.)</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Footman</i> (<i>announcing</i>). Elizaveta
Andreyevna Protosova.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>warningly</i>). Now,
Mother.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He goes out L.</i> PRINCE SERGIUS
<i>rises.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>
(<i>majestically</i>). Show her in. (<i>To Prince Sergius</i>.)
Please remain.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. I thought you might prefer a
tête-à-tête?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. No, no. I rather
dread it. And if I want to be left alone in the room with her, I'll
drop my handkerchief. Ça dépendra.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. I'm sure you're going to
like her immensely.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. Oh you're all
against me.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> LISA <i>R. and crosses to R.
C.</i></p>
<p class="follow">(<i>Rising</i>) How do you do? I was so sorry not
to find you at home and it is most kind of you to come to see
me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>R.C.</i>). I never expected the
honor of your visit, and I am so grateful that you permit me to
come and see you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>C</i>.). You know
Prince Sergius Abréskov?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>L.—Heartily</i>). Yes, I
have had the pleasure. (<i>Crossing to her, he shakes hands</i>.)
My niece Nellie has spoken often of you to me.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes to L.C.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Yes, we were great friends. (<i>She
glances shyly around her</i>.) And still are. (<i>To</i> SOPHIA.) I
never hoped that you would wish to see me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. I knew your husband
quite well. He was a great friend of Victor's and used frequently
to visit us in Tambov, (<i>politely</i>) where you were married, I
believe.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>looking down</i>). Yes.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. But when you
returned to Moscow we were deprived of the pleasure of his
visit.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Yes, then he stopped going
anywhere.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. Ah, that explains
our missing him.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Awkward pause.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>to</i> LISA). The last
time I'd the pleasure of seeing you was in those tableaux at the
Dennishovs. You were charming in your part.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. How good of you to think so! Yes, I
remember perfectly.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Another awkward silence.</i></p>
<p class="follow">(<i>To</i> SOPHIA KARÉNINA.) Sophia
Karénina, please forgive me if what I am going to say
offends you, but I don't know how to cover up what's in my heart. I
came here to-day because Victor Karénin said—because he
said that—because he—I mean because you wanted to see me.
(<i>With a catch in her voice</i>.) It's rather difficult—but
you're so sweet.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>very sympathetic</i>).
There, there, my dear child, I assure you there's nothing in the
world to— (<i>He breaks off when he sees</i> SOPHIA
KARÉNINA <i>pointing impatiently to the floor. She has
dropped her handkerchief</i>.) Permit me. (<i>He picks it up,
presenting it to her with a smile and a bow; then looks casually at
his watch</i>.) Ah, five o'clock already. (<i>To</i> SOPHIA
KARÉNINA.) Madame, in your salon pleasure destroys the
memory of time. You will excuse me.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He kisses her hand.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>smiling</i>). Au
revoir, mon ami.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>bowing and shaking hands
with</i> LISA). Elizaveta Protosova, au revoir.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He goes out R.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> Now listen, my
child. Please believe how truly sorry for you I am and that you are
most sympathetique to me. But I love my son alone in this world,
and I know his soul as I do my own. He's very proud—oh I don't
mean of his position and money—but of his high ideals, his purity.
It may sound strange to you, but you must believe me when I tell
you that at heart he is as pure as a young girl.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa.</i> I know.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> He's never loved a
woman before. You're the first. I don't say I'm not a little
jealous. I am. But that's something we mothers have to face. Oh,
but your son's still a baby, you don't know. I was ready to give
him up, though—but I wanted his wife to be as pure as himself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa (flushing hotly).</i> And I, am I
not——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>interrupting her
kindly</i>). Forgive me, my dear. I know it's not your fault and
that you've been most unhappy. And also I know my son. He will bear
anything, and he'll bear it without saying a word, but his hurt
pride will suffer and bring you infinite remorse. You must know how
strongly he has always felt that the bond of marriage is
indissoluble.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa.</i> Yes. I've thought of all that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> Lisa, my dear,
you're a wise woman and you're a good woman too. If you love him,
you must want his happiness more than you want your own. You can't
want to cripple him so that he'll be sorry all his life—yes, sorry
even though he never says a word.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa.</i> I've thought about it so much. I've
thought about it and I've talked to him about it. But what can I do
when he says he can't live without me? I said to him only the other
day, "Victor, let's just be friends. Don't spoil your life. Don't
ruin yourself by trying to help me." And do you know what he did?
He laughed.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> Of course he would,
at the time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa.</i> If you could persuade him not to marry
me, you know I'll agree, don't you? I just want him to be happy. I
don't care about myself. Only please help me. Please don't hate me.
Let's do all we can for him, because, after all, we both love
him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> Yes, I know. And I
think I love you too. I really do. (<i>She kisses her.</i> LISA
<i>begins to cry</i>.) Oh, it's all so dreadful. If only he had
fallen in love with you before you were married!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>sobbing</i>). He—he says he
did—but he had to be loyal to his friend.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina.</i> Alas, it's all very
heart-breaking. But let us love each other, and God will help us to
find what we are seeking.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>entering L. I</i>).
Mother darling. I've heard what you just said. I knew you'd love
her. And now everything must come right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>hastily</i>). But
nothing's decided. All I can say is, had things been different, I
should have been very glad. (<i>Tenderly</i>.) So very glad.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>She kisses</i> LISA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>smiling</i>). Please
don't change. That's all I ask.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Lights down and out.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>SCENE IV</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>A plainly furnished room, bed, table and
stove.</i> FÉDYA alone writing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>At rise</i> MASHA <i>is heard outside
calling</i> "FÉDYA! FÉDYA!" MASHA <i>enters R. I,
crosses to</i> FÉDYA <i>on bed C. and embraces him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Ah, thank Heaven you've come.
I was wasting away in boredom.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Then why didn't you come over to us?
(<i>Sees wine glass on chair near bed</i>.) So, you've been
drinking again? And after all your promises!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>embarrassed</i>). I didn't
come over because I had no money.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Oh, why is it I love you so.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Masha!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>imitating him</i>). Masha! Masha!
What's that mean? If you loved me, by now you'd have your divorce.
You say you don't love your wife. (<i>FÉDYA winces</i>.) But
you stick to her like grim death.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>interrupting her</i>). You
know why I don't want to.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Nonsense. They're right when they say
you're no good. It's your mind that you can never make up
comfortably causing you all the worry.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> You know perfectly well that
the only joy I've got in life is being in love with you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Oh, it's always "My joy," "Your
love." Where's your love and my joy?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>a little wearily</i>).
Well, Masha, after all, you've got all I can give, the best I've
ever had to give, perhaps, because you're so strong, so beautiful,
that sometimes you've made me know how to make you glad. So why
torture yourself?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>kneels and puts her arms around
his neck</i>). I won't if you're sure you love me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>coming closer to her</i>).
My beautiful young Masha.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>tearfully, searching his
face</i>). You do love me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Of course, of course.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Only me, only me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>kissing her</i>). Darling,
only you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>with a return to brightness</i>).
Now read me what you've written.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> It may bore you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>reproachfully</i>). How could
it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>reads</i>). "The snow was
flooded in moonlight and the birch trees wavered their stark
shadows across it like supplicating arms. Suddenly I heard the soft
padded sound of snow falling upon snow, to slowly perceive a
figure, the slender figure of a young child attempting to arouse
itself almost at my feet—I——"</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> IVÁN <i>and</i>
NASTASÏA. <i>They are two old gypsies,</i> MASHA'S
<i>parents.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nastasïa</i> (<i>stepping up to</i> MASHA).
So here you are—you cursed little stray sheep. No disrespect to
you, sir. (<i>To</i> MASHA.) You black-hearted, ungrateful little
snake. How dare you treat us like this, how dare you, eh?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván</i> (<i>to</i> FÉDYA). It's
not right, sir, what you've done, bringing to her ruin our only
child. It's against God's law.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nastasïa</i> (<i>to</i> MASHA). Come and
get out of here with me. You thought you'd skip, didn't you? And
what was I supposed to tell the troupe while you dangled around
here with this tramp? What can you get out of him, tell me that?
Did you know he hasn't got a kopek to his name, didn't you?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>During scene with parents,</i> FÉDYA
<i>sits dumbly on the bed, bewildered. He puts his forehead
against</i> MASHA'S <i>face and clings to her like a child.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>sullenly</i>). I haven't done
anything wrong. I love this gentleman, that's all. I didn't leave
the troupe either. I'll go on singing just the same.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván</i>. If you talk any more, I'll pull
your hair all out for you, you loose little beast, you. (<i>To</i>
FÉDYA, reproachfully.) And you, sir, when we were so fond of
you—why, often and often we used to sing for you for nothing and
this is how you pay us back.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nastasïa</i> (<i>rocking herself to and
fro</i>). You've ruined our daughter, our very own, our only one,
our best beloved, our diamond, our precious one, (<i>with sudden
fury</i>). You've stamped her into the dirt, you have. Where's your
fear of God?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Nastasïa, Nastasïa,
you've made a mistake. Your daughter is like a sister to me. I
haven't harmed her at all. I love her, that's true. But how can I
help it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván</i>. Well, why didn't you love her
when you had some money? If you'd paid us ten thousand rubles, you
could have owned her, body and soul. That's what respectable
gentlemen do. But you—you throw away every kopek you've got and
then you steal her like you'd steal a sack of meal. You ought to be
ashamed, sir.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>rising, puts her arm around his
neck</i>). He didn't steal me. I went to him myself, and if you
take me away now, I'll come right back. If you take me away a
thousand times, I'll come back to him. I love him and that's
enough. My love will break through anything—through anything.
Through anything in the whole damn world.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nastasïa</i> (<i>trying to soothe her</i>).
Now, Mashenka darling, don't get cross. You know you haven't
behaved well to your poor old parents. There, there, come along
with us now.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>With greedy fingers that pretend to
caress,</i> NASTASÏA <i>seizes her savagely and suddenly at
the end of this speech and draws her to the door.</i> MASHA
<i>cries out</i> "FÉDYA! FÉDYA!" <i>as she exits
R.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván</i> (<i>alongside</i>). You open
your mouth again and I'll smash you dumb. (<i>To</i> FÉDYA.)
Good-bye, your worship.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>All exit R. I.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[FÉDYA <i>sits as though stupefied. The
gypsies exit noisily. There is a pause. He drinks; then</i> PRINCE
SERGIUS <i>appears, very quiet and dignified, at the door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince.</i> Excuse me. I'm afraid I'm intruding
upon a rather painful scene.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>getting up</i>). With whom
have I the honor— (<i>recognizing the Prince</i>). Ah, Prince
Sergius, how do you do?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>They shake hands.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince</i> (<i>in a distinguished manner</i>). I
repeat that I am afraid to be most inopportune. I would rather not
have heard, but since I have, it's my duty to say so. When I
arrived I knocked several times, but I presume you could not have
heard through such uproar.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Do sit down. (<i>Prince sits
chair R.C.</i>) Thanks for telling me you heard. (<i>Sits on bed up
C</i>.) It gives me a chance to explain it all. Forgive me for
saying your opinion of me can't concern me, but I want to tell you
that the way her parents talked to that young girl, that gypsy
singer, was absolutely unjust. She's as pure as your own mother. My
relations with her are simply friendly ones. Possibly there is a
ray of poetry in them, but that could hardly degrade her. However,
what can I do for you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. Well, to begin——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>interrupting</i>). Excuse
me, Prince, but my present social position hardly warrants a visit
from you.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Smiling.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. I know that, but I ask you
to believe that your changed position does not influence me in what
I am about to tell you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>interrogatively</i>).
Then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. To be as brief as possible,
Victor Karénin, the son of my old friend, Sophia
Karénina, and she herself, have asked me to discover from
you personally what your present relations are with your wife, and
what intentions you have regarding them.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. My relations with my wife—I
should say my former wife—are several.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. As I thought, and for this
reason accepted my somewhat difficult mission.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>quickly</i>). I wish to say
first of all that the fault was entirely mine. She is, just as she
always was, absolutely stainless, faultless.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. Victor Karénin and
especially his mother are anxious to know your exact intentions
regarding the future.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. I've got no intentions. I've
given her full freedom. I know she loves Victor Karénin, let
her. Personally, I think he is a bore, but he is a good bore. So
they'll probably be very happy together, at least in the ordinary
sense and que le bon Dieu les bénisse.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. Yes, but we——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>rising, goes L., leans on
table</i>). Please don't think I'm jealous. If I just said Victor
was dull, I take it back. He's splendid, very decent, in fact the
opposite of myself, and he's loved her since her childhood
(<i>slowly</i>) and maybe she loved him even when we were married.
After all, that happens, and the strongest love is perhaps
unconscious love. Yes, I think she's always loved him far, far down
beneath what she would admit to herself, and this feeling of nine
has been a black shadow across our married life. But— I—I really
don't suppose I ought to be talking to you like this, ought I?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. Please go on. My only object
in coming was to understand this situation completely, and I begin
to see how the shadow—as you charmingly express it—could have
been——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>looking strangely ahead of
him</i>). Yes, no brightness could suck up that shadow. And so I
suppose I never was satisfied with what my wife gave me, and I
looked for every kind of distraction, sick at heart because I did
so. I see it more and more clearly since we've been apart. Oh, but
I sound as if I were defending myself. God knows I don't want to do
that. No, I was a shocking bad husband. I say was, because now I
don't consider myself her husband at all. She's perfectly free.
There, does that satisfy you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. Yes, but you know how
strictly orthodox Victor and his family are. Of course I don't
agree with them—perhaps I have broader views—(<i>with a
shrug</i>) but I understand how they feel. They consider that any
union without a church marriage is—well, to put it mildly,
unthinkable.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Yes, I know he's very stu—I
mean strict. (<i>With a slight smile</i>.) "Conservative" is the
word, isn't it? But what in God's name (<i>crossing to C</i>.) do
they want, a divorce? I told them long ago I was perfectly willing.
But the business of hiring a street-woman and taking her to a shady
hotel and arranging to be caught by competent witnesses—ugh—it's
all so—so loathsome.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He shudders—pauses; and sits on bed.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. I know. I know. I assure
you, I can sympathize with such a repugnance, but how can one avoid
it? You see, it's the only way out. But, my dear boy, you mustn't
think I don't sympathize with you. It's a horrible situation for a
sensitive man and I quite understand how you must hate it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Thank you, Prince Sergius. I
always knew you were kind and just. Now tell me what to do. Put
yourself in my place. I don't pretend to be any better than I
really am. I am a blackguard but there are some things that even I
can't do. (<i>With a smile and helpless gesture</i>.) I can't tell
lies.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>A pause.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius.</i> I must confess that you
bewilder me. You with your gifts and charm and really au fond—a
wonderful sense of what's right. How could you have permitted
yourself to plunge into such tawdry distractions? How could you
have forgotten so far what you owed to yourself? Tell me, why did
you let your life fall into this ruin?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>suppressing emotion</i>).
I've led this sort of life for ten years and you're the first real
person to show me sympathy. Of course, I've been pitied by the
degraded ones but never before by a sensible, kind man like you.
Thanks more than it's possible to say. (<i>He seems to forget his
train of thought and suddenly to recall it</i>.) Ah, yes, my ruin.
Well, first, drink, not because it tasted well, but because
everything I did disappointed me so, made me so ashamed of myself.
I feel ashamed now, while I talk to you. Whenever I drank, shame
was drowned in the first glass, and sadness. Then music, not opera
or Beethoven, but gypsy music; the passion of it poured energy into
my body, while those dark bewitching eyes looked into the bottom of
my soul. (<i>He sighs</i>.) And the more alluring it all was, the
more shame I felt afterwards.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pause.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius.</i> But what about your
career?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> My career? This seems to be
it. Once I was a director of a bank. There was something terribly
lacking between what I felt and what I could do. (<i>Abruptly</i>.)
But enough, enough of myself. It makes me rather nervous to think
about myself.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Rises.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius.</i> What answer am I to take
back?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>very nervous</i>). Oh, tell
them I'm quite at their disposal. (<i>Walking up and down</i>) They
want to marry, and there mustn't be anything in their way
(<i>pause</i>); is that it? (<i>Stops walking very suddenly.
Repeats</i>.) There mustn't be anything in their way—is that
it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>pause.</i> FÉDYA
<i>sits on table L</i>.). Yes. When do you—when do you
think—you'll—you'll have it ready? The evidence?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>turns and looks at the
Prince, suppressing a slight, strained smile</i>). Will a fortnight
do?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i> (<i>rising</i>). Yes, I am
sure it will. (<i>Rises and crosses to</i> FÉDYA.) May I say
that you give them your word?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>with some impatience</i>).
Yes. Yes. (<i>Prince offers his hand</i>.) Good-bye, Prince
Sergius. And again thanks.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> PRINCE SERGIUS, R. I. FÉDYA
<i>sits down in an attitude of deep thought.</i></p>
<p class="follow">Why not? Why not? And it's good not to be
ashamed——</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Lights dim and out.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>SCENE V</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>Private room in a cheap restaurant.</i>
FÉDYA is shown in by a shabby waiter.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Waiter</i>. This way, sir. No one will disturb
you here. Here's the writing paper.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Starts to exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>as waiter starts to
exit</i>). Bring me a bottle of champagne.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Waiter</i>. Yes, sir.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exits R. C.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[FÉDYA <i>sits at table L. C., and begins
to write.</i> IVÁN PETROVICH <i>appearing in the doorway R.
C.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván.</i> I'll come in, shall I?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>sitting L. of table L. C.
Very serious</i>). If you want to, but I'm awfully busy,
and—(<i>seeing he has already entered</i>) Oh, all right, do come
in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich</i> (<i>C</i>.). You're
going to write an answer to their demand. I'll help you. I'll tell
you what to say Speak out. Say what you mean. It's straight from
the shoulder. That's my system. (<i>Picks up box that</i>
FÉDYA <i>has placed on table—opens it and takes out a
revolver</i>.) Hallo! What's this? Going to shoot yourself. Of
course, why not? I understand. They want to humiliate you, and you
show them where the courage is—put a bullet through your head and
heap coals of fire on theirs. I understand perfectly. (<i>The
waiter enters with champagne on tray, pours a glass for</i>
FÉDYA, <i>then exits.</i> PETROVICH <i></i>takes up the
glass of wine and starts to drink. FÉDYA <i>looks up from
his writing.</i>) I understand everything and everybody, because
I'm a genius.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> So you are, but——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich</i> (<i>filling and
lifting his glass</i>). Here's to your immortal journey. May it be
swift and pleasant. Oh, I see it from your point of view. So why
should I stop you? Life and death are the same to genius. I'm dead
during life and I live after death. You kill yourself in order to
make a few people miss you, but I—but I—am going to kill myself
to make the whole <i>world</i> know what it lost. I won't hesitate
or think about it. I'll just take the revolver—one, two—and all
is over—um. But I am premature. My hour is not yet struck. (<i>He
puts the revolver down</i>.) But I shall write nothing. The world
will have to understand all by itself. (FÉDYA <i>continues
to write</i>.) The world, what is it but a mass of preposterous
creatures, who crawl around through life, understanding nothing—
nothing at all—do you hear me? (FÉDYA <i>looks up, rather
exasperated</i>.) Oh, I'm not talking to you. All this is between
me and the cosmos. (Pours himself out another drink.) After all,
what does humanity most lack? Appreciation for its geniuses. As it
is, we're persecuted, tortured, racked, through a lifetime of
perpetual agony, into the asylum or the grave. But no longer will I
be their bauble. Humanity, hypocrite that you are—to hell with
you.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Drinks wine.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>having finished his
letter</i>). Oh, go away, please.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich.</i> Away? (<i>With a
gesture</i>.) Away? Me? (<i>With profound resolve</i>.) So be it.
(<i>He leans over the table, faces</i> FÉDYA.) I shall away.
I'll not deter you from accomplishing what I also shall commit—all
in its proper moment, however. Only I <i>should</i> like to say
this——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Later. Later. But now, listen,
old man, give this to the head waiter. (<i>Handing him some
money</i>.) You understand?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich.</i> Yes, but for God's
sake wait for me to come back. (<i>Moves away</i>.) I've something
rare to tell you, something you'll never hear in the next world—at
least not till I get there—— Look here, shall I give him all this
money?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> No, just what I owe him.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> IVÁN PETROVICH, whistling.
FÉDYA <i>sighs with a sense of relief, takes the revolver,
cocks it, stands at mirror on wall up R., and puts it close to his
temple. Then shivers, and lets his hand drop.</i></p>
<p class="follow">I can't do it. I can't do it.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pause.</i> MASHA <i>is heard singing.</i>
MASHA <i>bursts into the room.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>breathless</i>). I've been
everywhere looking for you. To Popov's, Afrémov's, then I
guessed you'd be here. (<i>Crosses to him. Sees revolver, turns,
faces him quickly, concealing it with her body, stands very tense
and taut, looking at him</i>.) Oh, you fool! You hideous fool! Did
you think you'd——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>still completely
unnerved</i>). Awful! It's been awful! I tried—— (<i>With a
gesture of despair</i>.) I couldn't——</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Crosses to table L. C.—leans against
it.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>puts her hand to her face as if
terribly hurt</i>). As if <i>I</i> didn't exist. (<i>Crosses over
to table L. C., puts down revolver</i>.) As if I weren't in your
life at all. Oh, how godless you are! (<i>Brokenly</i>.) Tell me,
tell me, what about all my love for you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>as if suddenly aware of a
great fatigue</i>). I wanted to set them free. I promised to—and
when the time came I couldn't.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> And what about <i>me?</i> What about
me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> I thought you'd be free, too.
Surely my torturing you can't make you happy.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Oh, I can look out for myself. Maybe
I'd rather be unhappy, miserable, wretched with you every minute
than even <i>think</i> of living without you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>up R.—half to
himself</i>). If I'd finished just now, you would have cried
bitterly perhaps, my Masha, but you would have lived past it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Oh, damn you, don't be so sure I'd
cry at all. Can't you even be sorry for me?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>She tries to conceal her tears.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> Oh God, I only wanted to make
everybody happier.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Yourself happier, you mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>smiling</i>). Would I have
been happier to be dead now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>sulkily</i>). I suppose you would.
(<i>Suddenly in a tender voice, crossing to him</i>.) But,
Fédya, do you know what you want? Tell me, what do you
want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>R</i>). I want so many
things.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>impatiently and clinging to
him</i>). But what? What?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> First of all, I want to set
them free. How can I lie? How can I crawl through the muck and
filth of a divorce? I can't. (<i>Moves to end of table and stands
there facing front</i>.) But I must set them free somehow. They're
such good people, my wife and Victor. I can't bear having them
suffer.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>R. of table L. C.-scornfully</i>).
Where's the good in her if she left you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> She didn't. I left her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> She made you think she'd be happier
without you. But go on—— (<i>Impatiently</i>.) Blame yourself,
what else.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> There's you, Masha. Young,
lovely, awfully dear to me. If I stay alive, ah, where will you
be?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha.</i> Don't bother about me. You can't hurt
me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>sighing</i>). But the big
reason, the biggest reason of all, is <i>myself</i>. I'm just lost.
Your father is right, my dear. I'm no good.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>crossing to him, at once tenderly
and savagely</i>). I won't unfasten myself from you. I'll stick to
you, no matter where you take me, no matter what you do. You're
alive, terribly alive, and I love you. Fédya, drop all this
horror.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya.</i> How can I?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>trying to project the very essence
of her vitality into him</i>). Oh, you can, you can.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>slowly</i>). When I look at
you, I feel as though I could do anything.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Masha</i> (<i>proudly, fondly</i>). My love, my
love. You can do anything, get anywhere you want to. (FÉDYA
<i>moves away impatiently up R. She sees letter</i>.) So you have
been writing to them—to tell them you'll kill yourself. You just
told them you'd kill yourself, is that it? But you didn't say
anything about a revolver. Oh, Fédya, let me think, there
must be some way. Fédya—listen to me. Do you remember the
day we all went to the picnic to the White Lakes with Mama and
Afrémov and the young Cossack officer? And you buried the
bottles of wine in the sand to keep them cool while we went in
bathing? Do you remember how you took my hands and drew me out
beyond the waves till the water was quite silent and flashing
almost up to our throats, and then suddenly it seemed as if there
were nothing under our feet? We tried to get back. We couldn't and
you shouted out, "Afrémov," and if he hadn't been almost
beside us and pulled us in—and how cross he was with you for
forgetting that you couldn't swim, and after, how wonderful it was
to stretch out safely on the sands in the sunlight. Oh, how nice
every one was to us that day and you kept on being so sorry for
forgetting you couldn't swim! And, Fédya, don't you see? Of
course, she must know you can't swim. Oh, it's all getting as clear
as daylight. You will send her this beautiful letter. Your clothes
will be found on the river bank—but instead of being in the river
you will be far away with me—Fédya, don't you see, don't
you see? You will be dead to her, but alive for me.
(<i>Embraces</i> FÉDYA.)</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The lights down and out.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>SCENE VI</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>The</i> PROTOSOVS' <i>drawing-room</i>.</p>
<p class="hang">KARÉNIN <i>and</i> LISA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>sitting chair R</i>.). He's promised me
definitely, and I'm sure he'll keep to it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>sitting chair R. C</i>.). I'm
rather ashamed to confess it, Victor, but since I found out about
this—this gypsy, I feel completely free of him. Of course, I am
not in the least jealous, but knowing this makes me see that I owe
him nothing more. Am I clear to you, I wonder?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>coming closer to
her</i>). Yes, dear, I think I'll always understand you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>smiling</i>). Don't interrupt me,
but let me speak as I think. The thing that tortured me most was I
seemed to love both of you at once, and that made me seem so
indecent to myself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>incredulously
amused</i>). You indecent?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>continuing</i>). But since I've
found out that there's another woman, that he doesn't need me any
more, I feel free, quite free of him. And now I can say truthfully,
I love you. Because everything is clear in my soul. My only worry
is the divorce, and all the waiting to be gone through before we
can—— Ah, that's torturing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Dearest, everything will be
settled soon. After all, he's promised, and I've asked my secretary
to go to him with the petition and not to leave until he's signed
it. Really, sometimes, if I didn't know him as I do, I'd think he
was trying on purpose to discomfort us.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. No. No. It's, only the same weakness
and honesty fighting together in him. He doesn't want to lie.
However, I'm sorry you sent him money.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. If I hadn't, it might have
delayed things. <i>Lisa</i>. I know, but money seems so ugly.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>slightly ruffled</i>). I
hardly think it's necessary to be so delicate with
Fédya.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Perhaps, perhaps. (<i>Smiling</i>.)
But don't you think we are becoming very selfish?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Maybe. But it's all your
fault, dear. After all, this hopelessness and waiting, to think of
being happy at last! I suppose happiness does make us selfish.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa.</i> Don't believe you're alone in your
happiness or selfishness. I am so filled with joy it makes me
almost afraid. Misha's all right, your mother loves me, and above
all, you are here, close to me, loving me as I love you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>bending over her and
searching her eyes</i>). You're sure you've no regret?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa.</i> From the day I found out about that
gypsy woman, my mind underwent a change that has set me free.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin.</i> You're sure?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Kissing her hands.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>passionately</i>). Darling, I've
only one desire now, and that is to have you forget the past and
love as I do.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Her little boy toddles in R., sees them and
stops.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>To the child.</i></p>
<p class="follow">Come here, my sweetheart.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He goes to her and she takes him on her
knees.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin.</i> What strange contradictory
instincts and desires make up our beings!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa.</i> Why?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>slowly</i>). I don't
know. When I came back from abroad, knew I'd lost you, I was
unhappy, terribly. Yet, it was enough for me to learn that you at
least remembered me. Afterward, when we became friends, and you
were kind to me, and into our friendship wavered a spark of
something more than friendship, ah, I was almost happy! Only one
thing tormented me: fear that such a feeling wronged Fédya.
Afterwards, when Fédya tortured you so, I saw I could help.
Then a certain definite hope sprang up in me. And later, when he
became impossible and you decided to leave him, and I showed you my
heart for the first time, and you didn't say no, but went away in
tears--then I was happy through and through. Then came the
possibility of joining our lives. Mamma loved you. You told me you
loved me, that Fédya was gone out of your heart, out of your
life forever, and there was only, only me.... Ah, Lisa, for what
more could I ask! Yet the past tortured me. Awful fancies would
flush up into my happiness, turning it all into hatred for your
past.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>interrupting reproachfully</i>).
Victor!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin.</i> Forgive me, Lisa. I only
tell you this because I don't want to hide a single thought from
you. I want you to know how bad I am, and what a weakness I've got
to fight down. But don't worry, I'll get past it. It's all right,
dear. (<i>He bends over, kissing the child on the head</i>.) And I
love him, too.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Dearest, I'm so happy. Everything has
happened in my heart to make it as you'd wish.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. All?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. All, beloved, or I never could say
so.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter the</i> NURSE <i>L. U.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nurse</i>. Your secretary has come back.</p>
<p class="indent">[LISA <i>and</i> KARÉNIN <i>exchange
glances.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Show him in here, nurse, and take
Misha, will you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nurse</i>. Come along, my pet. It's time for
your rest.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> NURSE <i>with the little boy,
R.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>gets up, walks to the
door</i>). This will be Fédya's answer.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>kissing Karénin</i>). At
last, at last we shall know when. (<i>She kisses him</i>.)</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> VOZNESÉNSKY <i>L. U.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Well?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Secretary</i>. He's not there, sir.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Not there? He's not signed
the petition, then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Secretary</i>. No. But here is a letter
addressed to you and Elizaveta Protosova.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes letter from his pocket and gives it
to</i> KARÉNIN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>interrupting
angrily</i>). More excuses, more excuses. It's perfectly
outrageous. How without conscience he is. Really, he has lost every
claim to——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. But read the letter, dear; see what he
says.</p>
<p class="indent">[KARÉNIN <i>opens the letter.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Secretary</i>. Shall you need me, sir?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. No. That's all. Thank you.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> SECRETARY. KARÉNIN <i>reads
the letter growing astonishment and concern.</i> LISA <i>watches
his face.</i></p>
<p class="follow">(<i>Reading</i>.) "Lisa, Victor, I write you both
without using terms of endearment, since I can't feel them, nor can
I conquer a sense of bitterness and reproach, self-reproach
principally, when I think of you together in your love. I know, in
spite of being the husband, I was also the barrier, preventing you
from coming earlier to one another. C'est moi qui suis l'intrue. I
stood in your way, I worried you to death. Yet I can't help feeling
bitterly, coldly, toward you. In one way I love both of you,
especially Lisa Lizenska, but in reality I am more than cold toward
you. Yes, it's unjust, isn't it, but to change is impossible."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. What's all that for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>standing L. of table C.,
continuing</i>). "However, to the point. I am going to fulfill your
wishes in perhaps a little different way from what you desire. To
lie, to act a degrading comedy, to bribe women of the streets for
evidence—the ugliness of it all disgusts me. I am a bad man, but
this despicable thing I am utterly unable to do. My solution is
after all the simplest. You must marry to be happy. I am the
obstacle, consequently that obstacle must be removed."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>R. of table</i>). Victor!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>reading</i>). Must be
removed? "By the time this letter reaches you, I shall no longer
exist. All I ask you is to be happy, and whenever you think of me,
think tender thoughts. God bless you both. Good-bye.
FÉDYA."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. He's killed himself!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>going hurriedly up stage
L. and calls of</i>). My secretary! Call back my secretary!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Fédya! Fédya,
darling!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Lisa!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. It's not true! It's not true that I've
stopped loving him! He's the only man in all the world I love! And
now I've killed him! I've killed him as surely as if I'd murdered
him with my own two hands!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Lisa, for God's sake!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Stop it! Don't come near me! Don't be
angry with me, Victor. You see I, too, cannot lie!</p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<h3>ACT II</h3>
<h4>SCENE I</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>A dirty, ill-lighted underground dive; people
are lying around drinking, sleeping, playing cards and making love.
Near the front a small table at which</i> FÉDYA <i>sits; he
is in rags and has fallen very low. By his side is</i>
PETUSHKÓV, a delicate spiritual man, with long yellow hair
and beard. Both are rather drunk.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Candle light is the only lighting in this
Scene.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i> (<i>R.C. of table C</i>.).
I know. I know. Well, that's real love. So what happened then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>L. C. of table C.,
pensively</i>). You might perhaps expect a girl of our own class,
tenderly brought up, to be capable of sacrificing for the man she
loved, but this girl was a gypsy, reared in greed, yet she gave me
the purest sort of self-sacrificing love. She'd have done anything
for nothing. Such contrasts are amazing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. I see. In painting we call
that value. Only to realize bright red fully when there is green
around it. But that's not the point. What happened?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Oh, we parted. I felt it
wasn't right to go on taking, taking where I couldn't give. So one
night we were having dinner in a little restaurant, I told her we'd
have to say good-bye. My heart was so wrung all the time I could
hardly help crying.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. And she?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Oh, she was awfully unhappy, but she knew I
was right. So we kissed each other a long while, and she went back
to her gypsy troupe—(<i>Slowly</i>.) Maybe she was glad to
go——</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>A pause.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. I wonder.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Yes. The single good act of my
soul was not ruining that girl.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. Was it from pity?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. <i>I</i> sorry for <i>her?</i>
Oh, never. Quite the contrary. I worshipped her unclouded
sincerity, the energy of her clear, strong will, and God in Heaven,
how she sang. And probably she is singing now, for some one else.
Yes, I always looked up at her from beneath, as you do at some
radiance in the sky. I loved her really. And now it's a tender
beautiful memory.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. I understand. It was
ideal, and you left it like that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>ruminatingly</i>). And I've
been attracted often, you know. Once I was in love with a grande
dame, bestially in love, dog-like. Well, she gave me a rendezvous,
and I didn't, couldn't, keep it, because suddenly I thought of her
husband, and it made me feel sick. And you know, it's queer, that
now, when I look back, instead of being glad that I was decent, I
am as sorry as if I had sinned. But with Masha it's so different;
I'm filled with joy that I've never soiled the brightness of my
feeling for her. (<i>He points his finger at the floor</i>.) I may
go much further down.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i> (<i>interrupting</i>). I
know so well what you mean. But where is she now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. I don't know. I don't want to
know. All that belongs to another life, and I couldn't bear to mix
that life and this life.</p>
<p class="indent">[A POLICE OFFICER <i>enters from up R., kicks a
man who is lying on the floor—walks down stage, looks at</i>
FÉDYA <i>and</i> PETUSHKÓV, then exits.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. Your life's wonderful. I
believe you're a real idealist.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. No. It's awfully simple. You
know among our class—I mean the class I was born in—there are
only three courses: the first, to go into the civil service or join
the army and make money to squander over your sensual appetites.
And all that was appalling to me—perhaps because I couldn't do it.
The second thing is to live to clear out, to destroy what is foul,
to make way for the beautiful. But for that you've got to be a
hero, and I'm not a hero. And the third is to forget it
all—overwhelm it with music, drown it with wine. That's what
<i>I</i> did. And look (<i>he spreads his arms out</i>) where my
singing led me to.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He drinks.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. And what about family
life? The sanctity of the home and all that—I would have been
awfully happy if I'd had a decent wife. As it was, she ruined
me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. I beg your pardon. Did you say
marriage? Oh, yes, of course. Well, I've been married, too. Oh, my
wife was quite an ideal woman. I don't know why I should say was,
by the way, because she's still living. But there's something—I
don't know; it's rather difficult to explain—But you know how
pouring champagne into a glass makes it froth up into a million
iridescent little bubbles? Well, there was none of that in our
married life. There was no fizz in it, no sparkle, no taste, phew!
The days were all one color—flat and stale and gray as the devil.
And that's why I wanted to get away and forget. You can't forget
unless you play. So trying to play I crawled in every sort of muck
there is. And you know, it's a funny thing, but we love people for
the good we do them, and we hate them for the harm. That's why I
hated Lisa. That's why she seemed to love me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. Why do you say seemed?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>wistfully</i>). Oh, she
couldn't creep into the center of my being like Masha. But that's
not what I mean. Before the baby was born, and afterwards, when she
was nursing him, I used to stay away for days and days, and come
back drunk, drunk, and love her less and less each time, because I
was wronging her so terribly. (<i>Excitedly</i>.) Yes. That's it, I
never realized it before. The reason why I loved Masha was because
I did her good, not harm. But I crucified my wife, and her
contortions filled me almost with hatred.</p>
<p class="indent">[FÉDYA <i>drinks.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. I think I understand. Now
in my case——</p>
<p class="indent">[ARTIMIEV <i>enters R. U., approaches with a
cockade on his cap, dyed mustache, and shabby, but carefully mended
clothes.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i> (<i>stands L. of table</i>). Good
appetite, gentlemen! (<i>Bowing to FÉDYA</i>.) I see you've
made the acquaintance of our great artist.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>coolly</i>). Yes, I
have.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i> (<i>to PETUSHKÓV</i>). Have
you finished your portrait?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. No, they didn't give me
the commission, after all.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i> (<i>sitting down on end of
table</i>). I'm not in your way, am I?</p>
<p class="indent">[FÉDYA <i>and</i> PETUSHKÓV
<i>don't answer.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. This gentleman was telling
me about his life.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i>. Oh, secrets? Then I won't disturb
you. Pardon me for interrupting. (<i>To himself as he moves
away</i>.) Damn swine!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He goes to the next table, sits down and in
the dim candlelight he can just be seen listening to the
conversation.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. I don't like that man.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. I think he's offended.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Let him be. I can't stand him.
If he'd stayed I shouldn't have said a word. Now, it's different
with you. You make me feel all comfortable, you know. Well, what
was I saying?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. You were talking about
your wife. How did you happen to separate?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Oh, that? (<i>A pause</i>.)
It's a rather curious story. My wife's married.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. Oh, I see! You're
divorced.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. No. (<i>Smiling</i>.) She's a
widow.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. A widow? What do you
mean?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. I mean exactly what I say.
She's a widow. I don't exist.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i> (<i>puzzled</i>). What?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>smiling drunkenly</i>). I'm
dead. You're talking to a corpse.</p>
<p class="indent">[ARTIMIEV <i>leans towards them and listens
intently.</i></p>
<p class="follow">Funny, I seem to be able to say anything to you.
And it's so long ago, so long ago. And what is it after all to you
but a story? Well, when I got to the climax of torturing my wife,
when I'd squandered everything I had or could get, and become
utterly rotten, then, there appeared a protector.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. The usual thing, I
suppose?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Don't think anything filthy
about it. He was just her friend, mine too, a very good, decent
fellow; in fact the opposite of myself. He'd known my wife since
she was a child, and I suppose he'd loved her since then. He used
to come to our house a lot. First I was very glad he did, then I
began to see they were falling in love with each other, and
then—an odd thing began to happen to me at night. Do you know when
she lay there asleep beside me (<i>he laughs shrilly</i>) I would
hear him, pushing open the door, crawling into the room, coming to
me on his hands and knees, grovelling, whining, begging me (<i>he
is almost shouting</i>) for her, for her, imagine it! And I, I had
to get up and give my place to him. (<i>He covers his eyes with his
hands in a. convulsive moment</i>.) Phew! Then I'd come to
myself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. God! It must have been
horrible.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>wearily</i>). Well, later
on I left her—and after a while, they asked me for a divorce. I
couldn't bear all the lying there was to be got through. Believe me
it was easier to think of killing myself. And so I tried to commit
suicide, and I tried and I couldn't. Then a kind friend came along
and said, "Now, don't be foolish!" And she arranged the whole
business for me. I sent my wife a farewell letter—and the next day
my clothes and pocketbook were found on the bank of the river.
Everybody knew I couldn't swim. (<i>Pause</i>.) You understand,
don't you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i>. Yes, but what about the
body? They didn't find that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>smiling drunkenly</i>). Oh
yes, they did! You just listen! About a week afterwards some horror
was dragged out of the water. My wife was called in to identify it.
It was in pretty bad shape, you know. She took one glance. "Is that
your husband?" they asked her. And she said, "Yes." Well, that
settled it! I was buried, they were married, and they're living
very happily right here in this city. I'm living here, too! We're
all living here together! Yesterday I walked right by their house.
The windows were lit and somebody's shadow went across the blind.
(<i>A pause</i>.) Of course there're times when I feel like hell
about it, but they don't last. The worst is when there's no money
to buy drinks with.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He drinks.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i>. (<i>rising and approaching
them</i>). Excuse me, but you know I've been listening to that
story of yours? It's a very good story, and what's more a very
useful one. You say you don't like being without money, but really
there's no need of your ever finding yourself in that position.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. (<i>interrupting</i>). Look
here, I wasn't talking to you and I don't need your advice!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i>. But I'm going to give it to you
just the same. Now you're a corpse. Well, suppose you come to life
again!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. What?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i>. Then your wife and that fellow
she's so happy with—they'd be arrested for bigamy. The best
they'd get would be ten years in Siberia. Now you see where you can
have a steady income, don't you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. (<i>furiously</i>). Stop
talking and get out of here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i>. The best way is to write them a
letter. If you don't know how I'll do it for you. Just give me
their address and afterwards when the ruble notes commence to drop
in, how grateful you'll be!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Get out! Get out, I say! I
haven't told you anything!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i>. Oh, yes, you have! Here's my
witness! This waiter heard you saying you were a corpse!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. (<i>beside himself</i>). You
damn blackmailing beast——</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Rising.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Artimiev</i>. Oh, I'm a beast, am I? We'll see
about that! (FÉDYA <i>rises to go</i>, ARTIMIEV <i>seizes
him</i>.) Police! Police! (FÉDYA <i>struggles frantically to
escape</i>.)</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> POLICE <i>enter and drag him
away.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>SCENE II</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>In the country. A veranda covered by a gay
awning; sunlight; flowers; SOPHIA KARÉNINA, LISA, her little
boy and nurse.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>standing C. in door. To the little
boy, smiling</i>), Who do you think is on his way from the
station?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Misha</i> (<i>excitedly</i>). Who? Who?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Papa.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Misha</i> (<i>rapturously</i>). Papa's coming!
Papa's coming!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exits L. through C. door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>contentedly, to SOPHIA
KARÉNINA</i>). How much he loves Victor! As if he were his
real father!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i> (<i>on sofa L.
knitting—back to audience</i>). Tant mieux. Do you think he ever
remembers his father?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>sighing</i>). I can't tell. Of
course I've never said anything to him. What's the use of confusing
his little head? Yet sometimes I feel as though I ought. What do
you think, Mamma?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. I think it's a
matter of feeling. If you can trust your heart, let it guide you.
What extraordinary adjustments death brings about! I confess I used
to think very unkindly of Fédya, when he seemed a barrier to
all this. (<i>She makes a gesture with her hand</i>.) But now I
think of him as that nice boy who was my son's friend, and a man
who was capable of sacrificing himself for those he loved. (<i>She
knits</i>.) I hope Victor hasn't forgotten to bring me some
wool.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Here he comes. (<i>LISA runs to the
edge of the veranda</i>.) There's some one with him—a lady in a
bonnet! Oh, it's mother! How splendid! I haven't seen her for an
age!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> ANNA PÁVLOVNA <i>up
C.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>kissing LISA</i>).
My darling. (<i>To SOPHIA KARÉNINA</i>.) How do you do?
Victor met me and insisted on my coming down.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sits bench L. C. beside</i> SOPHIA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. This is perfectly
charming!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> VICTOR <i>and</i> MÍSHA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. I did want to see Lisa
and the boy. So now, if you don't turn me out, I'll stay till the
evening train.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. (<i>L. C., kissing his wife,
his mother and the boy</i>). Congratulate me—everybody—I've a bit
of luck, I don't have to go to town again for two days. Isn't that
wonderful?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. (<i>R. C</i>.). Two days! That's
glorious! We'll drive over to the Hermitage to-morrow and show it
to mother.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. (<i>holding the
boy</i>). He's so like his father, isn't he? I do hope he hasn't
inherited his father's disposition.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. After all,
Fédya's heart was in the right place. <i>Lisa</i>. Victor
thinks if he'd only been brought up more carefully everything would
have been different.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Well, I'm not so sure
about that, but I do feel sorry for him. I can't think of him
without wanting to cry.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. I know. That's how Victor and I feel.
All the bitterness is gone. There's nothing left but a very tender
memory.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. (<i>sighing</i>). I'm
sure of it. <i>Lisa</i>. Isn't it funny? It all seemed so hopeless
back there, and now see how beautifully everything's come out!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. Oh, by the way,
Victor, did you get my wool?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. I certainly did. (<i>Brings
a bag and takes out parcels</i>.) Here's the wool, here's the
eau-de-cologne, here are the letters—one on "Government Service"
for you, Lisa—— (<i>Hands her the letter. LISA opens letter, then
strolls R, reading it, suddenly stops</i>.) Well, Anna
Pávlovna, I know you want to make yourself beautiful! I must
tidy up, too. It's almost dinner time. Lisa, you've put your
another in the Blue Room, haven't you?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pause.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[LISA <i>is pale. She holds the letter with
trembling hands and reads it,</i> KARÉNIN <i>seeing
her.</i></p>
<p class="follow">What's the matter, Lisa? What is it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. He's alive. He's alive. My God! I
shall never be free from him. (<i>VICTOR crosses to LISA</i>.) What
does this mean? What's going to happen to us?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i> (<i>taking the letter and
reading</i>). I don't believe it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. What is it?
(<i>Rising</i>.) What's the matter? Why don't you tell us?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. He's alive! They're accusing
us of bigamy! It's a summons for Lisa to go before the Examining
Magistrate.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. No—no! It can't
be!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sophia Karénina</i>. Oh, that horrible
man!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. So it was all a lie!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>with a cry of rage</i>). Oh! I hate
him so! Victor!—Fédya!——My God! I don't know what I'm
saying. I don't know what I'm saying.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sinks in chair down R.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>rising</i>). He's not really alive?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Lights dim and out.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>SCENE III</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>The room of the examining magistrate, who sits
at a table talking to MÉLNIKOV, a smartly dressed, languid,
man-about-town</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>At a side-table a CLERK is sorting
papers</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. (<i>sitting R. of table R.
C</i>.). Oh, I never said so. It's her own notion. And now she is
reproaching me with it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mélnikov</i>. (<i>sitting C. back to
audience</i>). She's not reproaching you, only her feelings are
awfully hurt.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Are they? Oh, well, tell her
I'll come to supper after the performance. But you'd better wait
on. I've rather an interesting case. (<i>To the CLERK</i>.) Here,
you, show them in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Clerk</i>. (<i>sitting C. facing audience</i>).
Both? Excellency. <i>Magistrate</i>. No, only Madame
Karénina.</p>
<p class="indent">[CLERK <i>exits L. I.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Clerk</i> (<i>calling off stage</i>). Madame
Protosova, Madame Protosova.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Or, to dot my i's, Madame
Protosova.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mélnikov</i> (<i>starting to go out</i>).
Ah, it's the Karénin case.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Yes, and an ugly one. I'm just
beginning the investigation. But I assure you it's a first-rate
scandal already. Must you go? Well, see you at supper.
Good-bye.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> MÉLNIKOV, <i>R.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> CLERK <i>shows in</i> LISA<i>; she
wears a black dress and veil.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Please sit down, won't you?
(<i>He points to a chair L. C. LISA sits down</i>.) I am extremely
sorry that it's necessary to ask you questions.</p>
<p class="indent">[LISA <i>appears very much agitated.</i>
MAGISTRATE <i>appears unconcerned and is reading a newspaper as he
speaks.</i></p>
<p class="follow">But please be calm. You needn't answer them
unless you wish. Only in the interest of every one concerned, I
advise you to help me reach the entire truth.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. I've nothing to conceal.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i> (<i>looking at papers</i>). Let's
see. Your name, station, religion. I've got all that. You are
accused of contracting a marriage with another man, knowing your
first husband to be alive.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. But I did not know it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i> (<i>continuing</i>). And also you
are accused of having persuaded with bribes your first husband to
commit a fraud, a pretended suicide, in order to rid yourself of
him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. All that's not true.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Then permit me to ask you these
questions: Did you or did you not send him 1200 rubles in July of
last year?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. That was his own money obtained from
selling his things, which I sent to him during our separation,
while I was waiting for my divorce.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Just so. Very well. When the
police asked you to identify the corpse, how were you sure it was
your husband's?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Oh, I was so terribly distressed that
I couldn't bear to look at the body. Besides, I felt so sure it was
he, and when they asked me, I just said yes.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Very good indeed. I can well
understand your distraction, and permit me to observe, Madame, that
although servants of the law, we remain human beings, and I beg you
to be assured that I sympathize with your situation. You were bound
to a spendthrift, a drunkard, a man whose dissipation caused you
infinite misery.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i> (<i>interrupting</i>). Please, I loved
him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i> (<i>tolerantly</i>). Of course.
Yet naturally you desired to be free, and you took this simple
course without counting the consequence, which is considered a
crime, or bigamy. I understand you, and so will both judges and
jury. And it's for this reason, Madam, I urge you to disclose the
entire truth.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. I've nothing to disclose. I never have
lied. (<i>She begins to cry</i>.) Do you want me any longer?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Yes. I must ask you to remain a
few minutes longer. No more questions, however. (<i>To the
CLERK</i>.) Show in Victor Karénin. (<i>To LISA</i>.) I
think you'll find that a comfortable chair. (<i>Sits L. C</i>.)</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> KARÉNIN, stern and
solemn.</p>
<p class="follow">Please, sit down.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Thank you. (<i>He remains
standing L. U</i>.) What do you want from me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. I have to take your
deposition.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. In what capacity?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i> (<i>smiling</i>). In my capacity
of investigating magistrate. You are here, you know, because you
are charged with a crime.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Really? What crime?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Bigamy, since you've married a
woman already married. But I'll put the questions to you in their
proper order. Sure you'll not sit down?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Quite sure.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i> (<i>writing</i>). Your name?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Victor Karénin.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Rank?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Chamberlain of the Imperial
Court.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Your age?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Thirty-eight.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Religion?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Orthodox, and I've never
been tried before of any charge. (<i>Pause</i>.) What else?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Did you know that Fedor Protosov
was alive when you married his wife?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. No, we were both convinced
that he was drowned.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. All right. And why did you send
1200 rubles to him a few days before he simulated death on July
17th?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. That money was given me by
my wife.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i> (<i>interrupting him</i>). Excuse
me, you mean by <i>Madame</i> Protosova.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. By my wife to send to her
husband. She considered this money his property, and having broken
off all relations with him, felt it unjust to withhold it. What
else do you want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. I don't want anything, except to
do my official duty, and to aid you in doing yours, through causing
you to tell me the whole truth, in order that your innocence be
proved. You'd certainly better not conceal things which are sure to
be found out, since Protosov is in such a weakened condition,
physically and mentally, that he is certain to come out with the
entire truth as soon as he gets into court, so from your point of
view I advise....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Karénin</i>. Please don't advise me, but
remain within the limits of your official capacity. Are we at
liberty to leave?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He goes to</i> LISA <i>who takes his
arm.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Sorry, but it's necessary to
detain you. (KARÉNIN <i>looks around in astonishment</i>.)
No, I've no intention of arresting you, although it might be a
quicker way of reaching the truth. I merely want to take Protosov's
deposition in your presence, to confront him with you, that you may
facilitate your chances by proving his statements to be false.
Kindly sit down. (<i>To</i> CLERK.) Show in Fedor Protosov.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>There is a pause. The</i> CLERK <i>shows
in</i> FÉDYA <i>in rags, a total wreck. He enters slowly,
dragging his feet. He catches sight of his wife, who is bowed in
grief. For a moment he is about to take her in his arms—he
hesitates--then stands before the</i> MAGISTRATE.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. I shall ask you to answer some
questions.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. (<i>rises, confronting the
MAGISTRATE</i>). Ask them.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Your name?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. You know it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Answer my questions exactly,
please.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Rapping on his desk.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>shrugs</i>). Fedor
Protosov.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Your rank, age, religion?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. (<i>silent for a moment</i>).
Aren't you ashamed to ask me these absurd questions? Ask me what
you need to know, only that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. I shall ask you to take care how
you express yourself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Well, since you're not
ashamed. My rank, graduate of the University of Moscow; age 40;
religion orthodox. What else?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Did Victor Karénin and
Elizaveta Andreyevna know you were alive when you left your clothes
on the bank of the river and disappeared?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Of course not. I really wished
to commit suicide. But—however, why should I tell you? The fact's
enough. They knew nothing of it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. You gave a somewhat different
account to the police officer. How do you explain that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Which police officer? Oh yes,
the one who arrested me in that dive. I was drunk, and I lied to
him—about what, I don't remember. But I'm not drunk now and I'm
telling you the whole truth. They knew nothing; they thought I was
dead, and I was glad of it. Everything would have stayed all right
except for that damned beast Artimiev. So if any one's guilty, it's
I.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. I perceive you wish to be
generous. Unfortunately the law demands the truth. Come, why did
you receive money from them?</p>
<p class="indent">[FÉDYA <i>is silent.</i></p>
<p class="follow">Why don't you answer me? Do you realize that it
will be stated in your deposition that the accused refused to
answer these questions, and that will harm (<i>he includes</i> LISA
<i>and</i> VICTOR <i>in a gesture</i>) all of you?</p>
<p class="indent">[FÉDYA <i>remains silent.</i></p>
<p class="follow">Aren't you ashamed of your stubborn refusal to
aid these others and yourself by telling the entire truth?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>breaking out
passionately</i>). The truth—Oh, God! what do you know about the
truth? Your business is crawling up into a little power, that you
may use it by tantalizing, morally and physically, people a
thousand times better than you.... You sit there in your smug
authority torturing people.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. I must ask you——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>interrupts him</i>). Don't
ask me for I'll speak as I feel. (<i>Turning to</i> CLERK.) And you
write it down. So for once some human words will get into a
deposition.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Raising his voice, which ascends to a climax
during this speech.</i></p>
<p class="follow">There were three human beings alive: I, he, and
she.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He turns to his wife with a gesture
indicating his love for her. He pauses, then proceeds.</i></p>
<p class="follow">We all bore towards one another a most complex
relation. We were all engaged in a spiritual struggle beyond your
comprehension: the struggle between anguish and peace; between
falsehood and truth. Suddenly this struggle ended in a way that set
us free. Everybody was at peace. They loved my memory, and I was
happy even in my downfall, because I'd done what should have been
done, and cleared away my weak life from interfering with their
strong good lives. And yet we're all alive. When suddenly a bastard
adventurer appears, who demands that I abet his filthy scheme. I
drive him off as I would a diseased dog, but he finds you, the
defender of public justice, the appointed guardian of morality, to
listen to him. And you, who receive on the 20th of each month a few
kopeks' gratuity for your wretched business, you get into your
uniform, and in good spirits proceed to torture—bully people whose
threshold you're not clean enough to pass. Then when you've had
your fill of showing off your wretched power, oh, then you are
satisfied, and sit and smile there in your damned complacent
dignity. And....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i> (<i>raising his voice. Rising
excitedly</i>). Be silent or I'll have you turned out.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. God! Who should <i>I</i> be
afraid of! I'm dead, dead, and away out of your power. (<i>Suddenly
overcome with the horror of the situation</i>.) What can you do to
me? How can you punish me—a corpse?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Beating his breast.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Magistrate</i>. Be silent! (<i>To</i> CLERK,
<i>who is down L</i>.) Take him out!</p>
<p class="indent">[FÉDYA <i>turns, seeing his wife, he falls
on his knees before her ... kisses the hem of her dress, crying
bitterly.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Slowly he rises, pulls himself together with
a great effort, then exits L.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The lights dim and out.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>SCENE IV</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>A corridor at the lower courts; in the
background a door opposite which stands a</i> GUARD; <i>to the
right is another door through which the</i> PRISONERS <i>are
conducted to the court.</i> IVÁN PETROVICH <i>in rags enters
L., goes to this last door, trying to pass through it.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Guard</i> (<i>at door R. C</i>.). Where do you
think you're going, shoving in like that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich</i>. Why shouldn't I? The
law says these sessions are public.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Guard</i>. You can't get by and that's enough.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich</i> (<i>in pity</i>). Wretched peasant,
you have no idea to whom you are speaking.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Guard</i>. Be silent!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter a</i> YOUNG LAWYER <i>from R.
I.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lawyer</i> (<i>to Petrovich</i>). Are you here
on business?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich</i>. No. I'm the public.
But this wretched peasant won't let me pass.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lawyer</i>. There's no room for the public at
this trial.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich</i>. Perhaps, but I am
above the general rule.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lawyer</i>. Well, you wait outside; they'll
adjourn presently.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He is just going into courtroom through door
R. C. when</i> PRINCE SERGIUS <i>enters L. and stops him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. How does the case stand?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lawyer</i>. The defense has just begun.
Petrúshin is speaking now.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. Are the Karénins
bearing up well?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lawyer</i>. Yes, with extraordinary dignity.
They look as if they were the judges instead of the accused. That's
felt all the way through, and Petrúshin is taking advantage
of it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. What of Protosov?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lawyer</i>. He's frightfully unnerved, trembling
all over, but that's natural considering the sort of life he's led.
Yes, he's all on edge, and he's interrupted, both judge and jury
several times already.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. How do you think it will
end?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lawyer</i>. Hard to say. The jury are mixed. At
any rate I don't think they'll find the Karénins guilty of
premeditation. Do you want to go in?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Prince Sergius</i>. I should very much like
to.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lawyer</i>. Excuse me, you're Prince Sergius
Abréskov, aren't you? (<i>To the Prince</i>.) There's an
empty chair just at the left.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The guard lets</i> PRINCE SERGIUS
<i>pass.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich</i>. Prince! Bah! I am an
aristocrat of the soul, and that's a higher title.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lawyer</i>. Excuse me.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>And exits down R. C. into courtroom.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[PETUSHKÓV, FÉDYA'S <i>companion in
the dive, enters approaching</i> IVÁN PETROVICH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petushkóv</i> (<i>R</i>.). Oh, there you
are. Well, how're things going?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Iván Petrovich</i> (<i>L</i>.). The
speeches for the defense have begun, but this ignorant rascal won't
let us in. Curse his damned petty soul.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Guard</i> (<i>C</i>.) Silence! Where do you
think you are?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Further applause is heard; door of the court
opens, and there is a rush of lawyers and the general public into
the corridor.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>A Lady</i>. Oh, it's simply wonderful! When he
spoke I felt as if my heart were breaking.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>An Officer</i>. It's all far better than a
novel. But I don't see how she could ever have loved him. Such a
sinister, horrible figure.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The other door opens over L.; the accused
comes out.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Lady</i> (<i>this group is down R</i>.).
Hush! There he is. See how wild he looks.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>seeing</i> IVÁN
PETROVICH). Did you bring it?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes to</i> PETROVICH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrovich</i>. There.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>He hands</i> FÉDYA <i>something;</i>
FÉDYA <i>hides it in his pocket.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>seeing</i>
PETUSHKÓV). How foolish! How vulgar and how boring all this
is, isn't it?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Men and women enter door L. and stand down L.
watching.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> PETRÚSHIN, from R. C.,
FÉDYA'S <i>counsel, a stout man with red cheeks; very
animated.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrúshin</i> (<i>rubbing his hands</i>).
Well, well, my friend. It's going along splendidly. Only remember,
don't go and spoil things for me in your last speech.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>takes him by the arm</i>).
Tell me, what'll the worst be?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrúshin</i>. I've already told you.
Exile to Siberia.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Who'll be exiled to
Siberia?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrúshin</i>. You and your wife,
naturally.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. And at the best?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrúshin</i>. Religious pardon and the
annulment of the second marriage.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. You mean—that we should be
bound again—to one another——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrúshin</i>. Yes. Only try to collect
yourself. Keep up your courage. After all, there's no occasion for
alarm.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. There couldn't be any other
sentence, you're sure?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrúshin</i>. None other. None
other.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exits R. I.</i> FÉDYA <i>stands
motionless.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Guard</i> (<i>crosses and exits L. I.
Calling</i>). Pass on. Pass on. No loitering in the corridor.</p>
<p class="indent">[VICTOR <i>and</i> LISA <i>enter from door L.
Start to go off L. when pistol shot stops them.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i> (<i>He turns his back to the
audience, and from beneath his ragged coat shoots himself in the
heart. There is a muffled explosion, smoke. He crumples up in a
heap on the floor. All the people in the passage rush to him</i>.)
(<i>In a very low voice</i>.) This time—it's well done...
Lisa....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>People are crowding in from all the doors,
judges, etc.</i> LISA <i>rushes to</i> FÉDYA,
KARÉNIN, IVÁN PETROVICH <i>and</i> PRINCE SERGIUS
<i>follow.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. Fédya!... Fédya!... What
have you done? Oh why!... why!...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. Forgive me—— No other
way—— Not for you—but for myself——</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lisa</i>. You will live. You must live.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fédya</i>. No—no—— Good-bye—— (<i>He
seems to smile, then he mutters just under his breath</i>.)
Masha.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>In the distance the gypsies are heard singing
"No More at Evening." They sing until the curtain.</i></p>
<p class="follow">You're too late——</p>
<p class="indent">[Suddenly he raises his head from LISA'S knees,
and barely utters as if he saw something in front of him.</p>
<p class="follow">Ah.... Happiness!...</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>His head falls from LISA'S knees to the
ground. She still clings to it, in grief and horror. He
dies.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The lights dim and out.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<h4>END OF <i>REDEMPTION</i></h4>
<hr>
<p> </p>
<h1><a name="darkness">THE POWER OF DARKNESS</a></h1>
<h2>OR</h2>
<h2>IF A CLAW IS CAUGHT THE BIRD IS LOST</h2>
<h3>CHARACTERS</h3>
<p class="normal">PETER IGNÁTITCH. <i>A well-to-do peasant, 42 years old,
married for the second time, and sickly.<br>
</i> ANÍSYA. <i>His wife, 32 years old, fond of
dress.</i><br>
AKOULÍNA. <i>Peter's daughter by his first marriage, 16
years old, hard of hearing, mentally undeveloped</i><br>
NAN (ANNA PETRÓVNA). <i>His daughter by his second marriage,
10 years old</i><br>
NIKÍTA. <i>Their laborer, 25 years old, fond of
dress.</i><br>
AKÍM. <i>Nikíta's father, 50 years old, a
plain-looking, God-fearing peasant.</i><br>
MATRYÓNA. <i>His wife and Nikíta's mother, 50 years
old.</i><br>
MARÍNA <i>An orphan girl, 22 years old.</i><br>
MARTHA. <i>Peter's sister.</i><br>
MÍTRITCH <i>An old laborer, ex-soldier.</i><br>
SIMON. <i>Marína's husband.</i><br>
BRIDEGROOM. <i>Engaged to Akoulína.</i><br>
IVÁN. <i>His father.</i><br>
A NEIGHBOR.<br>
FIRST GIRL.<br>
SECOND GIRL.<br>
POLICE OFFICER.<br>
DRIVER.<br>
BEST MAN<br>
MATCHMAKER.<br>
VILLAGE ELDER.<br>
VISITORS, WOMEN, GIRLS, AND PEOPLE <i>come to see the
wedding.</i></p>
<p class="normal">
<i>N.B.</i>—The "oven" mentioned is the usual large, brick,
Russian baking-oven. The top of it outside is flat, so that more
than one person can lie on it. </p>
<h3>ACT I</h3>
<p class="hang"><i>The Act takes place in autumn in a large
village. The Scene represents PETER'S</i> roomy hut. PETER <i>is
sitting on a wooden bench, mending a horse-collar.</i>
ANÍSYA <i>and</i> AKOULÍNA <i>are spinning, and
singing a part-song.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>looking out of the window</i>).
The horses have got loose again. If we don't look out they'll be
killing the colt. Nikíta! Hey, Nikíta! Is the fellow
deaf? (<i>Listens. To the women</i>.) Shut up, one can't hear
anything.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>from outside</i>).
What?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Drive the horses in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. We'll drive 'em in. All in
good time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>shaking his head</i>). Ah, these
laborers! If I were well, I'd not keep one on no account. There's
nothing but bother with 'em. (<i>Rises and sits down again</i>.)
Nikíta!.... It's no good shouting. One of you'd better go.
Go, Akoúl, drive 'em in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. What? The horses?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. What else?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. All right.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Ah, but he's a loafer, that lad ...
no good at all. Won't stir a finger if he can help it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. You're so mighty brisk
yourself. When you're not sprawling on the top of the oven you're
squatting on the bench. To goad others to work is all you're fit
for.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. If one weren't to goad you on a bit,
one'd have no roof left over one's head before the year's out. Oh,
what people!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. You go shoving a dozen jobs
on to one's shoulders, and then do nothing but scold. It's easy to
lie on the oven and give orders.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>sighing</i>). Oh, if 'twere not
for this sickness that's got hold of me, I'd not keep him on
another day.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>off the scene</i>). Gee
up, gee, woo.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>A colt neighs, the stamping of horses' feet
and the creaking of the gate are heard.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Bragging, that's what he's good at.
I'd like to sack him, I would indeed.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>mimicking him</i>). "Like
to sack him." You buckle to yourself, and then talk.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>enters</i>). It's all I
could do to drive 'em in. That piebald always will....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. And where's Nikíta?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Where's Nikíta? Why,
standing out there in the street.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. What's he standing there for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. What's he standing there
for? He stands there jabbering.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. One can't get any sense out of her!
Who's he jabbering with?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>does not hear</i>). Eh,
what?</p>
<p class="indent">[PETER <i>waves her off. She sits down to her
spinning.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>running in to her mother</i>).
Nikíta's father and mother have come. They're going to take
him away. It's true!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Nonsense!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Yes. Blest if they're not!
(<i>Laughing</i>.) I was just going by, and Nikíta, he says,
"Good-bye, Anna Petróvna," he says, "you must come and dance
at my wedding. I'm leaving you," he says, and laughs.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>to her husband</i>). There
now. Much he cares. You see, he wants to leave of himself. "Sack
him" indeed!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Well, let him go. Just as if I
couldn't find somebody else.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. And what about the money he's
had in advance?</p>
<p class="indent">[NAN <i>stands listening at the door for awhile,
and then exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>frowning</i>). The money? Well, he
can work it off in summer, anyhow.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Well, of course you'll be
glad if he goes and you've not got to feed him. It's only me as'll
have to work like a horse all the winter. That lass of yours isn't
over fond of work either. And you'll be lying up on the oven. I
know you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. What's the good of wearing out one's
tongue before one has the hang of the matter?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. The yard's full of cattle.
You've not sold the cow, and have kept all the sheep for the
winter: feeding and watering 'em alone takes all one's time, and
you want to sack the laborer. But I tell you straight, I'm not
going to do a man's work! I'll go and lie on the top of the oven
same as you, and let everything go to pot! You may do what you
like.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>to Akoulína</i>). Go and
see about the feeding, will you? it's time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. The feeding? All right.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Puts on a coat and takes a rope.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I'm not going to work for
you. You go and work yourself. I've had enough of it, so there!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. That'll do. What are you raving
about? Like a sheep with the staggers!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. You're a crazy cur, you are!
One gets neither work nor pleasure from you. Eating your fill,
that's all you do; you palsied cur, you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>spits and puts on coat</i>).
Faugh! The Lord have mercy! I'd better go myself and see what's
up.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>after him</i>). Scurvy
long-nosed devil!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. What are you swearing at
dad for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Hold your noise, you
idiot!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>going to the door</i>).
I know why you're swearing at him. You're an idiot yourself, you
bitch. I'm not afraid of you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What do you mean? (<i>Jumps
up and looks round for something to hit her with</i>.) Mind, or
I'll give you one with the poker.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>opening the door</i>).
Bitch! devil! that's what you are! Devil! bitch! bitch! devil!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs off.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>ponders</i>). "Come and
dance at my wedding!" What new plan is this? Marry? Mind.
Nikíta, if that's your intention, I'll go and.... No, I
can't live without him. I won't let him go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>enters, looks round, and,
seeing Anísya alone, approaches quickly. In a low tone</i>).
Here's a go; I'm in a regular fix! That governor of mine wants to
take me away,—tells me I'm to come home. Says quite straight I'm
to marry and live at home.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Well, go and marry! What's
that to me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Is that it? Why, here am I
reckoning how best to consider matters, and just hear her! She
tells me to go and marry. Why's that? (<i>Winking</i>.) Has she
forgotten?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Yes, go and marry! What do I
care?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> What are you spitting for?
Just see, she won't even let me stroke her.... What's the
matter?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> This! That you want to play
me false.... If you do,—why, I don't want you either. So now you
know!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> That'll do, Anísya. Do
you think I'll forget you? Never while I live! I'll not play you
false, that's flat. I've been thinking that supposing they do go
and make me marry, I'd still come back to you. If only he don't
make me live at home.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Much need I'll have of you,
once you're married.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> There's a go now. How is it
possible to go against one's father's will?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Yes, I daresay, shove it all
on your father. You know it's your own doing. You've long been
plotting with that slut of yours, Marína. It's she has put
you up to it. She didn't come here for nothing t'other day.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Marína? What's she to
me? Much I care about her!... Plenty of them buzzing around.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Then what has made your
father come here? It's you have told him to. You've gone and
deceived me.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Cries.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Anísya, do you believe
in a God or not? I never so much as dreamt of it. I know nothing at
all about it. I never even dreamt of it—that's flat. My old dad
has got it all out of his own pate.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> If you don't wish it yourself
who can force you? He can't drive you like an ass.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Well, I reckon it's not
possible to go against one's parent. But it's not by my wish.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Don't you budge, that's all
about it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> There was a fellow wouldn't
budge, and the village elder gave him such a hiding.... That's what
it might come to! I've no great wish for that sort of thing. They
say it touches one up....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Shut up with your nonsense.
Nikíta, listen to me: if you marry that Marína I
don't know what I won't do to myself.... I shall lay hands on
myself! I have sinned, I have gone against the law, but I can't go
back now. If you go away I'll....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Why should I go? Had I wanted
to go—I should have gone long ago. There was Iván
Semyónitch t'other day—offered me a place as his
coachman.... Only fancy what a life that would have been! But I did
not go. Because, I reckon, I am good enough for any one. Now if you
did not love me it would be a different matter.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Yes, and that's what you
should remember. My old man will die one of these fine days, I'm
thinking; then we could cover our sin, make it all right and
lawful, and then you'll be master here.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Where's the good of making
plans? What do I care? I work as hard as if I were doing it for
myself. My master loves me, and his missus loves me. And if the
wenches run after me, it's not my fault, that's flat.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> And you'll love me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>embracing her</i>). There,
as you have ever been in my heart....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>enters and crosses
herself a long time before the icón. Nikíta and
Anísya step apart</i>). What I saw I didn't perceive, what I
heard, I didn't hearken to. Playing with the lass, eh? Well,—even
a calf will play. Why shouldn't one have some fun when one's young?
But your master is out in the yard a-calling you, sonny.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> I only came to get the
axe.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> I know, sonny, I know; them
sort of axes are mostly to be found where the women are.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>stooping to pick up
axe</i>). I say, mother, is it true you want me to marry? As I
reckon, that's quite unnecessary. Besides, I've got no wish that
way.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Eh, honey! why should you
marry? Go on as you are. It's all the old man. You'd better go,
sonny; we can talk these matters over without you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> It's a queer go! One moment
I'm to be married, the next, not. I can't make head or tail of
it.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> What's it all about, then? Do
you really wish him to get married?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Eh, why should he marry, my
jewel? It's all nonsense, all my old man's drivel. "Marry, marry."
But he's reckoning without his host. You know the saying, "From
oats and hay, why should horses stray?" When you've enough to
spare, why look elsewhere? And so in this case. (<i>Winks</i>.)
Don't I see which way the wind blows?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Where's the good of my
pretending to you, Mother Matryóna? You know all about it. I
have sinned. I love your son.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Dear me, here's news! D'you
think Mother Matryóna didn't know? Eh, lassie,—Mother
Matryóna's been ground, and ground again, ground fine! This
much I can tell you, my jewel: Mother Matryóna can see
through a brick wall three feet thick. I know it all, my jewel! I
know what young wives need sleeping draughts for, so I've brought
some along.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Unties a knot in her handkerchief and brings
out paper-packets.</i></p>
<p class="follow">As much as is wanted, I see, and what's not
wanted I neither see nor perceive! There! Mother Matryóna
has also been young. I had to know a thing or two to live with my
old fool. I know seventy-and-seven dodges. But I see your old man's
quite seedy, quite seedy! How's one to live with such as him? Why,
if you pricked him with a hayfork it wouldn't fetch blood. See if
you don't bury him before the spring. Then you'll need some one in
the house. Well, what's wrong with my son? He'll do as well as
another. Then where's the advantage of my taking him away from a
good place? Am I my child's enemy?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh, if only he does not go
away!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. He won't go away, birdie.
It's all nonsense. You know my old man. His wits are always
wool-gathering; yet sometimes he takes a thing into his pate, and
it's as if it were wedged in, you can't knock it out with a
hammer.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. And what started this
business?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Well, you see, my jewel,
you yourself know what a fellow with women the lad is,—and he's
handsome too, though I say it as shouldn't. Well, you know, he was
living at the railway, and they had an orphan wench there to cook
for them. Well, that same wench took to running after him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Marína?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Yes, the plague seize her!
Whether anything happened or not, anyhow something got to my old
man's ears. Maybe he heard from the neighbors, maybe she's been and
blabbed....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Well, she is a bold
hussy!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. So my old man—the old
blockhead—off he goes: "Marry, marry," he says, "he must marry her
and cover the sin," he says. "We must take the lad home," he says,
"and he shall marry," he says. Well, I did my best to make him
change his mind, but, dear me, no. So, all right, thinks I,—I'll
try another dodge. One always has to entice them fools in this way,
just pretend to be of their mind, and when it comes to the point
one goes and turns it all one's own way. You know, a woman has time
to think seventy-and-seven thoughts while falling off the oven, so
how's such as he to see through it? "Well, yes," says I, "it would
be a good job,—only we must consider well beforehand. Why not go
and see our son, and talk it over with Peter Ignátitch and
hear what he has to say?" So here we are.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh dear, oh dear, how will it
all end? Supposing his father just orders him to marry her?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Orders, indeed! Chuck his
orders to the dogs! Don't you worry; that affair will never come
off. I'll go to your old man myself, and sift and strain this
matter clear—there will be none of it left. I have come here only
for the look of the thing. A very likely thing! Here's my son
living in happiness and expecting happiness, and I'll go and match
him with a slut! No fear, I'm not a fool!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. And she—this
Marína—came dangling after him here! Mother, would you
believe, when they said he was going to marry, it was as if a knife
had gone right through my heart. I thought he cared for her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Oh, my jewel! Why, you
don't think him such a fool, that he should go and care for a
homeless baggage like that? Nikíta is a sensible fellow, you
see. He knows whom to love. So don't you go and fret, my jewel.
We'll not take him away, and we won't marry him. No, we'll let him
stay on, if you'll only oblige us with a little money.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. All I know is, that I could
not live if Nikíta went away.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Naturally, when one's young
it's no easy matter! You, a wench in full bloom, to be living with
the dregs of a man like that husband of yours.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Mother Matryóna, would
you believe it? I'm that sick of him, that sick of this long-nosed
cur of mine, I can hardly bear to look at him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Yes, I see, it's one of
them cases. Just look here. (<i>Looks round and whispers</i>.) I've
been to see that old man, you know he's given me simples of two
kinds. This, you see, is a sleeping draught. "Just give him one of
these powders," he says, "and he'll sleep so sound you might jump
on him!" And this here, "This is that kind of simple," he says,
"that if you give one some of it to drink it has no smell whatever,
but its strength is very great. There are seven doses here, a pinch
at a time. Give him seven pinches," he says, "and she won't have
far to look for freedom," he says.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. O-o-oh! What's that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. "No sign whatever," he
says. He's taken a rouble for it. "Can't sell it for less," he
says. Because it's no easy matter to get 'em, you know. I paid him,
dearie, out of my own money. If she takes them, thinks I, it's all
right; if she don't, I can let old Michael's daughter have
them.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> O-o-oh! But mayn't some evil
come of them? I'm frightened!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. What evil, my jewel? If
your old man was hale and hearty, 'twould be a different matter,
but he's neither alive nor dead as it is. He's not for this world.
Such things often happen.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> O-o-oh, my poor head! I'm
afeared, Mother Matryóna, lest some evil come of them. No.
That won't do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Just as you like. I might
even return them to him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> And are they to be used in
the same way as the others? Mixed in water?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Better in tea, he says. "You
can't notice anything," he says, "no smell nor nothing." He's a
cute old fellow, too.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>taking the powder</i>).
O-oh, my poor head! Could I have ever thought of such a thing if my
life were not a very hell?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> You'll not forget that
rouble? I promised to take it to the old man. He's had some
trouble, too.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Of course?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes to her box and hides the
powders.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> And now, my jewel, keep it
as close as you can, so that no one should find it out. Heaven
defend that it should happen, but <i>if</i> any one notices it,
tell 'em it's for the black-beetles. (<i>Takes the rouble</i>.)
It's also used for beetles. (<i>Stops short</i>.)</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> AKÍM, who crosses himself in
front of the icon, and then PETER, who sits down.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter.</i> Well, then, how's it to be, Daddy
Akím?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> As it's best, Peter
Ignátitch, as it's best.... I mean—as it's best. 'Cos why?
I'm afeared of what d'you call 'ems, some tomfoolery, you know. I'd
like to, what d'you call it.... to start, you know, start the lad
honest, I mean. But supposing you'd rather, what d'you call it, we
might, I mean, what's name? As it's best....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter.</i> All right. All right. Sit down and
let's talk it over. (<i>Akím sits down</i>.) Well, then,
what's it all about? You want him to marry?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> As to marrying, he might
bide a while, Peter Ignátitch. You know our poverty, Peter
Ignátitch. What's he to marry on? We've hardly enough to eat
ourselves. How can he marry then?...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter.</i> You must consider what will be
best.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Where's the hurry for him
to get married? Marriage is not that sort of thing, it's not like
ripe raspberries that drop off if not picked in time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter.</i> If he were to get married, 'twould be
a good thing in a way.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> We'd like to ... what d'you
call it? 'Cos why, you see. I've what d'you call it ... a job. I
mean, I've found a paying job in town, you know.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> And a fine job
too—cleaning out cesspools. The other day when he came home, I
could do nothing but spew and spew. Faugh!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> It's true, at first it does
seem what d'you call it ... "knocks one clean over," you know,—the
smell, I mean. But one gets used to it, and then it's nothing, no
worse than malt grain, and then it's, what d'you call it, ... pays,
pays, I mean. And as to the smell being, what d'you call it, it's
not for the likes of us to complain. And one changes one's clothes.
So we'd like to take what's his name ... Nikíta, I mean,
home. Let him manage things at home while I, what d'you call
it,—earn something in town.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter.</i> You want to keep your son at home?
Yes, that would be well: but how about the money he has had in
advance?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> That's it, that's it! It's just
as you Say, Ignátitch, it's just what d'you call it. 'Cos
why? If you go into service, it's as good as if you had sold
yourself, they say. That will be all right. I mean he may stay and
serve his time, only he must, what d'you call it, get married. I
mean—so: you let him off for a little while, that he may, what
d'you call it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter.</i> Yes, we could manage that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Ah, but it's not yet
settled between ourselves, Peter Ignátitch. I'll speak to
you as I would before God, and you may judge between my old man and
me. He goes on harping on that marriage. But just ask—who it is he
wants him to marry. If it were a girl of the right sort now—I am
not my child's enemy, but the wench is not honest.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. No, that's wrong! Wrong, I say.
'Cos why? She, that same girl—it's my son as has offended,
offended the girl I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. How offended?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. That's how. She's what d'you
call it, with him, with my son, Nikíta. With Nikíta,
what d'you call it, mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. You wait a bit, my tongue
runs smoother—let me tell it. You know, this lad of ours lived at
the railway before he came to you. There was a girl there as kept
dangling after him. A girl of no account, you know; her name's
Marína. She used to cook for the men. So now this same girl
accuses our son, Nikíta, that he, so to say, deceived
her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Well, there's nothing good in
that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. But she's no honest girl
herself; she runs after the fellows like a common slut.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. There you are again, old woman,
and it's not at all what d'you call it, it's all not what d'you
call it, I mean....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. There now, that's all the
sense one gets from my old owl—"what d'you call it, what d'you call
it," and he doesn't know himself what he means. Peter
Ignátitch, don't listen to me, but go yourself and ask any
one you like about the girl, everybody will say the same. She's
just a homeless good-for-nothing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. You know, Daddy Akím, if
that's how things are, there's no reason for him to marry her. A
daughter-in-law's not like a shoe, you can't kick her off.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>excitedly</i>). It's false,
old woman, it's what d'you call it, false; I mean, about the girl;
false! 'Cos why? The lass is a good lass, a very good lass, you
know. I'm sorry, sorry for the lassie, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. It's an old saying: "For
the wide world old Miriam grieves, and at home without bread her
children she leaves." He's sorry for the girl, but not sorry for
his own son! Sling her round your neck and carry her about with
you! That's enough of such empty cackle!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. No, it's not empty.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. There, don't interrupt, let
me have my say.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>interrupts</i>). No, not
empty! I mean, you twist things your own way, about the lass or
about yourself. Twist them, I mean, to make it better for yourself;
but God, what d'you call it, turns them His way. That's how it
is.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Eh! One only wears out
one's tongue with you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. The lass is hard-working and
spruce, and keeps everything round herself ... what d'you call it.
And in our poverty, you know, it's a pair of hands, I mean; and the
wedding needn't cost much. But the chief thing's the offence, the
offence to the lass, and she's a what d'you call it, an orphan, you
know; that's what she is, and there's the offence.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Eh! they'll all tell you a
tale of that sort....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Daddy Akím, you'd
better listen to us women; we can tell you a thing or two.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. And God, how about God? Isn't
she a human being, the lass? A what d'you call it,—also a human
being I mean, before God. And how do you look at it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Eh! ... started off
again?...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Wait a bit, Daddy Akím. One
can't believe all these girls say, either. The lad's alive, and not
far away; send for him, and find out straight from him if it's
true. He won't wish to lose his soul. Go and call the fellow,
(<i>Anísya rises</i>) and tell him his father wants him.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> ANÍSYA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. That's right, dear friend;
you've cleared the way clean, as with water. Yes, let the lad speak
for himself. Nowadays, you know, they'll not let you force a son to
marry; one must first of all ask the lad. He'll never consent to
marry her and disgrace himself, not for all the world. To my
thinking, it's best he should go on living with you and serving you
as his master. And we need not take him home for the summer either;
we can hire a help. If you would only give us ten roubles now,
we'll let him stay on. <i>Peter</i>. All in good time. First let us
settle one thing before we start another. <i>Akím</i>. You
see, Peter Ignátitch, I speak. 'Cos why? you know how it
happens. We try to fix things up as seems best for ourselves, you
know; and as to God, we what d'you call it, we forget Him. We think
it's best so, turn it our own way, and lo! we've got into a fix,
you know. We think it will be best, I mean; and lo! it turns out
much worse—without God, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Of course one must not forget
God.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. It turns out worse! But when
it's the right way—God's way—it what d'you call it, it gives one
joy; seems pleasant, I mean. So I reckon, you see, get him, the
lad, I mean, get him to marry her, to keep him from sin, I mean,
and let him what d'you call it at home, as it's lawful, I mean,
while I go and get the job in town. The work is of the right
sort—it's payin', I mean. And in God's sight it's what d'you call
it—it's best, I mean. Ain't she an orphan? Here, for example, a
year ago some fellows went and took timber from the
steward,—thought they'd do the steward, you know. Yes, they did
the steward, but they couldn't what d'you call it—do God, I mean.
Well, and so....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> NIKÍTA <i>and</i> NAN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. You called me?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sits down and takes out his
tobacco-pouch.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>in a low, reproachful voice</i>).
What are you thinking about—have you no manners? Your father is
going to speak to you, and you sit down and fool about with
tobacco. Come, get up!</p>
<p class="indent">[NIKÍTA <i>rises, leans carelessly with
his elbow on the table, and smiles</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. It seems there's a complaint,
you know, about you, Nikíta—a complaint, I mean, a
complaint.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Who's been complaining?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Complaining? It's a maid, an
orphan maid, complaining, I mean. It's her, you know—-a complaint
against you, from Marína, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>laughs</i>). Well, that's
a good one. What's the complaint? And who's told you—she
herself?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. It's I am asking you, and you
must now, what d'you call it, give me an answer. Have you got mixed
up with the lass, I mean—mixed up, you know?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I don't know what you mean.
What's up?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Foolin', I mean, what d'you
call it? foolin'. Have you been foolin' with her, I mean?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Never mind what's been! Of
course one does have some fun with a cook now and then to while
away the time. One plays the concertina and gets her to dance. What
of that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Don't shuffle, Nikíta, but
answer your father straight out.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>solemnly</i>). You can hide
it from men but not from God, Nikíta. You, what d'you call
it—think, I mean, and don't tell lies. She's an orphan; so, you
see, any one is free to insult her. An orphan, you see. So you
should say what's rightest.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. But what if I have nothing to
say? I have told you everything—because there isn't anything to
tell, that's flat! (<i>Getting excited</i>.) She can go and say
anything about me, same as if she was speaking of one as is dead.
Why don't she say anything about Fédka Mikíshin?
Besides, how's this, that one mayn't even have a bit of fun
nowadays? And as for her, well, she's free to say anything she
likes.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Ah, Nikíta, mind! A lie
will out. Did anything happen?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>aside</i>). How he sticks
to it; it's too bad. (<i>To Akím</i>.) I tell you, I know
nothing more. There's been nothing between us. (<i>Angrily</i>.) By
God! and may I never leave this spot (<i>crosses himself</i>) if I
know anything about it. (<i>Silence. Then still more
excitedly</i>.) Why! have you been thinking of getting me to marry
her? What do you mean by it?—it's a confounded shame. Besides,
nowadays you've got no such rights as to force a fellow to marry.
That's plain enough. Besides, haven't I sworn I know nothing about
it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>to her husband</i>).
There now, that's just like your silly pate, to believe all they
tell you. He's gone and put the lad to shame all for nothing. The
best thing is to let him live as he is living, with his master. His
master will help us in our present need, and give us ten roubles,
and when the time comes....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Well, Daddy Akím, how's it to
be?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>looks at his son, clicking
his tongue disapprovingly</i>). Mind, Nikíta, the tears of
one that's been wronged never, what d'you call it—never fall
beside the mark but always on, what's name—the head of the man as
did the wrong. So mind, don't what d'you call it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>sits down</i>). What's
there to mind? mind yourself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>aside</i>). I must run and tell
mother.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>to Peter</i>). That's
always the way with this old mumbler of mine, Peter
Ignátitch. Once he's got anything wedged in his pate there's
no knocking it out. We've gone and troubled you all for nothing.
The lad can go on living as he has been. Keep him; he's your
servant.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Well, Daddy Akím, what do you
say?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Why, the lad's his own master,
if only he what d'you call it.... I only wish that, what d'you call
it, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. You don't know yourself
what you're jawing about. The lad himself has no wish to leave.
Besides, what do we want with him at home? We can manage without
him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Only one thing, Daddy Akím—if
you are thinking of taking him back in summer, I don't want him
here for the winter. If he is to stay at all, it must be for the
whole year.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. And it's for a year he'll
bind himself. If we want help when the press of work comes, we can
hire help, and the lad shall remain with you. Only give us ten
roubles now....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Well then, is it to be for another
year?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>sighing</i>). Yes, it seems,
it what d'you call it ... if it's so, I mean, it seems that it must
be what d'you call it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. For a year, counting from
St. Dimítry's day. We know you'll pay him fair wages. But
give us ten roubles now. Help us out of our difficulties. (<i>Gets
up and bows to Peter</i>.)</p>
<p class="indent">[Enter NAN and ANÍSYA. The latter sits
down at one side.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Well, if that's settled we might step
across to the inn and have a drink. Come, Daddy Akím, what
do you say to a glass of vódka?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. No, I never drink that sort of
thing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Well, you'll have some tea?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Ah, tea! yes, I do sin that
way. Yes, tea's the thing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. And the women will also have some
tea. Come. And you, Nikíta, go and drive the sheep in and
clear away the straw.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. All right. (<i>Exeunt all
but</i> NIKÍTA. NIKÍTA <i>lights a cigarette. It
grows darker</i>.) Just see how they bother one. Want a fellow to
tell 'em how he larks about with the wenches! It would take long to
tell 'em all those stories—"Marry her," he says. Marry them all!
One would have a good lot of wives! And what need have I to marry?
Am as good as married now! There's many a chap as envies me. Yet
how strange it felt when I crossed myself before the icón.
It was just as if some one shoved me. The whole web fell to pieces
at once. They say it's frightening to swear what's not true. That's
all humbug. It's all talk, that is. It's simple enough.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>enters with a rope,
which she puts down. She takes off her outdoor things and goes into
closet</i>). You might at least have got a light.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What, to look at you? I can
see you well enough without.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Oh, bother you!</p>
<p class="indent">[NAN <i>enters and whispers to</i>
NIKÍTA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Nikíta, there's a person wants
you. There is!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What person?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Marína from the railway; she's
out there, round the corner.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Nonsense!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Blest if she isn't!
<i>Nikíta</i>. What does she want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. She wants you to come out. She says, "I
only want to say a word to Nikíta." I began asking, but she
won't tell, but only says, "Is it true he's leaving you?" And I
say, "No, only his father wanted to take him away and get him to
marry, but he won't, and is going to stay with us another year."
And she says, "For goodness' sake send him out to me. I must see
him," she says, "I must say a word to him somehow." She's been
waiting a long time. Why don't you go?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Bother her! What should I go
for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. She says, "If he don't come, I'll go
into the hut to him." Blest if she didn't say she'd come in!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Not likely. She'll wait a bit
and then go away.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. "Or is it," she says, "that they want
him to marry Akoulína?"</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Re-enter</i> AKOULÍNA, passing near
NIKÍTA <i>to take her distaff.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Marry whom to
Akoulína?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Why, Nikíta.
<i>Akoulína</i>. A likely thing! Who says it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>looks at her and
laughs</i>). It seems people do say it. Would you marry me,
Akoulína?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Who, you? Perhaps I might
have afore, but I won't now.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. And why not now?
<i>Akoulína</i>. 'Cos you wouldn't love me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Why not?
<i>Akoulína.</i> 'Cos you'd be forbidden to.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Who'd forbid it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Who? My step-mother. She
does nothing but grumble, and is always staring at you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>laughing</i>). Just hear
her! Ain't she cute?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Who? Me? What's there to be
cute about? Am I blind? She's been rowing and rowing at dad all
day. The fat-muzzled witch!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes into closet.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>looking out of the window</i>).
Look, Nikíta, she's coming! I'm blest if she isn't! I'll go
away.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i> (<i>enters</i>). What are you
doing with me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Doing? I'm not doing
anything.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína.</i> You mean to desert me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>gets up angrily</i>). What
does this look like, your coming here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína.</i> Oh, Nikíta!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Well, you are strange! What
have you come for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína.</i> Nikíta!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> That's my name. What do you
want with Nikíta? Well, what next? Go away, I tell you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína.</i> I see, you do want to throw
me over.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Well, and what's there to
remember? You yourself don't know. When you stood out there round
the corner and sent Nan for me, and I didn't come, wasn't it plain
enough that you're not wanted? It seems pretty simple. So
there—go!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína.</i> Not wanted! So now I'm not
wanted! I believed you when you said you would love me. And now
that you've ruined me, I'm not wanted.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Where's the good of talking?
This is quite improper. You've been telling tales to father. Now,
do go away, will you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína.</i> You know yourself I never
loved any one but you. Whether you married me or not, I'd not have
been angry. I've done you no wrong, then why have you left off
caring for me? Why?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Where's the use of baying at
the moon? You go away. Goodness me! what a duffer!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína.</i> It's not that you deceived me
when you promised to marry me that hurts, but that you've left off
loving. No, it's not that you've stopped loving me either, but that
you've changed me for another, that's what hurts. I know who it
is!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>comes up to her
viciously</i>). Eh! what's the good of talking to the likes of you,
that won't listen to reason? Be off, or you'll drive me to do
something you'll be sorry for.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína.</i> What, will you strike me,
then? Well then, strike me! What are you turning away for? Ah,
Nikíta!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Supposing some one came in.
Of course, it's quite improper. And what's the good of talking?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína.</i> So this is the end of it!
What has been has flown. You want me to forget it? Well then,
Nikíta, listen. I kept my maiden honor as the apple of my
eye. You have ruined me for nothing, you have deceived me. You have
no pity on a fatherless and motherless girl! (<i>Weeping</i>.) You
have deserted, you have killed me, but I bear you no malice. God
forgive you! If you find a better one you'll forget me, if a worse
one you'll remember me. Yes, you will remember, Nikíta!
Good-bye, then, if it is to be. Oh, how I loved you! Good-bye for
the last time.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes his head in her hands and tries to kiss
him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>tossing his head
back</i>). I'm not going to talk with the likes of you. If you
won't go away I will, and you may stay here by yourself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i> (<i>screams</i>). You are a
brute. (<i>In the doorway</i>.) God will give you no joy.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit, crying.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>comes out of
closet</i>). You're a dog, Nikíta!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> What's up?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> What a cry she gave!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Cries.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> What's up with you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> What's up? You've hurt her,
... That's the way you'll hurt me also. You're a dog.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit into closet.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Here's a fine muddle. I'm as
sweet as honey on the lasses, but when a fellow's sinned with 'em
it's a bad look-out!</p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<h3>ACT II</h3>
<p class="hang"><i>The scene represents the village street. To the
left the outside of</i> PETER'S <i>hut, built of logs, with a porch
in the middle; to the right of the hut the gates and a corner of
the yard buildings</i>. ANÍSYA <i>is beating hemp in the
street near the corner of the yard. Six months have elapsed since
the First Act</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>stops and listens</i>).
Mumbling something again. He's probably got off the stove.</p>
<p class="indent">[AKOULÍNA <i>enters, carrying two pails on
a yoke.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. He's calling. You go and see
what he wants, kicking up such a row.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Why don't you go?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Go, I tell you!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> AKOULÍNA <i>into hut</i>.</p>
<p class="follow">He's bothering me to death. Won't let out where
the money is, and that's all about it. He was out in the passage
the other day. He must have been hiding it there. Now, I don't know
myself where it is. Thank goodness he's afraid of parting with it,
so that at least it will stay in the house. If only I could manage
to find it. He hadn't it on him yesterday. Now I don't know where
it can be. He has quite worn the life out of me.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> AKOULÍNA, tying her kerchief
over her head.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Where are you off to?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Where? Why, he's told me to
go for Aunt Martha. "Fetch my sister," he says. "I am going to
die," he says. "I have a word to say to her."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>aside</i>). Asking for his
sister? Oh, my poor head! Sure he wants to give it her. What shall
I do? Oh! (<i>To</i> AKOULÍNA.) Don't go! Where are you off
to?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. To call Aunt.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Don't go I tell you, I'll go
myself. You go and take the clothes to the river to rinse. Else
you'll not have finished by the evening.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> But he told me to go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> You go and do as you're bid.
I tell you I'll fetch Martha myself. Take the shirts off the
fence.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> The shirts? But maybe
you'll not go. He's given the order.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Didn't I say I'd go? Where's
Nan?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> Nan? Minding the
calves.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Send her here. I dare say
they'll not run away.</p>
<p class="indent">[AKOULÍNA <i>collects the clothes, and
exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> If one doesn't go he'll
scold. If one goes he'll give the money to his sister. All my
trouble will be wasted. I don't myself know what I'm to do. My poor
head's splitting.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Continues to work.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> MATRYÓNA, with a stick and a
bundle, in outdoor clothes.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> May the Lord help you,
honey.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>looks round, stops
working, and claps her hands with joy</i>). Well, I never expected
this! Mother Matryóna, God has sent the right guest at the
right time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Well, how are things?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Ah, I'm driven well-nigh
crazy. It's awful!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Well, still alive, I
hear?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Oh, don't talk about it. He
doesn't live and doesn't die!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> But the money—has he given
it to anybody?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> He's just sending for his
sister Martha--probably about the money.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Well, naturally! But hasn't
he given it to any one else?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> To no one. I watch like a
hawk.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> And where is it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> He doesn't let out. And I
can't find out in any way. He hides it now here, now there, and I
can't do anything because of Akoulína. Idiot though she is,
she keeps watch, and is always about. Oh my poor head! I'm bothered
to death.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Oh, my jewel, if he gives
the money to any one but you, you'll never cease regretting it as
long as you live! They'll turn you out of house and home without
anything. You've been worriting, and worriting all your life with
one you don't love, and will have to go a-begging when you are a
widow.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> No need to tell me, mother.
My heart's that weary, and I don't know what to do. No one to get a
bit of advice from. I told Nikíta, but he's frightened of
the job. The only thing he did was to tell me yesterday it was
hidden under the floor.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Well, and did you look
there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> I couldn't. The old man
himself was in the room. I notice that sometimes he carries it
about on him, and sometimes he hides it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> But you, my lass, must
remember that if once he gives you the slip there's no getting it
right again! (<i>Whispering</i>.) Well, and did you give him the
strong tea?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Oh! oh!...</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>About to answer, but sees neighbor and
stops.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> NEIGHBOR <i>(a woman) passes the hut,
and listens to a call from within.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i> (<i>to</i> Anísya). I say,
Anísya! Oh, Anísya! There's your old man calling, I
think.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. That's the way he always
coughs,--just as if he were screaming. He's getting very bad.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i> (<i>approaches</i>
MATRYÓNA). How do you do, granny? Have you come far?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Straight from home, dear.
Come to see my son. Brought him some shirts—can't help thinking of
these things, you see, when it's one's own child.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Yes, that's always so. (To
Anísya.) And I was thinking of beginning to bleach the
linen, but it is a bit early, no one has begun yet.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Where's the hurry?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Well, and has he had
communion?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh, dear, yes, the priest was
here yesterday.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. I had a look at him yesterday.
Dearie me! one wonders his body and soul keep together. And, O
Lord, the other day he seemed just at his last gasp, so that they
laid him under the holy <a name="d1-r">icóns.</a> <sup>
<a href="#d1">1</a></sup> They
started lamenting and got ready to lay him out.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. He came to, and creeps about
again.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Well, and is he to have
extreme unction?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. The neighbors advise it. If
he lives till to-morrow we'll send for the priest.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Oh, Anísya dear, I should
think your heart must be heavy. As the saying goes, "Not he is sick
that's ill in bed, but he that sits and waits in dread."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Yes, if it were only over one
way or other!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Yes, that's true, dying for a
year, it's no joke. You're bound hand and foot like that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Ah, but a widow's lot is
also bitter. It's all right as long as one's young, but who'll care
for you when you're old? Oh yes, old age is not pleasure. Just look
at me. I've not walked very far, and yet am so footsore I don't
know how to stand. Where's my son?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Ploughing. But you come in
and we'll get the samovár ready; the tea'll set you up
again.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>sitting down</i>). Yes,
it's true, I'm quite done up, my dears. As to extreme unction,
that's absolutely necessary. Besides, they say it's good for the
soul.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Yes, we'll send
to-morrow.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Yes, you had better. And
we've had a wedding down in our parts.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. What, in <a name="d2-r">spring?</a> <sup>
<a href="#d2">2</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Ah, now if it were a poor
man, then, as the saying is, it's always unseasonable for a poor
man to marry. But it's Simon Matvéyitch, he's married that
Marína.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What luck for her!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. He's a widower. I suppose there
are children?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Four of 'em. What decent
girl would have him! Well, so he's taken her, and she's glad. You
see, the vessel was not sound, so the wine trickled out.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Oh, my! And what do people say to
it? And he, a rich peasant!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. They are living well enough
so far.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Yes, it's true enough. Who wants
to marry where there are children? There now, there's our Michael.
He's such a fellow, dear me....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peasant's voice</i>. Hullo, Mávra. Where
the devil are you? Go and drive the cow in.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> NEIGHBOR.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>while the NEIGHBOR is
within hearing speaks in her ordinary voice</i>). Yes, lass, thank
goodness, she's married. At any rate my old fool won't go bothering
about Nikíta. Now (<i>suddenly changing her tone</i>), she's
gone! (<i>Whispers</i>.) I say, did you give him the tea?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Don't speak about it. He'd
better die of himself. It's no use—he doesn't die, and I have only
taken a sin on my soul. O-oh, my head, my head! Oh, why did you
give me those powders?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. What of the powders? The
sleeping powders, lass,—why not give them? No evil can come of
them.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I am not talking of the
sleeping ones, but the others, the white ones.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Well, honey, those powders
are medicinal.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>sighs</i>). I know, yet
it's frightening. Though he's worried me to death.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Well, and did you use
many?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I gave two doses.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Was anything
noticeable?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I had a taste of the tea
myself—just a little bitter. And he drank them with the tea and
says, "Even tea disgusts me," and I say, "Everything tastes bitter
when one's sick." But I felt that scared, mother.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Don't go thinking about it.
The more one thinks the worse it is.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I wish you'd never given them
to me and led me into sin. When I think of it something seems to
tear my heart. Oh, dear, why did you give them to me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. What do you mean, honey?
Lord help you! Why are you turning it on to me? Mind, lass, don't
go twisting matters from the sick on to the healthy. If anything
were to happen, I stand aside! I know nothing! I'm aware of
nothing! I'll kiss the cross on it; I never gave you any kind of
powders, never saw any, never heard of any, and never knew there
were such powders. You think about yourself, lass. Why, we were
talking about you the other day. "Poor thing, what torture she
endures. The step-daughter an idiot; the old man rotten, sucking
her lifeblood. What wouldn't one be ready to do in such a
case!"</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I'm not going to deny it. A
life such as mine could make one do worse than that. It could make
you hang yourself or throttle him. Is this a life?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. That's just it. There's no
time to stand gaping; the money must be found one way or other, and
then he must have his tea.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. O-oh, my head, my head! I
can't think what to do. I am so frightened; he'd better die of
himself. I don't want to have it on my soul.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>viciously</i>). And why
doesn't he show the money? Does he mean to take it along with him?
Is no one to have it? Is that right? God forbid such a sum should
be lost all for nothing. Isn't that a sin? What's he doing? Is he
worth considering?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I don't know anything. He's
worried me to death.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. What is it you don't know?
The business is clear. If you make a slip now, you'll repent it all
your life. He'll give the money to his sister and you'll be left
without.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. O—oh dear! Yes, and he did
send for her—I must go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. You wait a bit and light
the samovár first. We'll give him some tea and search him
together—we'll find it, no fear.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh dear, oh dear; supposing
something were to happen.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. What now? What's the good
of waiting? Do you want the money to slip from your hand when it's
just in sight? You go and do as I say.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Well, I'll go and light the
samovár.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Go, honey, do the business
so as not to regret it afterwards. That's right!</p>
<p class="indent">[ANÍSYA <i>turns to go.</i>
MATRYÓNA <i>calls her back.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Just a word. Don't tell
Nikíta about the business. He's silly. God forbid he should
find out about the powders. The Lord only knows what he would do.
He's so tender-hearted. D'you know, he usen't to be able to kill a
chicken. Don't tell him. 'Twould be a fine go, he wouldn't
understand things.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Stops horror-struck as</i> PETER <i>appears
in the doorway.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>holding on to the wall, creeps out
into the porch and calls with a faint voice</i>). How's it one
can't make you hear? Oh, oh, Anísya! Who's there?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Drops on the bench.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>steps from behind the
corner</i>). Why have you come out? You should have stayed where
you were lying.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Has the girl gone for Martha? It's
very hard.... Oh, if only death would come quicker!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. She had no time. I sent her
to the river. Wait a bit, I'll go myself when I'm ready.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Send Nan. Where's she? Oh, I'm that
bad! Oh, death's at hand!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I've sent for her already.
<i>Peter</i>. Oh, dear! Then where is she?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Where's she got to, the
plague seize her!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Oh, dear! I can't bear it. All my
inside's on fire. It's as if a gimlet were boring me. Why have you
left me as if I were a dog? ... no one to give me a drink.... Oh
... send Nan to me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Here she is. Nan, go to
father.</p>
<p class="indent">[NAN <i>runs in.</i> ANÍSYA <i>goes behind
the corner of the house.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Go you. Oh ... to Aunt Martha, tell
her father wants her; say she's to come, I want her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. All right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Wait a bit. Tell her she's to come
quick. Tell her I'm dying. O—oh!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. I'll just get my shawl and be off.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs off.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>winking</i>). Now, then,
mind and look sharp, lass. Go into the hut, hunt about everywhere,
like a dog that's hunting for fleas: look under everything, and
I'll search him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>to</i> MATRYÓNA). I
feel a bit bolder, somehow, now you're here. (<i>Goes up to porch.
To</i> PETER.) Hadn't I better light the samovár? Here's
Mother Matryóna come to see her son; you'll have a cup of
tea with her?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Well, then, light it.</p>
<p class="indent">[ANÍSYA <i>goes into the house.</i>
MATRYÓNA <i>comes up to the porch.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. How do you do?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>bowing</i>). How d'you
do, my benefactor; how d'you do, my precious ... still ill, I see.
And my old man, he's that sorry! "Go," says he, "see how he's
getting on." He sends his respects to you.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Bows again.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. I'm dying.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Ah, yes, Peter
Ignátitch, now I look at you I see, as the saying has it,
"Sickness lives where men live." You've shrivelled, shrivelled, all
to nothing, poor dear, now I come to look at you. Seems illness
does not add to good looks.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. My last hour has come.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Oh well, Peter
Ignátitch, it's God's will you know, you've had communion,
and you'll have unction, God willing. Your missus is a wise woman,
the Lord be thanked; she'll give you a good burial, and have
prayers said for your soul, all most respectable! And my son, he'll
look after things meanwhile.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. There'll be no one to manage things!
She's not steady. Has her head full of folly—why, I know all about
it, I know. And my girl is silly and young. I've got the homestead
together, and there's no one to attend to things. One can't help
feeling it.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Whimpers.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Why, if it's money, or
something, you can leave orders?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>to Anísya inside the
house</i>). Has Nan gone?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>aside</i>). There now,
he's remembered!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>from inside</i>). She went
then and there. Come inside, won't you? I'll help you in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Let me sit here a bit for the last
time. The air's so stuffy inside. Oh, how bad I feel! Oh, my
heart's burning.... Oh, if death would only come!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. If God don't take a soul,
the soul can't go out. Death and life are in God's will. Peter
Ignátitch. You can't be sure of death either. Maybe you'll
recover yet. There was a man in our village just like that, at the
very point of death....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. No, I feel I shall die to-day, I feel
it.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Leans back and shuts his eyes.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>enters</i>). Well, now,
are you coming in or not? You do keep one waiting. Peter! eh,
Peter!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>steps aside and beckons
to</i> ANÍSYA <i>with her finger</i>). Well?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>comes down the porch
steps</i>). Not there.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. But have you searched
everywhere? Under the floor?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. No, it's not there either. In
the shed perhaps; he was rummaging there yesterday.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Go, search, search for all
you're worth. Go all over everywhere, as if you licked with your
tongue! But I see he'll die this very day, his nails are turning
blue and his face looks earthy. Is the samovár ready?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Just on the boil.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>comes from the other side,
if possible on horse-back, up to the gate, and does not see</i>
PETER. <i>To</i> MATRYÓNA). How d'you do, mother, is all
well at home?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. The Lord be thanked, we're
all alive and have a crust to bite.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Well and how's master?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Hush, there he sits.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Points to porch.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Well, let him sit. What's it
to me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i> (<i>opens his eyes</i>).
Nikíta, I say, Nikíta, come here!</p>
<p class="indent">[NIKÍTA <i>approaches.</i> ANÍSYA
<i>and</i> MATRYÓNA <i>whisper together.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Why have you come back so early?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I've finished ploughing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Have you done the strip beyond the
bridge?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. It's too far to go there.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Too far? From here it's still
farther. You'll have to go on purpose now. You might have made one
job of it.</p>
<p class="indent">[ANÍSYA, without showing herself, stands
and listens.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>approaches</i>). Oh,
sonny, why don't you take more pains for your master? Your master
is ill and depends on you; you should serve him as you would your
own father, straining every muscle just as I always tell you
to.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Well, then—o—oh!... Get out the
seed potatoes, and the women will go and sort them.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>aside</i>). No fear, I'm
not going. He's again sending every one away; he must have the
money on him now, and wants to hide it somewhere.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Else ... o—oh! when the time comes
for planting, they'll all be rotten. Oh, I can't stand it!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Rises.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>runs up into the porch
and holds</i> PETER <i>up</i>). Shall I help you into the hut?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Help me in. (<i>Stops</i>.)
Nikíta!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>angrily</i>). What
now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. I shan't see you again.... I'll die
to-day.... Forgive <a name="d3-r">me,</a> <sup>
<a href="#d3">3</a></sup> for Christ's sake, forgive me if I have ever sinned
against you.... If I have sinned in word or deed.... There's been
all sorts of things. Forgive me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What's there to forgive? I'm
a sinner myself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Ah, sonny, have some
feeling.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peter</i>. Forgive me, for Christ's sake.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>snivels</i>). God will
forgive you, Daddy Peter. I have no cause to complain of you.
You've never done me any wrong. You forgive me; maybe I've sinned
worse against you. (<i>Weeps</i>.)</p>
<p class="indent">[PETER <i>goes in whimpering,</i> MATRYÓNA
<i>supporting him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh, my poor head! It's not
without some reason he's hit on that. (<i>Approaches</i>
NIKÍTA.) Why did you say the money was under the floor? It's
not there.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>does not answer, but
cries</i>). I have never had anything bad from him, nothing but
good, and what have I gone and done!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Enough now! Where's the
money?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>angrily</i>). How should I
know? Go and look for it yourself!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What's made you so
tender?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I am sorry for him,—that
sorry. How he cried! Oh, dear!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Look at him,—seized with
pity! He has found some one to pity too! He's been treating you
like a dog, and even just now was giving orders to have you turned
out of the house. You'd better show me some pity!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What are you to be pitied
for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. If he dies, and the money's
been hidden away....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. No fear, he'll not hide
it....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh, Nikíta darling!
he's sent for his sister, and wants to give it to her. It will be a
bad lookout for us. How are we going to live, if he gives her the
money? They'll turn me out of the house! You try and manage
somehow! You said he went to the shed last night.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I saw him coming from there,
but where he's shoved it to, who can tell?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh, my poor head! I'll go and
have a look there.</p>
<p class="indent">[NIKÍTA <i>steps aside.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>comes out of the hut and
down the steps of the porch to</i> ANÍSYA <i>and</i>
NIKÍTA). Don't go anywhere. He's got the money on him. I
felt it on a string round his neck.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh my head, my head!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. If you don't keep wide
awake now, then you may whistle for it. If his sister comes—then
good-bye to it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. That's true. She'll come and
he'll give it her. What's to be done? Oh, my poor head!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. What is to be done? Why,
look here; the samovár is boiling, go and make the tea and
pour him out a cup, and then (<i>whispers</i>) put in all that's
left in the paper. When he's drunk the cup, then just take it.
He'll not tell, no fear.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh! I'm afeared!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Don't be talking now, but
look alive, and I'll keep his sister off if need be. Mind, don't
make a blunder! Get hold of the money and bring it here, and
Nikíta will hide it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh my head, my head! I don't
know how I'm going to....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Don't talk about it I tell
you, do as I bid you. Nikíta!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What is it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. You stay here—sit down—in
case something is wanted.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>waves his hand</i>). Oh,
these women, what won't they be up to? Muddle one up completely.
Bother them! I'll really go and fetch out the potatoes.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>catches him by the
arm</i>). Stay here, I tell you.</p>
<p class="indent">[NAN <i>enters.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Well?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. She was down in her daughter's
vegetable plot—she's coming.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Coming! What shall we do?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. There's plenty of time if
you do as I tell you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I don't know what to do; I
know nothing, my brain's all in a whirl. Nan! Go, daughter, and see
to the calves, they'll have run away, I'm afraid.... Oh dear, I
haven't the courage.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Go on! I should think the
samovár's boiling over.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh my head, my poor head!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>approaches</i>
NIKÍTA). Now then, sonny. (<i>Sits down beside him</i>.)
Your affairs must also be thought about, and not left anyhow.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What affairs?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Why, this affair—how
you're to live your life.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. How to live my life? Others
live, and I shall live!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. The old man will probably
die to-day.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Well, if he dies, God give
him rest! What's that to me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>keeps looking towards
the porch while she speaks</i>). Eh, sonny! Those that are alive
have to think about living. One needs plenty of sense in these
matters, honey. What do you think? I've tramped all over the place
after your affairs, I've got quite footsore bothering about
matters. And you must not forget me when the time comes.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. And what's it you've been
bothering about?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. About your affairs, about
your future. If you don't take trouble in good time you'll get
nothing. You know Iván Mosévitch? Well, I've been to
him too. I went there the other day. I had something else to
settle, you know. Well, so I sat and chatted awhile and then came
to the point. "Tell me, Iván Mosévitch," says I,
"how's one to manage an affair of this kind? Supposing," says I, "a
peasant as is a widower married a second wife, and supposing all
the children he has is a daughter by the first wife, and a daughter
by the second. Then," says I, "when that peasant dies, could an
outsider get hold of the homestead by marrying the widow? Could
he," says I, "give both the daughters in marriage and remain master
of the house himself?" "Yes, he could," says he, "but," says he,
"it would mean a deal of trouble; still the thing could be managed
by means of money, but if there's no money it's no good
trying."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>laughs</i>). That goes
without saying, only fork out the money. Who does not want
money?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Well then, honey, so I
spoke out plainly about the affair. And he says, "First and
foremost, your son will have to get himself on the register of that
village—that will cost something. The elders will have to be
treated. And they, you see, they'll sign. Everything," says he,
"must be done sensibly." Look (<i>unwraps her kerchief and takes
out a paper</i>), he's written out this paper; just read it, you're
a scholar, you know.</p>
<p class="indent">[NIKÍTA <i>reads.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. This paper's only a decision
for the elders to sign. There's no great wisdom needed for
that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. But you just hear what
Iván Mosévitch bids us do. "Above all," he says,
"mind and don't let the money slip away, dame. If she don't get
hold of the money," he says, "they'll not let her do it. Money's
the great thing!" So look out, sonny, things are coming to a
head.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What's that to me? The
money's hers—so let her look out.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Ah, sonny, how you look at
it! How can a woman manage such affairs? Even if she does get the
money, is she capable of arranging it all? One knows what a woman
is! You're a man anyhow. You can hide it, and all that. You see,
you've after all got more sense, in case of anything happening.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Oh, your woman's notions are
all so inexpedient!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Why inexpedient? You just
collar the money, and the woman's in your hands. And then should
she ever turn snappish you'd be able to tighten the reins!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Bother you all,—I'm
going.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>quite pale, runs out of
the hut and round the corner to MATRYÓNA</i>). So it was, it
was on him! Here it is!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Shows that she has something under her
apron.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Give it to Nikíta;
he'll hide it. Nikíta, take it and hide it somewhere.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. All right, give here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. O—oh, my poor head! No, I'd
better do it myself.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes towards the gate.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>seizing her by the
arm</i>). Where are you going to? You'll be missed. There's the
sister coming; give it him; he knows what to do. Eh, you
blockhead!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>stops irresolutely</i>).
Oh, my head, my head!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Well, give it here. I'll
shove it away somewhere.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Where will you shove it
to?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>laughing</i>). Why, are
you afraid?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> AKOULÍNA, <i>carrying
clothes from the wash.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. O—oh, my poor head!
(<i>Gives the money</i>.) Mind, Nikíta.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What are you afraid of? I'll
hide it so that I'll not be able to find it myself.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>stands in terror</i>). Oh
dear, and supposing he....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Well, is he dead?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Yes, he seems dead. He did
not move when I took it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Go in, there's
Akoulína.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Well there, I've done the sin
and he has the money....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Have done and go in!
There's Martha coming!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. There now, I've trusted him.
What's going to happen now?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Martha</i> (<i>enters from one side,
AKOULÍNA enters from the other. To AKOULÍNA</i>). I
should have come before, but I was at my daughter's. Well, how's
the old man? Is he dying?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>puts down the
clothes</i>). Don't know; I've been to the river.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Martha</i> (<i>pointing to MATRYÓNA</i>).
Who's that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. I'm from Zoúevo. I'm
Nikíta's mother from Zoúevo, my dearie. Good
afternoon to you. He's withering, withering away, poor dear—your
brother, I mean. He came out himself. "Send for my sister," he
said, "because," said he.... Dear me, why, I do believe he's
dead!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>runs out screaming. Clings
to a post, and begins wailing</i>)<a name="d4-r">.</a><sup><a href="#d4">4</a>
</sup>Oh, oh, ah! who-o-o-o-m have you left me to,
why-y-y have you dese-e-e-e-rted me—a miserable widow ... to live
my life alone.... Why have you closed your bright eyes....</p>
<p class="hang">[<i>Enter</i> NEIGHBOR. MATRYÓNA <i>and</i>
NEIGHBOR <i>catch hold of</i> ANÍSYA <i>under the arms to
support her.</i> AKOULÍNA <i>and</i> MARTHA go into the hut.
A crowd assembles.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>A voice in the crowd</i>. Send for the old women
to lay out the body.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>rolls up her
sleeves</i>). Is there any water in the copper? But I daresay the
samovár is still hot. I'll also go and help a bit.</p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<h3>ACT III</h3>
<p class="hang"><i>The same hut. Winter. Nine months have passed
since Act II. ANÍSYA, plainly dressed, sits before a loom
weaving. NAN is on the oven.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>an old laborer, enters
and slowly takes off his outdoor things</i>). Oh Lord, have mercy!
Well, hasn't the master come home yet?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Nikíta isn't back
from town, is he?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. No.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Must have been on the
spree. Oh Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Have you finished in the
stackyard?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What d'you think? Got it
all as it should be, and covered everything with straw! I don't
like doing things by halves! Oh Lord! holy Nicholas! (<i>Picks at
the corns on his hands</i>.) But it's time he was back.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What need has he to hurry?
He's got money. Merry-making with that girl, I daresay....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Why shouldn't one make
merry if one has the money? And why did Akoulína go to
town?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. You'd better ask her. How do
I know what the devil took her there!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What! to town? There's all
sorts of things to be got in town if one's got the means. Oh
Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Mother, I heard myself. "I'll get you a
little shawl," he says, blest if he didn't; "you shall choose it
yourself," he says. And she got herself up so fine; she put on her
velveteen coat and the French shawl.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Really, a girl's modesty
reaches only to the door. Step over the threshold and it's
forgotten. She is a shameless creature.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Oh my! What's the use of
being ashamed? While there's plenty of money make merry. Oh Lord!
It is too soon to have supper, eh? (<i>ANÍSYA does not
answer</i>.) I'll go and get warm meanwhile. (<i>Climbs on the
stove</i>.) Oh, Lord! Blessed Virgin Mother! Holy Nicholas!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i> (<i>enters</i>). Seems your
good man's not back yet?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. No.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. It's time he was. Hasn't he
perhaps stopped at our inn? My sister, Thekla, says there's heaps
of sledges standing there as have come from the town.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Nan! Nan, I say!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Yes?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. You run to the inn and see!
Mayhap, being drunk, he's gone there.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>jumps down from the oven and
dresses</i>). All right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. And he's taken Akoulína
with him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Else he'd not have had any
need of going. It's because of her he's unearthed all the business
there. "Must go to the bank," he says; "it's time to receive the
payments," he says. But it's all her fooling.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i> (<i>shakes her head</i>). It's a
bad look-out.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>at the door</i>). And if he's there,
what am I to say?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. You only see if he's
there.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. All right. I'll be back in a
winking.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Long silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>roars</i>). Oh Lord!
merciful Nicholas!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i> (<i>starting</i>). Oh, how he
scared me! Who is it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Why, Mítritch, our
laborer.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Oh dear, oh dear, what a fright he
did give me! I had quite forgotten. But tell me, dear, I've heard
some one's been wooing Akoulína?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>gets up from the loom and
sits down by the table</i>). There was some one from
Dédlovo; but it seems the affair's got wind there too. They
made a start, and then stopped; so the thing fell through. Of
course, who'd care to?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. And the Lizounófs from
Zoúevo?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. They made some steps too, but
it didn't come off either. They won't even see us.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Yet it's time she was married.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Time and more than time! Ah,
my dear, I'm that impatient to get her out of the house; but the
matter does not come off. He does not wish it, nor she either. He's
not yet had enough of his beauty, you see.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Eh, eh, eh, what doings! Only
think of it. Why, he's her step-father!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Ah, friend, they've taken me
in completely. They've done me so fine it's beyond saying. I, fool
that I was, noticed nothing, suspected nothing, and so I married
him. I guessed nothing, but they already understood one
another.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Oh dear, what goings on!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. So it went on from bad to
worse, and I see they begin hiding from me. Ah, friend, I was that
sick—that sick of my life! It's not as if I didn't love him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. That goes without saying.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Ah, how hard it is to bear
such treatment from him! Oh, how it hurts!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Yes, and I've heard say he's
becoming too free with his fists?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. And that too! There was a
time when he was gentle when he'd had a drop. He used to hit out
before, but of me he was always fond! But now when he's in a temper
he goes for me and is ready to trample me under his feet. The other
day he got both my hands entangled in my hair so that I could
hardly get away. And the girl's worse than a serpent; it's a wonder
the earth bears such furies.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Ah, ah, my dear, now I look at
you, you are a sufferer! To suffer like that is no joke. To have
given shelter to a beggar, and he to lead you such a dance! Why
don't you pull in the reins?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Ah, but, my dear, if it
weren't for my heart! Him as is gone was stern enough, still I
could twist him about any way I liked; but with this one I can do
nothing. As soon as I see him all my anger goes. I haven't a grain
of courage before him; I go about like a drowned hen.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Ah, neighbor, you must be under a
spell. I've heard that Matryóna goes in for that sort of
thing. It must be her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Yes, dear; I think so myself
sometimes. Gracious me, how hurt I feel at times! I'd like to tear
him to pieces. But when I set eyes on him, my heart won't go
against him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. It's plain you're bewitched. It
don't take long to blight a body. There now, when I look at you,
what you have dwindled to!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Growing a regular
spindle-shanks. And just look at that fool Akoulína. Wasn't
the girl a regular untidy slattern, and just look at her now! Where
has it all come from? Yes, he has fitted her out. She's grown so
smart, so puffed up, just like a bubble that's ready to burst. And,
though she's a fool, she's got it into her head. "I'm the
mistress," she says; "the house is mine; it's me father wanted him
to marry." And she's that vicious! Lord help us, when she gets into
a rage she's ready to tear the thatch off the house.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Oh dear, what a life yours is, now
I come to look at you. And yet there's people envying you: "They're
rich," they say; but it seems that gold don't keep tears from
falling.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Much reason for envy indeed!
And the riches, too, will soon be made ducks and drakes of. Dear
me, how he squanders money!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. But how's it, dear, you've been so
simple to give up the money? It's yours.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Ah, if you knew all! The
thing is that I've made one little mistake.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Well, if I were you, I'd go
straight and have the law of him. The money's yours; how dare he
squander it? There's no such rights.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. They don't pay heed to that
nowadays.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. Ah, my dear, now I come to look at
you, you've got that weak. <i>Anísya</i>. Yes, quite weak,
dear, quite weak. He's got me into a regular fix. I don't myself
know anything. Oh, my poor head!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i> (<i>listening</i>). There's some
one coming, I think.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The door opens and</i> AKÍM
<i>enters.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>crosses himself, knocks the
snow off his feet, and takes off his coat</i>). Peace be to this
house! How do you do? Are you well, daughter?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. How d'you do, father? Do you
come straight from home?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. I've been a-thinking I'll go
and see what's name, go to see my son, I mean,—my son. I didn't
start early—had my dinner, I mean; I went, and it's so what d'you
call it—so snowy, hard walking, and so there I'm what d'you call
it—late, I mean. And my son—is he at home? At home? My son, I
mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. No; he's gone to the
town.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>sits down on a bench</i>).
I've some business with him, d'you see, some business, I mean. I
told him t'other day, told him I was in need—told him, I mean,
that our horse was done for, our horse, you see. So we must what
d'ye call it, get a horse, I mean, some kind of a horse, I mean. So
there, I've come, you see.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Nikíta told me. When
he comes back you'll have a talk. (<i>Goes to the oven</i>.) Have
some supper now, and he'll soon come. Mítritch, eh,
Mítritch, come have your supper.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Oh Lord! merciful
Nicholas!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Come to supper.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Neighbor</i>. I shall go now. Good-night.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>gets down from the
oven</i>). I never noticed how I fell asleep. Oh, Lord! gracious
Nicholas! How d'you do, Daddy Akím?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Ah, Mítritch! What are
you, what d'ye call it, I mean?...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Why, I'm working for your
son, Nikíta.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Dear me! What d'ye call ...
working for my son, I mean. Dear me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. I was living with a
tradesman in town, but drank all I had there. Now I've come back to
the village. I've no home, so I've gone into service.
(<i>Gapes</i>.) Oh Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. But how's that, what d'you call
it, or what's name, Nikíta, what does he do? Has he some
business, I mean besides, that he should hire a laborer, a laborer,
I mean, hire a laborer?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What business should he have?
He used to manage, but now he's other things on his mind, so he's
hired a laborer.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Why shouldn't he, seeing he
has money?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Now that's what d'you call it,
that's wrong, I mean, quite wrong, I mean. That's spoiling
oneself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh, he has got spoilt, that
spoilt, it's just awful.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. There now, what d'you call it,
one thinks how to make things better, and it gets worse I mean.
Riches spoil a man, spoil, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Fatness makes even a dog go
mad; how's one not to get spoilt by fat living? Myself now; how I
went on with fat living. I drank for three weeks without being
sober. I drank my last breeches. When I had nothing left, I gave it
up. Now I've determined not to. Bother it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. And where's what d'you call,
your old woman?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. My old woman has found her
right place, old fellow. She's hanging about the gin-shops in town.
She's a swell too; one eye knocked out, and the other black, and
her muzzle twisted to one side. And she's never sober; drat
her!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Oh, oh, oh, how's that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. And where's a soldier's
wife to go? She has found her right place.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>to ANÍSYA</i>). And
Nikíta,—has he what d'you call it, taken anything up to
town? I mean, anything to sell?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>laying the table and
serving up</i>). No, he's taken nothing. He's gone to get money
from the bank.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>sitting down to supper</i>).
Why? D'you wish to put it to another use, the money I mean?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> No, we don't touch it. Only
some twenty or thirty roubles as have come due; they must be
taken.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> Must be taken. Why take it, the
money I mean? You'll take some to-day I mean, and some to-morrow;
and so you'll what d'you call it, take it all, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> We get this besides. The
money is all safe.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> All safe? How's that, safe? You
take it, and it what d'you call it, it's all safe. How's that? You
put a heap of meal into a bin, or a barn, I mean, and go on taking
meal, will it remain there, what d'you call it, all safe, I mean?
That's, what d'you call it, it's cheating. You'd better find out,
or else they'll cheat you. Safe indeed! I mean you what d'ye call
... you take it and it remains all safe there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> I know nothing about it.
Iván Mosévitch advised us at the time. "Put the money
in the bank," he said, "the money will be safe, and you'll get
interest," he said.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>having finished his
supper</i>). That's so. I've lived with a tradesman. They all do
like that. Put the money in the bank, then lie down on the oven and
it will keep coming in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> That's queer talk. How's
that—what d'ye call, coming in, how's that coming in, and they,
who do they get it from I mean, the money I mean?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> They take the money out of
the bank.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> Get along! Tain't a thing a
woman can understand! You look here, I'll make it all clear to you.
Mind and remember. You see, suppose you've got some money, and I,
for instance, have spring coming on, my land's idle, I've got no
seeds, or I have to pay taxes. So, you see, I go to you.
"Akím," I say, "give us a ten-rouble note, and when I've
harvested in autumn I'll return it, and till two acres for you
besides, for having obliged me!" And you, seeing I've something to
fall back on—a horse say, or a cow—you say, "No, give two or
three roubles for the obligation," and there's an end of it. I'm
stuck in the mud, and can't do without. So I say, "All right!" and
take a tenner. In the autumn, when I've made my turnover, I bring
it back, and you squeeze the extra three roubles out of me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Yes, but that's what peasants
do when they what d'ye call it, when they forget God. It's not
honest, I mean, it's no good, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. You wait. You'll see it
comes just to the same thing. Now don't forget how you've skinned
me. And Anísya, say, has got some money lying idle. She does
not know what to do with it, besides, she's a woman, and does not
know how to use it. She comes to you. "Couldn't you make some
profit with my money too?" she says. "Why not?" say you, and you
wait. Before the summer I come again and say, "Give me another
tenner, and I'll be obliged." Then you find out if my hide isn't
all gone, and if I can be skinned again you give me Anísya's
money. But supposing I'm clean shorn,—have nothing to eat,—then
you see I can't be fleeced any more, and you say, "Go your way,
friend," and you look out for another, and lend him your own and
Anísya's money and skin him. That's what the bank is. So it
goes round and round. It's a cute thing, old fellow!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>excitedly</i>). Gracious me,
whatever is that like? It's what d'ye call it, it's filthy! The
peasants—what d'ye call it, the peasants do so I mean, and know
it's, what d'ye call it, a sin! It's what d'you call, not right,
not right, I mean. It's filthy! How can people as have learnt ...
what d'ye call it....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. That, old fellow, is just
what they're fond off And remember, them that are stupid, or the
women folk, as can't put their money into use themselves, they take
it to the bank, and they there, deuce take 'em, clutch hold of it,
and with this money they fleece the people. It's a cute thing!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>sighing</i>). Oh dear, I
see, what d'ye call it, without money it's bad, and with money it's
worse! How's that? God told us to work, but you, what d'you call
... I mean you put money into the bank and go to sleep, and the
money will what d'ye call it, will feed you while you sleep. It's
filthy, that's what I call it; it's not right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> Not right? Eh, old fellow,
who cares about that nowadays? And how clean they pluck you, too!
That's the fact of the matter.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>sighs</i>). Ah, yes, seems
the time's what d'ye call it, the time's growing ripe. There, I've
had a look at the closets in town. What they've come to! It's all
polished and polished I mean, it's fine, it's what d'ye call it,
it's like inside an inn. And what's it all for? What's the good of
it? Oh, they've forgotten God. Forgotten, I mean. We've forgotten,
forgotten God, God, I mean! Thank you, my dear, I've had enough.
I'm quite satisfied.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Rises.</i> MÍTRITCH <i>climbs on to
the oven.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>eats, and collects the
dishes</i>). If his father would only take him to task! But I'm
ashamed to tell him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. What d'you say?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh! it's nothing.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> NAN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Here's a good girl, always
busy! You're cold, I should think?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Yes, I am, terribly. How d'you do,
grandfather?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Well? Is he there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. No. But Andriyán is there. He's
been to town, and he says he saw them at an inn in town. He says
Dad's as drunk as drunk can be!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Do you want anything to eat?
Here you are.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>goes to the oven</i>). Well, it is
cold. My hands are quite numb.</p>
<p class="indent">[AKÍM <i>takes off his leg-bands and
bast-shoes.</i> ANÍSYA <i>washes up.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Father!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Well, what is it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. And is Marína living
well?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Yes, she's living all right.
The little woman is what d'ye call it, clever and steady; she's
living, and what d'ye call it, doing her best. She's all right; the
little woman's of the right sort I mean; painstaking and what d'ye
call it, submissive; the little woman's all right I mean, all
right, you know.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. And is there no talk in your
village that a relative of Marína's husband thinks of
marrying our Akoulína? Have you heard nothing of it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> Ah; that's Mirónof. Yes,
the women did chatter something. But I didn't pay heed, you know.
It don't interest me I mean, I don't know anything. Yes, the old
women did say something, but I've a bad memory, bad memory, I mean.
But the Mirónofs are what d'ye call it, they're all right, I
mean they're all right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> I'm that impatient to get her
settled.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> And why?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>listens</i>). They've come!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Well, don't you go bothering
them.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes on washing the spoons without turning
her head.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>enters</i>).
Anísya! Wife! who has come?</p>
<p class="indent">[ANÍSYA <i>looks up and turns away in
silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>severely</i>). Who has
come? Have you forgotten?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Now don't humbug. Come
in!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>still more severely</i>).
Who's come?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>goes up and takes him by
the arm</i>). Well, then, husband has come. Now then, come in!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>holds back</i>). Ah,
that's it! Husband! And what's husband called? Speak properly.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Oh bother you!
Nikíta!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Where have you learnt
manners? The full name.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Nikíta
Akímitch! Now then!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> (<i>still in the
doorway</i>). Ah, that's it! But now—the surname?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>laughs and pulls him by
the arm</i>). Tchilíkin. Dear me, what airs!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Ah, that's it. (<i>Holds on
to the door-post</i>.) No, now say with which foot Tchilíkin
steps into this house!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> That's enough! You're letting
the cold in!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Say with which foot he steps?
You've got to say it,—that's flat.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>aside</i>). He'll go on
worrying. (To NIKÍTA.) Well then, with the left. Come
in!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Ah, that's it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> You look who's in the
hut!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Ah, my parent! Well, what of
that? I'm not ashamed of my parent. I can pay my respects to my
parent. How d'you do, father? (<i>Bows and puts out his hand</i>.)
My respects to you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>does not answer</i>). Drink,
I mean drink, what it does! It's filthy!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Drink, what's that? I've been
drinking? I'm to blame, that's flat! I've had a glass with a
friend, drank his health.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Go and lie down, I say.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Wife, say where am I
standing?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Now then, it's all right, lie
down!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. No, I'll first drink a
samovár with my parent. Go and light the samovár.
Akoulína, I say, come here!</p>
<p class="indent">[Enter <i>AKOULÍNA</i>, smartly dressed
and carrying their purchases.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Why have you thrown
everything about? Where's the yarn?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. The yarn? The yarn's there.
Hullo, Mítritch, where are you? Asleep? Asleep? Go and put
the horse up.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>not seeing</i>
AKOULÍNA <i>but looking at his son</i>). Dear me, what is he
doing? The old man's what d'ye call it, quite done up, I
mean,—been thrashing,—and look at him, what d'ye call it, putting
on airs! Put up the horse! Faugh, what filth!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>climbs down from the
oven, and puts on felt boots</i>). Oh, merciful Lord! Is the horse
in the yard? Done it to death, I dare say. Just see how he's been
swilling, the deuce take him. Up to his very throat. Oh Lord, Holy
Nicholas!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Puts on sheepskin and exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>sits down</i>). You must
forgive me, father. It's true I've had a drop; well, what of that?
Even a hen will drink. Ain't it true? So you must forgive me. Never
mind Mítritch, he doesn't mind, he'll put it up.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Shall I really light the
samovár?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Light it! My parent has come.
I wish to talk to him, and shall drink tea with him. (<i>To</i>
AKOULÍNA.) Have you brought all the parcels?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> The parcels? I've brought
mine, the rest's in the sledge. Hi, take this, this isn't mine!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Throws a parcel on the table and puts the
others into her box. NAN watches her while she puts them away.</i>
AKÍM <i>does not look at his son, but puts his leg-bands and
bast-shoes on the oven.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>going out with the
samovár</i>). Her box is full as it is, and still he's
bought more!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>pretending to be
sober</i>). You must not be cross with me, father. You think I'm
drunk? I am all there, that's flat! As they say, "Drink, but keep
your wits about you." I can talk with you at once, father. I can
attend to any business. You told me about the money; your horse is
worn-out,—I remember! That can all be managed. That's all in our
hands. If it was an enormous sum that's wanted, then we might wait;
but as it is I can do everything. That's the case.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>goes on fidgeting with the
leg-bands</i>). Eh, lad, "It's ill sledging when the thaw has set
in."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> What do you mean by that?
"And it's ill talking with one who is drunk?" But don't you worry,
let's have some tea. And I can do anything; that's flat! I can put
everything to rights.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>shakes his head</i>). Eh,
eh, eh!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> The money, here it is.
(<i>Puts his hand in his pocket, pulls out pocket-book, handles the
notes in it and takes out a ten-rouble note</i>.) Take this to get
a horse; I can't forget my parent. I shan't forsake him, that's
flat. Because he's my parent! Here you are, take it! Really now, I
don't grudge it. (Comes up and pushes the note towards AKÍM,
who won't take it. NIKÍTA catches hold of his father's
hand.) Take it, I tell you. I don't grudge it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> I can't what d'you call it, I
mean, can't take it! And can't what d'ye call it, talk to you,
because you're not yourself, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> I'll not let you go! Take
it!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Puts the money into</i> AKÍM'S
<i>hand.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>enters, and stops</i>).
You'd better take it, he'll give you no peace!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>takes it, and shakes his
head</i>). Oh! that liquor. Not like a man, I mean!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. That's better! If you repay
it you'll repay it, if not I'll make no bother. That's what I am!
(<i>Sees</i> AKOULÍNA.) Akoulína, show your
presents.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. What?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Show your presents.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. The presents, what's the
use of showing 'em? I've put 'em away.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Get them, I tell you. Nan
will like to see 'em. Undo the shawl. Give it here.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Oh, oh! It's sickening!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Climbs on the oven.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>gets out the parcels and
puts them on the table</i>). Well, there you are,—what's the good
of looking at 'em?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Oh how lovely! It's as good as
Stepanída's.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. Stepanída's? What's
Stepanída's compared to this? (<i>Brightening up and undoing
the parcels</i>.) Just look here,—see the quality! It's a French
one.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. The print <i>is</i> fine! Mary has a
dress like it, only lighter on a blue ground. This <i>is</i>
pretty.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Ah, that's it!</p>
<p class="indent">[ANÍSYA <i>passes angrily into the closet,
returns with a tablecloth and the chimney of the Samovár,
and goes up to the table.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Drat you, littering the
table!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. You look here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What am I to look at? Have I
never seen anything? Put it away!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sweeps the shawl on to the floor with her
arm.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. What are you pitching
things down for? You pitch your own things about!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Picks up the shawl.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Anísya! Look here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Why am I to look?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. You think I have forgotten
you? Look here! (<i>Shows her a parcel and sits down on it</i>.)
It's a present for you. Only you must earn it! Wife, where am I
sitting?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Enough of your humbug. I'm
not afraid of you. Whose money are you spreeing on and buying your
fat wench presents with? Mine!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> Yours indeed? No fear! You
wished to steal it, but it did not come off! Get out of the
way!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pushes her while trying to pass.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> What are you shoving for?
I'll teach you to shove!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> Shove me? You try!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Presses against</i> ANÍSYA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Now then, now then, you
women. Have done now!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Steps between them.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> Comes shoving herself in!
You ought to keep quiet and remember your doings! You think no one
knows!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Knows what? Out with it, out
with it! What do they know?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> I know something about
you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> You're a slut who goes with
another's husband!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> And you did yours to
death!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>throwing herself on</i>
AKOULÍNA). You're raving!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>holding her back</i>).
Anísya, you seem to have forgotten!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Want to frighten me! I'm not
afraid of you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>turns</i> ANÍSYA
<i>round and pushes her out</i>). Be off!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Where am I to go? I'll not go
out of my own house!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Be off, I tell you, and don't
dare to come in here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> I won't go! (NIKÍTA
<i>pushes her,</i> ANÍSYA <i>cries and screams and clings to
the door</i>.) What! am I to be turned out of my own house by the
scruff of the neck? What are you doing, you scoundrel? Do you think
there's no law for you? You wait a bit!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Now then!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> I'll go to the Elder! To the
policeman!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Off, I tell you!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pushes her out.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>behind the door</i>). I'll
hang myself!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> No fear!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan.</i> Oh, oh, oh! Mother, dear, darling!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Cries.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Me frightened of her! A
likely thing! What are you crying for? She'll come back, no fear.
Go and see to the samovár.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> NAN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>collects and folds her
presents</i>). The mean wretch, how she's messed it up. But wait a
bit, I'll cut up her jacket for her! Sure I will!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> I've turned her out; what
more do you want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> She's dirtied my new shawl.
If that bitch hadn't gone away, I'd have torn her eyes out!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> That's enough. Why should you
be angry? Now if I loved her....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> Loved her? She's worth
loving, with her fat mug! If you'd have given her up, then nothing
would have happened. You should have sent her to the devil. And the
house was mine all the same, and the money was mine! Says she is
the mistress, but what sort of mistress is she to her husband?
She's a murderess, that's what she is! She'll serve you the same
way!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Oh dear, how's one to stop a
woman's jaw? You don't yourself know what you're jabbering
about!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> Yes, I do. I'll not live
with her! I'll turn her out of the house! She can't live here with
me. The mistress indeed! She's not the mistress,—that
jailbird!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> That's enough! What have you
to do with her? Don't mind her. You look at me! I am the master! I
do as I like. I've ceased to love her, and now I love you. I love
who I like! The power is mine, she's under me. That's where I keep
her. (<i>Points to his feet</i>.) A pity we've no concertina.</p>
<p class="hang">[<i>Sings.</i></p>
<p class="follow">"We have loaves on the stoves,<br>
We have porridge on the shelf.<br>
So we'll live and be gay,<br>
Making merry every day,<br>
And when death comes,<br>
Then we'll die!<br>
We have loaves on the stoves,<br>
We have porridge on the shelf...."</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> MÍTRITCH. <i>He takes off
his outdoor things and climbs on the oven.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> Seems the women have been
fighting again! Tearing each other's hair. Oh Lord, gracious
Nicholas!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> (<i>sitting on the edge of the
oven, takes his leg-bands and shoes and begins putting them on</i>).
Get in, get into the corner.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> Seems they can't settle
matters between them. Oh Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Get out the liquor, we'll
have some with our tea.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>to</i> AKOULÍNA). Sister, the
samovár is just boiling over.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> And where's your mother?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan.</i> She's standing and crying out there in
the passage.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Oh, that's it! Call her, and
tell her to bring the samovár. And you, Akoulína, get
the tea things.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> The tea things? All
right.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Brings the things.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>unpacks spirits, rusks,
and salt herrings</i>). That's for myself. This is yarn for the
wife. The paraffin is out there in the passage, and here's the
money. Wait a bit (<i>takes a counting-frame</i>); I'll add it up.
(<i>Adds</i>.) Wheat-flour, 80 kopeykas, oil ... Father, 10 roubles
... Father, come let's have some tea!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i> AKÍM <i>sits on the oven
and winds the bands round his legs. Enter</i> ANÍSYA <i>with
samovár.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Where shall I put it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Here on the table. Well! have
you been to the Elder? Ah, that's it! Have your say and then eat
your words. Now then, that's enough. Don't be cross; sit down and
drink this. (<i>Fills a wine-glass for her</i>.) And here's your
present.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Gives her the parcel he had been sitting
on.</i> ANÍSYA <i>takes it silently and shakes her
head.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>gets down and puts on his
sheepskin, then comes up to the table and puts down the money</i>).
Here, take your money back! Put it away.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>does not see the
money</i>). Why have you put on your things?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. I'm going, going, I mean;
forgive me, for the Lord's sake.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes up his cap and belt.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. My gracious! Where are you
going to at this time of night?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. I can't, I mean what d'ye call
'em, in your house, what d'ye call 'em, can't stay I mean, stay,
can't stay, forgive me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. But are you going without
having any tea?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>fastens his belt</i>). Going
because, I mean, it's not right in your house, I mean, what d'you
call it, not right, Nikíta, in the house, what d'ye call it,
not right! I mean, you are living a bad life, Nikíta,
bad,—I'll go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Eh, now! Have done talking!
Sit down and drink your tea!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Why, father, you'll shame us
before the neighbors. What has offended you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Nothing what d'ye call it,
nothing has offended me, nothing at all! I mean only, I see, what
d'you call it, I mean, I see my son, to ruin, I mean, to ruin, I
mean my son's on the road to ruin, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What ruin? Just prove it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Ruin, ruin; you're in the midst
of it! What did I tell you that time?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. You said all sorts of things!
<i>Akím</i>. I told you, what d'ye call it, I told you about
the orphan lass. That you had wronged an orphan—Marína, I
mean, wronged her!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Eh! he's at it again. Let
bygones be bygones.... All that's past!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>excited</i>). Past! No, lad,
it's not past. Sin, I mean, fastens on to sin—drags sin after it,
and you've stuck fast, Nikíta, fast in sin! Stuck fast in
sin! I see you're fast in sin. Stuck fast, sunk in sin, I mean!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Sit down and drink your tea,
and have done with it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> I can't, I mean can't what d'ye
call it, can't drink tea. Because of your filth, I mean; I feel
what d'ye call it, I feel sick, very sick! I can't what d'ye call
it, I can't drink tea with you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Eh! There he goes rambling!
Come to the table.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> You're in your riches same as
in a net—you're in a net, I mean. Ah, Nikíta, it's the soul
that God needs!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Now really, what right have
you to reprove me in my own house? Why do you keep on at me? Am I a
child that you can pull by the hair? Nowadays those things have
been dropped!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím.</i> That's true. I have heard that
nowadays, what d'ye call it, that nowadays children pull their
fathers' beards, I mean! But that's ruin, that's ruin, I mean!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>angrily</i>). We are
living without help from you, and it's you who came to us with your
wants!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. The money? There's your money!
I'll go begging, begging I mean, before I'll take it, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. That's enough! Why be angry
and upset the whole company!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Holds him by the arm.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>shrieks</i>). Let go! I'll
not stay. I'd rather sleep under some fence than in the midst of
your filth! Faugh! God forgive me!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Here's a go!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>reopens the door</i>). Come
to your senses, Nikíta! It's the soul that God wants!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>takes cups</i>). Well,
shall I pour out the tea?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes a cup. All are silent.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>roars</i>). Oh Lord be
merciful to me a sinner!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>All start.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>lies down on the
bench</i>). Oh, it's dull, it's dull! (<i>To</i> AKOULINA.) Where's
the concertina?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína.</i> The concertina? He's
bethought himself of it. Why, you took it to be mended. I've poured
out your tea. Drink it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I don't want it! Put out the
light.... Oh, how dull I feel, how dull!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sobs</i>.</p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<h3>ACT IV</h3>
<p class="hang"><i>Autumn. Evening. The moon is shining. The stage
represents the interior of courtyard. The scenery at the back
shows, in the middle, the back porch of the hut. To the right the
winter half of the hut and the gate; to the left the summer half
and the cellar. To the right of the stage is a shed. The sound of
tipsy voices and shouts are heard from the hut</i><a name="d5-r">.</a>
<sup><a href="#d5">5</a></sup> SECOND <i></i> NEIGHBOR WOMAN <i>comes
out of the hut and beckons to</i> FIRST NEIGHBOR WOMAN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Neighbor</i>. How's it Akoulína
has not shown herself?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Neighbor</i>. Why hasn't she shown
herself? She'd have been glad to; but she's too ill, you know. The
suitor's relatives have come, and want to see the girl; and she, my
dear, she's lying in the cold hut and can't come out, poor
thing!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Neighbor</i>. But how's that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Neighbor</i>. They say she's been
bewitched by an evil eye! She's got pains in the stomach!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Neighbor</i>. You don't say so?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Neighbor</i>. What else could it be?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Whispers.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Neighbor</i>. Dear me! There's a go! But his
relatives will surely find it out?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Neighbor</i>. They find it out! They're
all drunk! Besides, they are chiefly after her dowry. Just think
what they give with the girl! Two furs, my dear, six dresses, a
French shawl, and I don't know how many pieces of linen, and money
as well,—two hundred roubles, it's said!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Neighbor</i>. That's all very well, but
even money can't give much pleasure in the face of such a
disgrace.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Neighbor</i>. Hush!... There's his father,
I think.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>They cease talking and go into the
hut.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> SUITOR'S FATHER <i>comes out of the
hut hiccoughing.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Father</i>. Oh, I'm all in a sweat. It's
awfully hot! Will just cool myself a bit. (<i>Stands puffing</i>.)
The Lord only knows what—something is not right. I can't feel
happy.—Well, it's the old woman's affair.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> MATRYÓNA <i>from
hut.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. And I was just thinking,
where's the father? Where's the father? And here you are, dear
friend.... Well, dear friend, the Lord be thanked! Everything is as
honorable as can be! When one's arranging a match one should not
boast. And I have never learnt to boast. But as you've come about
the right business, so with the Lord's help, you'll be grateful to
me all your life! She's a wonderful girl! There's no other like her
in all the district!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Father.</i> That's true enough, but how
about the money?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Don't you trouble about the
money! All she had from her father goes with her. And it's more
than one gets easily, as things are nowadays. Three times fifty
roubles!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Father.</i> We don't complain, but it's for
our own child. Naturally we want to get the best we can.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> I'll tell you straight,
friend: if it hadn't been for me, you'd never have found anything
like her! They've had an offer from the Karmilins, but I stood out
against it. And as for the money, I'll tell you truly: when her
father, God be merciful to his soul, was dying, he gave orders that
the widow should take Nikíta into the homestead—of course I
know all about it from my son,—and the money was to go to
Akoulína. Why, another one might have thought of his own
interests, but Nikíta gives everything clean! It's no
trifle. Fancy what a sum it is!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Father.</i> People are saying that more
money was left her? The lad's sharp too!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Oh, dear soul alive! A
slice in another's hand always looks big; all she had will be
handed over. I tell you, throw doubts to the wind and make all
sure! What a girl she is! as fresh as a daisy!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Father</i>. That's so. But my old woman and
I were only wondering about the girl; why has she not come out?
We've been thinking, suppose she's sickly?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Ah, ah.... Who? She?
Sickly? Why, there's none to compare with her in the district. The
girl's as sound as a bell; you can't pinch her. But you saw her the
other day! And as for work, she's wonderful! She's a bit deaf,
that's true, but there are spots on the sun, you know. And her not
coming out, you see, it's from an evil eye! A spell's been cast on
her! And I know the bitch who's done the business! They know of the
betrothal and they bewitched her. But I know a counter-spell. The
girl will get up to-morrow. Don't you worry about the girl!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Father</i>. Well, of course, the thing's
settled.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Yes, of course! Don't you
turn back. And don't forget me, I've had a lot of trouble. Don't
forget....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>A woman's voice from the hut.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Voice</i>. If we are to go, let's go. Come
along, Iván!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Father</i>. I'm coming.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt. Guests crowd together in the passage
and prepare to go away.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>runs out of the hut and calls to</i>
ANÍSYA). Mother!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>from inside</i>.) What
d'you want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Mother, come here, or they'll hear.</p>
<p class="indent">[ANÍSYA <i>enters and they go together to
the shed.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Well? What is it? Where's
Akoulína?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> She's gone into the barn. It's awful
what's she's doing there! I'm blest! "I can't bear it," she says.
"I'll scream," she says, "I'll scream out loud." Blest if she
didn't.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. She'll have to wait. We'll
see our visitors off first.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Oh, mother! She's so bad! And she's
angry too. "What's the good of their drinking my health?" she says.
"I shan't marry," she says. "I shall die," she says. Mother,
supposing she does die! It's awful. I'm so frightened!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> No fear, she'll not die. But
don't you go near her. Come along.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> ANÍSYA <i>and</i> NAN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>comes in at the gate and
begins collecting the scattered hay</i>). Oh, Lord! Merciful
Nicholas! What a lot of liquor they've been and swilled, and the
smell they've made! It smells even out here! But no, I don't want
any, drat it! See how they've scattered the hay about. They don't
eat it, but only trample it under foot. A truss gone before you
know it. Oh, that smell, it seems to be just under my nose! Drat
it! (<i>Yawns</i>.) It's time to go to sleep! But I don't care to
go into the hut. It seems to float just round my nose! It has a
strong scent, the damned stuff! (<i>The guests are heard driving
off</i>.) They're off at last. Oh Lord! Merciful Nicholas! There
they go, binding themselves and gulling one another. And it's all
gammon!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> NIKÍTA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Mítritch, you get off
to sleep and I'll put this straight.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> All right, you throw it to
the sheep. Well, have you seen 'em all off?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Yes, they're off! But things
are not right! I don't know what to do!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> It's a fine mess. But
there's the <a name="d6-r">Foundlings'</a><sup> <a href="#d6">6</a></sup> for that sort
of thing. Whoever likes may drop one there; they'll take 'em all.
Give 'em as many as you like, they ask no questions, and even
pay--if the mother goes in as a wet-nurse. It's easy enough
nowadays.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> But mind, Mítritch,
don't go blabbing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> It's no concern of mine.
Cover the tracks as you think best. Dear me, how you smell of
liquor! I'll go in. Oh, Lord!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit, yawning.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[NIKÍTA <i>is long silent. Sits down on a
sledge.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Here's a go!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> ANÍSYA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Where are you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Here.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> What are you doing there?
There's no time to be lost! We must take it out directly!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> What are we to do?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> I'll tell you what you are to
do. And you'll have to do it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> You'd better take it to the
Foundlings'--if anything.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Then you'd better take it
there yourself if you like! You've a hankering for smut, but you're
weak when it comes to settling up, I see!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> What's to be done?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Go down into the cellar, I
tell you, and dig a hole!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Couldn't you manage, somehow,
some other way?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>imitating him</i>). "Some
other way?" Seems we can't "some other way!" You should have
thought about it a year ago. Do what you're told to!
<i>Nikíta.</i> Oh, dear, what a go!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> NAN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan.</i> Mother! Grandmother's calling! I think
sister's got a baby! I'm blest if it didn't scream!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> What are you babbling about?
Plague take you! It's kittens whining there. Go into the hut and
sleep, or I'll give it you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan.</i> Mammy dear, truly, I swear....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>raising her arm as if to
strike</i>). I'll give it you! You be off and don't let me catch
sight of you! (<i>Nan runs into hut. To Nikíta</i>.) Do as
you're told, or else mind!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>alone. After a long
silence</i>). Here's a go! Oh, these women! What a fix! Says you
should have thought of it a year ago. When's one to think
beforehand? When's one to think? Why, last year this Anísya
dangled after me. What was I to do? Am I a monk? The master died;
and I covered my sin as was proper, so I was not to blame there.
Aren't there lots of such cases? And then those powders. Did I put
her up to that? Why, had I known what the bitch was up to, I'd have
killed her! I'm sure I should have killed her! She's made me her
partner in these horrors—that jade! And she became loathsome to me
from that day! She became loathsome, loathsome to me as soon as
mother told me about it. I can't bear the sight of her! Well, then,
how could I live with her? And then it begun.... That wench began
hanging round. Well, what was I to do! If I had not done it, some
one else would. And this is what comes of it! Still I'm not to
blame in this either. Oh, what a go! (<i>Sits thinking</i>.) They
are bold, these women! What a plan to think of! But I won't have a
hand in it!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> MATRYÓNA <i>with a lantern
and spade, panting.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Why are you sitting there
like a hen on a perch? What did your wife tell you to do? You just
get things ready!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> What do you mean to do?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> We know what to do. You do
your share!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> You'll be getting me into a
mess!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> What? You're not thinking
of backing out, are you? Now it's come to this, and you back
out!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Think what a thing it would
be! It's a living soul.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> A living soul indeed! Why,
it's more dead than alive. And what's one to do with it? Go and
take it to the Foundlings'--it will die just the same, and the rumor
will get about, and people will talk, and the girl be left on our
hands.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> And supposing it's found
out?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Not manage to do it in
one's own house? We'll manage it so that no one will have an
inkling. Only do as I tell you. We women can't do it without a man.
There, take the spade, and get it done there,—I'll hold the
light.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> What am I to get done?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>in a low voice</i>). Dig
a hole; then we'll bring it out and get it out of the way in a
trice! There, she's calling again. Now then, get in, and I'll
go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Is it dead then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Of course it is. Only you
must be quick, or else people will notice! They'll see or they'll
hear! The rascals must needs know everything. And the policeman
went by this evening. Well then, you see (<i>gives him the
spade)</i>, you get down into the cellar and dig a hole right in
the corner; the earth is soft there, and you'll smooth it over.
Mother earth will not blab to any one; she'll keep it close. Go
then; go, dear.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. You'll get me into a mess,
bother you! I'll go away! You do it alone as best you can!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>through the doorway</i>).
Well? Has he dug it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Why have you come away?
What have you done with it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I've covered it with rags. No
one can hear it. Well, has he dug it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. He doesn't want to!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>springs out enraged</i>).
Doesn't want to! How will he like feeding vermin in prison! I'll go
straight away and tell everything to the police! It's all the same
if one must perish. I'll go straight and tell!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>taken aback</i>). What
will you tell?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What? Everything! Who took
the money? You! (NIKÍTA <i>is silent</i>.) And who gave the
poison? I did! But you knew! You knew! You knew! We were in
agreement!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. That's enough now.
Nikíta dear, why are you obstinate? What's to be done now?
One must take some trouble. Go, honey.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. See the fine gentleman! He
doesn't like it! You've put upon me long enough! You've trampled me
under foot! Now it's my turn! Go, I tell you, or else I'll do what
I said.... There, take the spade; there, now go!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Drat you! Can't you leave a
fellow alone! (<i>Takes the spade, but shrinks</i>.) If I don't
choose to, I'll not go!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> Not go? (<i>Begins to
shout</i>.) Neighbors! Heh! heh!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>closes her mouth</i>).
What are you about? You're mad! He'll go.... Go, sonny, go, my
own.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> I'll cry murder!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta.</i> Now stop! Oh, what people!
You'd better be quick.... As well be hung for a sheep as a
lamb!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes towards the cellar.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Yes, that's just it, honey.
If you know how to amuse yourself, you must know how to hide the
consequences.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>still excited</i>). He's
trampled on me ... he and his slut! But it's enough! I'm not going
to be the only one! Let him also be a murderer! Then he'll know how
it feels!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> There, there! How she
flares up! Don't you be cross, lass, but do things quietly little
by little, as it's best. You go to the girl, and he'll do the
work.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Follows</i> NIKÍTA <i>to the cellar
with a lantern. He descends into the cellar.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> And I'll make him strangle
his dirty brat! (<i>Still excited</i>.) I've worried myself to
death all alone, with Peter's bones weighing on my mind! Let him
feel it too! I'll not spare myself; I've said I'll not spare
myself!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>from the cellar</i>). Show
a light!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>holds up the lantern to
him. To</i> ANÍSYA). He's digging. Go and bring it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> You stay with him, or he'll
go away, the wretch! And I'll go and bring it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Mind, don't forget to
baptize it, or I will if you like. Have you a cross?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> I'll find one. Ï know
how to do it.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<hr>
<p class="hang"><i>See at end of Act, </i><a href="#var">VARIATION</a><i>, which may be used
instead of the following.</i></p>
<hr>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> How the woman
bristled up! But one must allow she's been put upon. Well, but with
the Lord's help, when we've covered this business, there'll be an
end of it. We'll shove the girl off without any trouble. My son
will live in comfort. The house, thank God, is as full as an egg.
They'll not forget me either. Where would they have been without
Matryóna? They'd not have known how to contrive things.
(<i>Peering into the cellar</i>.) Is it ready, sonny?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>puts out his head</i>).
What are you about there? Bring it quick! What are you dawdling
for? If it is to be done, let it be done.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>goes towards door of the
hut and meets</i> ANÍSYA. ANÍSYA <i>comes out with a
baby wrapped in rags</i>). Well, have you baptized it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Why, of course. It was all I
could do to take it away—she wouldn't give it up!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Comes forward and hands it to</i>
NIKÍTA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>does not take it</i>). You
bring it yourself!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Take it, I tell you!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Throws the baby to him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>catches it</i>). It's
alive! Gracious me, it's moving! It's alive! What am I to....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>snatches the baby from him
and throws it into the cellar</i>). Be quick and smother it, and
then it won't be alive! (<i>Pushes</i> NIKÍTA <i>down.</i>)
It's your doing, and you must finish it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>sits on the doorstep of
the hut</i>). He's tender-hearted. It's hard on him, poor dear.
Well, what of that? Isn't it also his sin?</p>
<p class="indent">[ANÍSYA <i>stands by the cellar.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>sits looking at her and
discourses</i>). Oh, oh, oh! How frightened he was: well, but what
of that? If it <i>is</i> hard, it's the only thing to be done.
Where was one to put it? And just think, how often it happens that
people pray to God to have children! But no, God gives them none;
or they are all still-born. Look at our priest's wife now.... And
here, where it's not wanted, here it lives. (<i>Looks towards the
cellar</i>.) I suppose he's finished. (<i>To</i> ANÍSYA.)
Well?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>looking into the
cellar</i>). He's put a board on it and is sitting on it. It must
be finished!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Oh, oh! One would be glad
not to sin, but what's one to do?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Re-enter</i> NIKÍTA <i>from cellar,
trembling all over.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. It's still alive! I can't!
It's alive!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. If it's alive, where are you
off to?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Tries to stop him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>rushes at her</i>). Go
away! I'll kill you! (<i>Catches hold of her arms; she escapes, he
runs after her with the spade</i>. MATRYÓNA <i>runs towards
him and stops him</i>. ANÍSYA <i>runs into the porch</i>.
MATRYÓNA <i>tries to wrench the spade from him. To his
mother</i>.) I'll kill you! I'll kill you! Go away!
(MATRYÓNA <i>runs to</i> ANÍSYA <i>in the porch</i>.
NIKÍTA <i>stops</i>.) I'll kill you! I'll kill you all!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> That's because he's so
frightened! Never mind, it will pass!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What have they made me do?
What have they made me do? How it whimpered.... How it crunched
under me! What have they done with me?... And it's really alive,
still alive! (<i>Listens in silence</i>.) It's whimpering... There,
it's whimpering.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs to the cellar.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>to</i> ANÍSYA).
He's going; it seems he means to bury it. Nikíta, you'd
better take the lantern!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>does not heed her, but
listens by the cellar door</i>). I can hear nothing! I suppose it
was fancy! (<i>Moves away, then stops</i>.) How the little bones
crunched under me. Krr ... kr.... What have they made me do?
(<i>Listens again</i>.) Again whimpering! It's really whimpering!
What can it be? Mother! Mother, I say!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes up to her.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. What is it, sonny?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Mother, my own mother, I
can't do any more! Can't do any more! My own mother, have some pity
on me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Oh dear, how frightened you
are, my darling! Come, come, drink a drop to give you courage!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Mother, mother! It seems my
time has come! What have you done with me? How the little bones
crunched, and how it whimpered! My own mother! What have you done
with me?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Steps aside and sits down on the
sledge.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Come, my own, have a drink!
It certainly does seem uncanny at night-time. But wait a bit. When
the day breaks, you know, and one day and another passes, you'll
forget even to think of it. Wait a bit; when the girl's married
we'll even forget to think of it. But you go and have a drink; have
a drink! I'll go and put things straight in the cellar myself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>rouses himself</i>). Is
there any drink left? Perhaps I can drink it off!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[ANÍSYA, <i>who has stood all the time by
the door, silently makes way for him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> Go, go, honey, and I'll set
to work! I'll go down myself and dig! Where has he thrown the spade
to? (<i>Finds the spade, and goes down into the cellar</i>.)
Anísya, come here! Hold the light, will you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> And what of him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> He's so frightened! You've
been too hard with him. Leave him alone, he'll come to his senses.
God help him! I'll set to work myself. Put the lantern down here. I
can see.</p>
<p class="indent">[MATRYÓNA <i>disappears into the
cellar.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya.</i> (<i>looking towards the door
by which Nikíta entered the hut</i>). Well, have you had
enough spree? You've been puffing yourself up, but now you'll know
how it feels! You'll lose some of your bluster!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>rushes out of the hut
towards the cellar</i>). Mother! Mother, I say!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>puts out her head</i>).
What is it, sonny?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>listening)</i> Don't bury
it, it's alive? Don't you hear? Alive! There—it's whimpering!
There ... quite plain!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna.</i> How can it whimper? Why,
you've flattened it into a pancake! The whole head is smashed to
bits!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What is it then? (<i>Stops
his ears</i>.) It's still whimpering! I am lost! Lost! What have
they done with me?... Where shall I go?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sits down on the step.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<hr>
<h4><a name="var">VARIATION</a></h4>
<p class="hang"><i>Instead of the end of Act IV.</i> (<i>from the
words,</i> "ANÍSYA. I'll find one. I know how to do it.
[<i>Exit</i>]") <i>the following variation may be read, and is the
one usually acted.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i><u>or</u> </i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Continue on to</i> <a href="#act5">ACT V</a>.</p>
<hr>
<h4>SCENE II</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>The interior of the hut as in Act I.</i></p>
<p class="hang">NAN <i>lies on the bench, and is covered with a
coat.</i> MÍTRITCH <i>is sitting on the oven
smoking.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> Dear me! How they've made
the place smell I Drat 'em! They've been spilling the fine stuff.
Even tobacco don't get rid of the smell! It keeps tickling one's
nose so. Oh Lord! But it's bedtime, I guess.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Approaches the lamp to put it out.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>jumps up, and remains sitting
up</i>). Daddy <a name="d7-r">dear,</a><sup><a href="#d7">7</a></sup>
don't put it out!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> Not put it out? Why?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Didn't you hear them making a row in
the yard? (<i>Listens</i>.) D'you hear, there in the barn again
now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What's that to you? I guess
no one's asked you to mind! Lie down and sleep! And I'll turn down
the light.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Turns down lamp.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy darling! Don't put it right out;
leave a little bit if only as big as a mouse's eye, else it's so
frightening!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>laughs</i>). All right,
all right. (<i>Sits down by her</i>.) What's there to be afraid
of?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. How can one help being frightened,
daddy! Sister did go on so! She was beating her head against the
box! (<i>Whispers</i>.) You know, I know ... a little baby is going
to be born.... It's already born, I think....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Eh, what a little busybody
it is! May the frogs tick her! Must needs know everything. Lie down
and sleep! (NAN <i>lies down</i>.) That's right! (<i>Tucks her
up</i>.) That's right! There now, if you know too much you'll grow
old too soon.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. And you are going to lie on the
oven?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mitrich</i>. Well, of course! What a little
silly you are, now I come to look at you! Must needs know
everything. (<i>Tucks her up again, then stands up to go</i>.)
There now, lie still and sleep!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes up to the oven.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. It gave just one cry, and now there's
nothing to be heard.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch.</i> Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas!
What is it you can't hear?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. The baby.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. There is none, that's why
you can't hear it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. But I heard it! Blest if I didn't hear
it! Such a thin voice!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Heard indeed! Much you
heard! Well, if you know,—why then it was just such a little girl
as you that the bogey popped into his bag and made off with.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. What bogey?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Why, just his very self!
(<i>Climbs up on to the oven</i>.) The oven is beautifully warm
to-night. Quite a treat! Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy! are you going to sleep?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What else? Do you think I'm
going to sing songs?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy! Daddy, I say! They are digging!
they're digging—don't you hear? Blest if they're not, they're
digging!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What are you dreaming
about? Digging! Digging in the night! Who's digging? The cow's
rubbing herself, that's all. Digging indeed! Go to sleep I tell
you, else I'll just put out the light!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy darling, don't put it out! I
won't ... truly, truly, I won't. It's so frightful!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Frightful? Don't be afraid
and then it won't be frightful. Look at her, she's afraid, and then
says it's frightful. How can it help being frightful if you are
afraid? Eh, what a stupid little girl!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence. The cricket chirps.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>whispers</i>). Daddy! I say, daddy!
Are you asleep?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Now then, what d'you
want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. What's the bogey like?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Why, like this! When he
finds such a one as you, who won't sleep, he comes with a sack and
pops the girl into it, then in he gets himself, head and all, lifts
her dress, and gives her a fine whipping!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. What with?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. He takes a birch-broom with
him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. But he can't see there--inside the
sack!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. He'll see, no fear!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. But I'll bite him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. No, friend, him you can't
bite!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy, there's some one coming! Who is
it? Oh gracious goodness! Who can it be?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Well, if some one's coming,
let them come! What's the matter with you? I suppose it's your
mother!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> ANÍSYA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (NAN <i>pretends to be
asleep</i>). Mítritch!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What's the lamp burning for?
We are going to sleep in the summer-hut.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Why, you see I've only just
got straight. I'll put the light out all right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>rummages in her box and
grumbles</i>). When a thing's wanted one never can find it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Why, what is it you are
looking for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. I'm looking for a cross.
Suppose it were to die unbaptized! It would be a sin, you know!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Of course it would!
Everything in due order.... Have you found it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Yes, I've found it.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. That's right, else I'd have
lent her mine. Oh Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>jumps up trembling</i>). Oh, oh,
daddy! Don't go to sleep; for goodness' sake, don't! It's so
frightful!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What's frightful?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. It will die—the little baby will! At
Aunt Irene's the old woman also baptized the baby, and it died!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. If it dies, they'll bury
it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. But maybe it wouldn't have died, only
old Granny Matryóna's there! Didn't I hear what granny was
saying? I heard her! Blest if I didn't!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What did you hear? Go to
sleep, I tell you. Cover yourself up, head and all, and let's have
an end of it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. If it lived, I'd nurse it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>roars</i>). Oh Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Where will they put it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. In the right place! It's no
business of yours! Go to sleep I tell you, else mother will come;
she'll give it you!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy! Eh, daddy! That girl, you know,
you were telling about-they didn't kill her?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. That girl? Oh yes. That
girl turned out all right!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. How was it? You were saying you found
her?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Well, we just found
her!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. But where did you find her? Do
tell!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Why, in their own house;
that's where! We came to a village, the soldiers began hunting
about in the house, when suddenly there's that same little girl
lying on the floor, flat on her stomach. We were going to give her
a knock on the head, but all at once I felt that sorry, that I took
her up in my arms; but no, she wouldn't let me! Made herself so
heavy, quite a hundredweight, and caught hold where she could with
her hands, so that one couldn't get them off! Well, so I began
stroking her head. It was so bristly,--just like a hedgehog! So I
stroked and stroked, and she quieted down at last. I soaked a bit
of rusk and gave it her. She understood that, and began nibbling.
What were we to do with her? We took her; took her, and began
feeding and feeding her, and she got so used to us that we took her
with us on the march, and so she went about with us. Ah, she was a
fine girl!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Yes, and not baptized?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Who can tell! They used to
say, not altogether. 'Cos why, those people weren't our own.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Germans?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What an idea! Germans! Not
Germans, but Asiatics. They are just the same as Jews, but still
not Jews. Polish, yet Asiatics. Curls ... or, Curdlys is their
name.... I've forgotten what it <a name="d8-r">is!</a><sup><a href="#d8">8</a></sup>
We called the girl Sáshka. She was a fine girl,
Sáshka was! There now, I've forgotten everything I used to
know! But that girl—the deuce take her—seems to be before my eyes
now! Out of all my time of service, I remember how they flogged me,
and I remember that girl. That's all I remember! She'd hang round
one's neck, and one 'ud carry her so. That was a girl,—if you
wanted a better you'd not find one! We gave her away afterwards.
The captain's wife took her to bring up as her daughter. So—she
was all right! How sorry the soldiers were to let her go!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. There now, daddy, and I remember when
father was dying,—you were not living with us then. Well, he
called Nikíta and says, "Forgive me, Nikíta!" he
says, and begins to cry. (<i>Sighs</i>.) That also felt very
sad!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Yes; there now, so it
is....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy! Daddy, I say! There they are
again, making a noise in the cellar! Oh gracious heavens! Oh dear!
Oh dear! Oh, daddy! They'll do something to it! They'll make away
with it, and it's so little! Oh, oh!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Covers up her head and cries.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>listening</i>). Really
they're up to some villainy, blow them to shivers! Oh, these women
are vile creatures! One can't say much for men either; but
women!... They are like wild beasts, and stick at nothing!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>rising</i>). Daddy; I say,
daddy!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Well, what now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. The other day a traveller stayed the
night; he said that when an infant died its soul goes up straight
to heaven. Is that true?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Who can tell? I suppose so.
Well?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Oh, it would be best if I died too.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Whimpers.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Then you'd be off the
list!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Up to ten one's an infant, and maybe
one's soul would go to God. Else one's sure to go to the bad!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. And how to the bad? How
should the likes of you not go to the bad? Who teaches you? What do
you see? What do you hear? Only vileness! I, though I've not been
taught much, still know a thing or two. I'm not quite like a
peasant woman. A peasant woman, what is she? Just mud! There are
many millions of the likes of you in Russia, and all as blind as
moles—knowing nothing! All sorts of spells: how to stop the
cattle-plague with a plough, and how to cure children by putting
them under the perches in the hen-house! That's what they know!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Yes, mother also did that!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Yes,—there it is,—just
so! So many millions of girls and women, and all like beasts in a
forest! As she grows up, so she dies! Never sees anything; never
hears anything. A peasant,—he may learn something at the pub, or
maybe in prison, or in the army,—as I did. But a woman? Let alone
about God, she doesn't even know rightly what Friday it is! Friday!
Friday! But ask her what's Friday? She don't know! They're like
blind puppies, creeping about and poking their noses into the
dungheap.... All they know are their silly songs. Ho, ho, ho, ho!
But what they mean by ho-ho, they don't know themselves!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. But I, daddy, I do know half the Lord's
Prayer!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. A lot you know! But what
Can one expect of you? Who teaches you? Only a tipsy peasant—with
the strap perhaps! That's all the teaching you get! I don't know
who'll have to answer for you. For a recruit, the drill-sergeant or
the corporal has to answer; but for the likes of you there's no one
responsible! Just as the cattle that have no herdsman are the most
mischievous, so with you women—you are the stupidest class! The
most foolish class is yours!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Then what's one to do?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. That's what one has to
do.... You just cover up your head and sleep! Oh Lord!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence. The cricket chirps.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>jumps up</i>). Daddy! Some one's
screaming awfully! Blest if some one isn't screaming! Daddy
darling, it's coming here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Cover up your head, I tell
you!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> NIKÍTA, followed by
MATRYÓNA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What have they done with me?
What have they done with me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Have a drop, honey; have a
drop of drink! What's the matter?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Fetches the spirits and sets the bottle
before him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Give it here! Perhaps the
drink will help me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Mind! They're not asleep!
Here you are, have a drop!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What does it all mean? Why
did you plan it? You might have taken it somewhere!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>whispers</i>). Sit still
a bit and drink a little more, or have a smoke. It will ease your
thoughts!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. My own mother! My turn seems
to have come! How it began to whimper, and how the little bones
crunched ... krr.... I'm not a man now!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Eh, now, what's the use of
talking so silly! Of course it does seem fearsome at night, but
wait till the daylight comes, and a day or two passes, and you'll
forget to think of it!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes up to</i> NIKÍTA <i>and puts her
hand on his shoulder.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Go away from me! What have
you done with me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Come, come, sonny! Now,
really, what's the matter with you?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes his hand.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Go away from me! I'll kill
you! It's all one to me now! I'll kill you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Oh, oh, how frightened he's
got! You should go and have a sleep now!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I have nowhere to go; I'm
lost!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>shaking her head</i>).
Oh, oh, I'd better go and tidy things up. He'll sit and rest a bit,
and it will pass!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[NIKÍTA <i>sits with his face in his
hands.</i> MÍTRITCH <i>and</i> NAN <i>seem stunned.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. It's whining! It's whining!
It is really—there, there, quite plain! She'll bury it, really she
will! (<i>Runs to the door</i>.) Mother, don't bury it, it's
alive....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> MATRYÓNA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>whispers</i>). Now then,
what is it? Heaven help you! Why won't you get to rest? How can it
be alive? All its bones are crushed!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Give me more drink.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Drinks.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Now go, sonny. You'll fall
asleep now all right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>stands listening</i>).
Still alive ... there ... it's whining! Don't you hear?...
There!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>whispers</i>). No! I
tell you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Mother! My own mother! I've
ruined my life! What have you done with me? Where am I to go?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs out of the hut;</i> MATRYÓNA
<i>follows him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy dear, darling, they've smothered
it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i> (<i>angrily</i>). Go to
sleep, I tell you! Oh dear, may the frogs kick you! I'll give it to
you with the broom! Go to sleep, I tell you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy, my treasure! Something is
catching hold of my shoulders, something is catching hold with its
paws! Daddy dear ... really, really ... I must go! Daddy, darling!
let me get up on the oven with you! Let me, for Heaven's sake!
Catching hold ... catching hold! Oh!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs to the stove.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. See how they've frightened
the girl.... What vile creatures they are! May the frogs kick them!
Well then, climb up. <i>Nan</i> (<i>climbs on oven</i>). But don't
you go away! <i>Mítritch</i>. Where should I go to? Climb
up, climb up! Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas! Holy Mother!... How they
have frightened the girl. (<i>Covers her up</i>.) There's a little
fool—really a little fool! How they've frightened her; really,
they are vile creatures! The deuce take 'em!</p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<h4>END OF VARIATION</h4>
<hr>
<h3><a name="act5">ACT V</a></h3>
<h4>SCENE I</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>In front of scene a stack-stand, to the left a
thrashing ground, to the right a barn. The barn doors are open.
Straw is strewn about in the doorway. The hut with yard and
out-buildings is seen in the background, whence proceed sounds of
singing and of a tambourine. Two</i> GIRLS <i>are walking past the
barn towards the hut.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Girl</i>. There, you see we've managed to
pass without so much as getting our boots dirty! But to come by the
street is terribly muddy! (<i>Stop and wipe their boots on the
straw.</i> FIRST GIRL <i>looks at the straw and sees something</i>
.) What's that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Girl</i> (<i>looks where the straw lies
and sees some one</i>). It's Mítritch, their laborer. Just
look how drunk he is!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Girl</i>. Why, I thought be didn't
drink.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Girl</i>. It seems he didn't, until it
was going around. <i>First Girl</i>. Just see! He must have come to
fetch some straw. Look! he's got a rope in his hand, and he's
fallen asleep.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Girl</i> (<i>listening</i>). They're
still singing the <a name="d9-r">praises.</a><sup><a href="#d9">9</a>
</sup> So I s'pose the bride and bridegroom have not yet
been blessed! They say Akoulína didn't even
<a name="d10-r">lament!</a><sup><a href="#d10">10</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Girl</i>. Mammie says she is marrying
against her will. Her stepfather threatened her, or else she'd not
have done it for the world! Why, you know what they've been saying
about her?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i> (<i>catching up the</i>
GIRLS). How d'you you do, lassies?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Girls</i>. How d'you do?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. Going to the wedding, my
dears?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Girl</i>. It's nearly over! We've come
just to have a look.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. Would you call my old man for
me? Simon, from Zoúevo; but surely you know him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Girl</i>. To be sure we do; he's a
relative of the bridegroom's, I think?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. Of course; he's my old man's
nephew, the bridegroom is.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Girl</i>. Why don't you go yourself?
Fancy not going to a wedding!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. I have no mind for it, and no
time either. It's time for us to be going home. We didn't mean to
come to the wedding. We were taking oats to town. We only stopped
to feed the horse, and they made my old man go in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Girl</i>. Where did you put up then? At
Fyódoritch's?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. Yes. Well then, I'll stay
here and you go and call him, my dear—my old man. Call him, my
pet, and say "Your missis, Marína, says you must go now!"
His mates are harnessing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Girl</i>. Well, all right—if you won't go
in yourself.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> GIRLS <i>go away towards the house
along a footpath. Sounds of songs and tambourine.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i> (<i>alone, stands
thinking</i>). I might go in, but I don't like to, because I have
not met him since that day he threw me over. It's more than a year
now. But I'd have liked to have a peep and see how he lives with
his Anísya. People say they don't get on. She's a coarse
woman, and with a character of her own. I should think he's
remembered me more than once. He's been caught by the idea of a
comfortable life and has changed me for it. But, God help him, I
don't cherish ill-will! Then it hurt! Oh dear, it was pain! But now
it's worn away and been forgotten. But I'd like to have seen him.
(<i>Looks towards hut and sees</i> NIKÍTA.) Look there! Why,
he is coming here! Have the girls told him? How's it he has left
his guests? I'll go away! (NIKÍTA <i>approaches, hanging his
head down, swinging his arms, and muttering</i>.) And how sullen he
looks!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>sees and recognises
MARÍNA</i>). Marína, dearest friend, little
Marína, what do you want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. I have come for my old
man.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Why didn't you come to the
wedding? You might have had a look round, and a laugh at my
expense!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. What have I to laugh at? I've
come for my husband.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Ah, Marína dear!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Tries to embrace her.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i> (<i>steps angrily aside</i>).
You'd better drop that sort of thing, Nikíta! What has been
is past! I've come for my husband. Is he in your house?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. So I must not remember the
past? You won't let me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. It's no use recalling the
past! What used to be is over now!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. And can never come back, you
mean?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. And will never come back! But
why have you gone away? You, the master,—and to go away from the
feast!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>sits down on the
straw</i>). Why have I gone away? Eh, if you knew, if you had any
idea.... I'm dull, Marína, so dull that I wish my eyes would
not see! I rose from the table and left them, to get away from the
people. If I could only avoid seeing any one!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i> (<i>coming nearer to him</i>).
How's that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. This is how it is: when I
eat, it's there! When I drink, it's there! When I sleep, it's
there! I'm so sick of it—so sick! But it's chiefly because I'm all
alone that I'm so sick, Marína. I have no one to share my
trouble.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. You can't live your life
without trouble, Nikíta. However, I've wept over mine and
wept it away.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. The former, the old trouble!
Ah, dear friend, you've wept yours away, and I've got mine up to
there!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Puts his hand to his throat.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. But why?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Why, I'm sick of my whole
life! I am sick of myself! Ah, Marína, why did you not know
how to keep me? You've ruined me, and yourself too! Is this
life?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i> (<i>stands by the barn crying,
but restrains herself</i>). I do not complain of my life,
Nikíta! God grant every one a life like mine. I do not
complain. I confessed to my old man at the time, and he forgave me.
And he does not reproach me. I'm not discontented with my life. The
old man is quiet, and is fond of me, and I keep his children
clothed and washed! He is really kind to me. Why should I complain?
It seems God willed it so. And what's the matter with your life?
You are rich....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. My life!... It's only that I
don't wish to disturb the wedding feast, or I'd take this rope here
(<i>takes hold of the rope on the straw</i>) and throw it across
that rafter there. Then I'd make a noose and stretch it out, and
I'd climb on to that rafter and jump down with my head in the
noose! That's what my life is!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. That's enough! Lord help
you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. You think I'm joking? You
think I'm drunk? I'm not drunk! To-day even drink takes no hold on
me! I'm devoured by misery! Misery is eating me up completely, so
that I care for nothing! Oh little Marína, it's only with
you I ever lived! Do you remember how we used to while away the
nights together at the railway?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. Don't you rub the sores,
Nikíta! I'm bound legally now, and you too. My sin has been
forgiven, don't disturb...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What shall I do with my
heart? Where am I to turn to?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. What's there to be done?
You've got a wife. Don't go looking at others, but keep to your
own! You loved Anísya, then go on loving her!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Oh, that Anísya, she's
gall and wormwood to me, but she's round my feet like rank
weeds!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. Whatever she is, still she's
your wife.... But what's the use of talking; you'd better go to
your visitors, and send my husband to me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Oh dear, if you knew the
whole business... but there's no good talking!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> MARÍNA'S <i>husband, red and
tipsy, and</i> NAN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína's Husband</i>. Marína!
Missis! My old woman! are you here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. There's your husband calling
you. Go!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i>. And you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I? I'll lie down here for a
bit!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Lies down on the straw.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Husband</i>. Where is she then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. There she is, near the barn.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Husband</i>. What are you standing there for?
Come to the feast! The hosts want you to come and do them honor!
The wedding party is just going to start, and then we can go
too.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Marína</i> (<i>going towards her
husband</i>). I didn't want to go in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Husband</i>. Come on, I tell you! You'll drink a
glass to our nephew Peter's health, the rascal! Else the hosts
might take offense! There's plenty of time for our business.</p>
<p class="indent">[MARÍNA'S <i>husband puts his arm around
her, and goes reeling out with her.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>rises and sits down on the
straw</i>). Ah, now that I've seen her, life seems more sickening
than ever! It was only with her that I ever really lived! I've
ruined my life for nothing! I've done for myself! (<i>Lies
down</i>.) Where can I go? If mother earth would but open and
swallow me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i> (<i>sees</i> NIKÍTA, <i>and runs
towards him</i>). Daddy, I say, daddy! They're looking for you! Her
godfather and all of them have already blessed her. Truly they
have, they're getting cross!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>aside</i>). Where can I go
to?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. What? What are you saying?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I'm not saying anything!
Don't bother!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Daddy! Come, I say! (NIKÍTA
<i>is silent</i>, NAN <i>pulls him by the hand</i>.) Dad, go and
bless them! My word, they're angry, they're grumbling!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>drags away his hand</i>).
Leave me alone!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Now then!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>threatens her with the
rope</i>). Go, I say! I'll give it you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nan</i>. Then I'll send mother!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs away.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>rises</i>). How can I go?
How can I take the holy icón in my hands? How am I to look
her in the face! (<i>Lies down again</i>.) Oh, if there were a hole
in the ground, I'd jump in! No one should see me, and I should see
no one! (<i>Rises again</i>.) No, I shan't go.... May they all go
to the devil, I shan't go! (<i>Takes the rope and makes a noose,
and tries it on his neck</i>.) That's the way!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> MATRYÓNA. NIKÍTA
<i>sees his mother, takes the rope off his neck, and again lies
down in the straw.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>comes in hurriedly</i>).
Nikíta! Nikíta, I say! He don't even answer!
Nikíta, what's the matter? Have you had a drop too much?
Come, Nikíta dear; come, honey! The people are tired of
waiting.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Oh dear, what have you done
with me? I'm a lost man!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. But what is the matter
then? Come, my own; come, give them your blessing, as is proper and
honorable, and then it'll all be over! Why, the people are
waiting!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. How can I give blessings?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Why, in the usual way!
Don't you know?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I know, I know! But who is it
I am to bless? What have I done to her?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. What have you done? Eh, now
he's going to remember it! Why, who knows anything about it? Not a
soul! And the girl is going of her own accord.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Yes, but how?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Because she's afraid, of
course. But still she's going. Besides, what's to be done now? She
should have thought sooner! Now she can't refuse. And his kinsfolks
can't take offense either. They saw the girl twice, and get money
with her too! It's all safe and sound!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Yes, but what's in the
cellar?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>laughs</i>). In the
cellar? Why, cabbages, mushrooms, potatoes, I suppose! Why remember
the past?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I'd be only too glad to
forget it; but I can't! When I let my mind go, it's just as if I
heard.... Oh, what have you done with me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Now, what are you
humbugging for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>turns face downward</i>).
Mother! Don't torment me! I've got it up to there!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Puts his hand to his throat.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Still it has to be done! As
it is, people are talking. "The master's gone away and won't come;
he can't make up his mind to give his blessing." They'll be putting
two and two together. As soon as they see you're frightened they'll
begin guessing. "The thief none suspect who walks bold and erect!"
But you'll be getting out of the frying-pan into the fire! Above
all, lad, don't show it; don't lose courage, else they'll find out
all the more!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Oh dear! You have snared me
into a trap!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. That'll do, I tell you;
come along! Come in and give your blessing, as is right and
honorable;—and there's an end of the matter!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>lies face down</i>). I
can't!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>aside</i>). What has
come over him? He seemed all right, and suddenly this comes over
him! It seems he's bewitched! Get up, Nikíta! See! There's
Anísya coming; she's left her guests!</p>
<p class="indent">[ANÍSYA <i>enters, dressed up, red and
tipsy.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Oh, how nice it is, mother!
So nice, so respectable! And how the people are pleased.... But
where is he?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Here, honey, he's here;
he's laid down on the straw and there he lies! He won't come!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>looking at his wife</i>).
Just see, she's tipsy too! When I look at her my heart seems to
turn! How can one live with her? (<i>Turns on his face</i>.) I'll
kill her some day! It'll be worse then!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Only look, how he's got all
among the straw! Is it the drink? (<i>Laughs</i>.) I'd not mind
lying down there with you, but I've no time! Come, I'll lead you!
It is so nice in the house! It's a treat to look on! A concertina!
And the women singing so well! All tipsy! Everything so
respectable, so nice!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. What's nice?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. The wedding—such a jolly
wedding! They all say it's quite an uncommon fine wedding. All so
respectable, so nice! Come along! We'll go together! I have had a
drop, but I can give you a hand yet!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes his hand.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. (<i>pulls it back with
disgust</i>). Go alone! I'll come!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. What, are you humbugging for?
We've got rid of all the bother, we've got rid of her as came
between us; now we have nothing to do but to live and be merry! And
all so respectable, and quite legal! I'm so pleased! I have no
words for it! It's just as if I were going to marry you over again!
And oh, the people, they <i>are</i> pleased! They're all thanking
us! And the guests are all of the best: Iván
Mosévitch is there, and the Police Officer; they've also
been singing songs of praise!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Then you should have stayed
with them! What have you come for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. True enough, I must go back!
Else what does it look like! The hosts both go and leave the
visitors! And the guests are all of the best!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>gets up and brushes the
straw off himself</i>). Go, and I'll come at once!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Just see! He listens to the
young bird, but wouldn't listen to the old one! He would not hear
me, but he follows his wife at once! (MATRYÓNA <i>and</i>
ANÍSYA <i>turn to go.</i>) Well, are you coming?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I'll come directly! You go
and I'll follow! I'll come and give my blessing! (<i>The women
stop</i>.) Go on! I'll follow! Now then, go! (<i>Exit women. Sits
down and takes his boots off</i>.) Yes, I'm going! A likely thing!
No, you'd better look at the rafter for me! I'll fix the noose and
jump with it from the rafter, then you can look for me! And the
rope is here just handy. (<i>Ponders</i>.) I'd have got over it,
over any sorrow—I'd have got over that. But this now—here it is,
deep in my heart, and I can't get over it! (<i>Looks towards the
yard</i>.) Surely she's not coming back? (<i>Imitates</i>
ANÍSYA.) "So nice, so nice. I'd lie down here with you." Oh,
the baggage! Well, then, here I am! Come and cuddle when they've
taken me down from the rafter! There's only one way!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes the rope and pulls it.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[MÍTRITCH, who is tipsy, sits up and won't
let go of the rope.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Shan't give it up! Shan't
give it to no one! I'll bring it myself! I said I'd bring the
straw—and so I will! Nikíta, is that you? (<i>Laughs</i>.)
Oh, the devil! Have you come to get the straw?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Give me the rope!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. No, you wait a bit! The
peasants sent me! I'll bring it.... (<i>Rises to his feet and
begins getting the straw together, but reels for a time, then
falls</i>.) It has beaten me. It's stronger....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Give me the rope!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Didn't I say I won't! Oh,
Nikíta, you're as stupid as a hog! (<i>Laughs</i>.) I love
you, but you're a fool! You see that I'm drunk ... devil take you!
You think I need you?... You just look at me; I'm a Non ... fool,
can't say it—Non-commissioned Officer of Her Majesty's very First
Regiment of Grenadier Guards! I've served Tsar and country, loyal
and true! But who am I? You think I'm a warrior? No, I'm not a
warrior; I'm the very least of men, a poor lost orphan! I swore not
to drink, and now I had a smoke, and.... Well then, do you think
I'm afraid of you? No fear; I'm afraid of no man! I've taken to
drink, and I'll drink! Now I'll go it for a fortnight; I'll go it
hard! I'll drink my last shirt; I'll drink my cap; I'll pawn my
passport; and I'm afraid of no one! They flogged me in the army to
stop me drinking! They switched and switched! "Well," they say,
"will you leave off?" "No," says I! Why should I be afraid of them?
Here I am! Such as I am, God made me! I swore off drinking, and
didn't drink. Now I've took to drink, and I'll drink! And I fear no
man! 'Cos I don't lie; but just as.... Why should one mind
them—such muck as they are! "Here you are," I say; that's me. A
priest told me, the devil's the biggest bragger! "As soon," says
he, "as you begin to brag, you get frightened; and as soon as you
fear men then the hoofed one just collars you and pushes you where
he likes!" But as I don't fear men, I'm easy! I can spit in the
devil's beard, and at the sow his mother! He can't do me no harm!
There, put that in your pipe!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>crossing himself</i>).
True enough! What was I about?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Throws down the rope.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. What?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>rises</i>). You tell me
not to fear men?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Mítritch</i>. Why fear such muck as they
are? You look at 'em in the bath-house! All made of one paste! One
has a bigger belly, another a smaller; that's all the difference
there is! Fancy being afraid of 'em! Deuce take 'em!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>from the yard</i>).
Well, are you coming?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Ah! Better so! I'm
coming!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes towards yard.</i></p>
<h4>SCENE II</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>Interior of hut, full of people, some sitting
round tables and others standing. In the front corner</i>
AKOULÍNA <i>and the</i> BRIDEGROOM. On one of the tables an
Icon and a loaf of rye-bread. Among the visitors are MARÍNA,
her husband, and a POLICE OFFICER, also a HIRED DRIVER, <i>the</i>
MATCHMAKER, and the BEST MAN. <i>The women are singing.</i>
ANÍSYA <i>carries round the drink. The singing
stops.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Driver</i>. If we are to go, let's go! The
church ain't so near.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Best Man</i>. All right; you wait a bit till
the step-father has given his blessing. But where is he?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. He is coming—coming at once,
dear friends! Have another glass, all of you; don't refuse!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Matchmaker</i>. Why is he so long? We've
been waiting such a time!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. He's coming; coming directly,
coming in no time! He'll be here before one could plait a girl's
hair who's had her hair cropped! Drink, friends! (<i>Offers the
drink</i>.) Coming at once! Sing again, my pets, meanwhile!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Driver</i>. They've sung all their songs,
waiting here!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The women sing.</i> NIKÍTA <i>and</i>
AKÍM <i>enter during the singing.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>holds his father's arm and
pushes him in before him</i>). Go, father; I can't do without
you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. I don't like—I mean what d'ye
call it....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>to the women</i>). Enough!
Be quiet! (<i>Looks round the hut</i>.) Marína, are you
there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>The Matchmaker</i>. Go, take the icón,
and give them your blessing!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Wait a while! (<i>Looks
round</i>.) Akoulína, are you there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matchmaker</i>. What are you calling everybody
for? Where should she be? How queer he seems!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Gracious goodness! Why, he's
barefoot!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Father, you are here! Look at
me! Christian Commune, you are all here, and I am here! I
am....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Falls on his knees.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. Nikíta, darling,
what's the matter with you? Oh, my head, my head!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matchmaker</i>. Here's a go!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. I did say he was taking too
much of that French wine! Come to your senses; what are you
about?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>They try to lift him; he takes no heed of
them, but looks in front of him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Christian Commune! I have
sinned, and I wish to confess!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i> (<i>shakes him by the
shoulder</i>). Are you mad? Dear friends, he's gone crazy! He must
be taken away!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>shakes her off</i>). Leave
me alone! And you, father, hear me! And first, Marína, look
here! (<i>Bows to the ground to her and rises</i>.) I have sinned
towards you! I promised to marry you, I tempted you, and forsook
you! Forgive me, in Christ's name!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Again bows to the ground before her.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i>. And what are you drivelling
about? It's not becoming! No one wants to know! Get up! It's like
your impudence!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. Oh, oh, he's bewitched! And
however did it happen? It's a spell! Get up! what nonsense are you
jabbering?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pulls him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>shakes his head</i>).
Don't touch me! Forgive me my sin towards you, Marína!
Forgive me, for Christ's sake!</p>
<p class="indent">[MARÍNA <i>covers her face with her hands
in silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang">Anísya. Get up, I tell you! Don't be so
impudent! What are you thinking about—to recall it? Enough humbug!
It's shameful! Oh my poor head! He's quite crazy!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>pushes his wife away and
turns to</i> AKOULÍNA). Akoulína, now I'll speak to
you! Listen, Christian Commune! I'm a fiend, Akoulína! I
have sinned against you! Your father died no natural death! He was
poisoned!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anísya</i> (<i>screams</i>). Oh my head!
What's he about?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matryóna</i>. The man's beside himself!
Lead him away!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The folk come up and try to seize
him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>motions them back with his
arms</i>). Wait! You lads, what d'ye call it, wait, I mean!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Akoulína, I poisoned
him! Forgive me, in Christ's name!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>jumps up</i>). He's
telling lies! I know who did it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Matchmaker</i>. What are you about? You sit
still!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Oh Lord, what sins, what
sins!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Police Officer</i>. Seize him, and send for the
Elder! We must draw up an indictment and have witnesses to it! Get
up and come here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>to</i> POLICE OFFICER). Now
you—with the bright buttons—I mean, you wait! Let him, what d'ye
call it, speak out, I mean!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Police Officer</i>. Mind, old man, and don't
interfere! I have to draw up an indictment!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Eh, what a fellow you are;
wait, I say! Don't talk, I mean, about, what d'ye call it,
'ditements' Here God's work is being done.... A man is confessing,
I mean! And you, what d'ye call it ... 'ditements!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Police Officer</i>. The Elder!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i>. Let God's work be done, I mean,
and then you. I mean you, do your business!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. And, Akoulína, my sin
is great towards you; I seduced you; forgive me in Christ's
name!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Bows to the ground before her.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i> (<i>leaves the table</i>).
Let me go! I shan't be married! He told me to, but I shan't
now!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Police Officer</i>. Repeat what you have
said.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Wait, sir, let me finish!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>with rapture</i>). Speak, my
son! Tell everything—you'll feel better! Confess to God, don't
fear men! God—God! It is He!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I poisoned the father, dog
that I am, and I ruined the daughter! She was in my power, and I
ruined her, and her baby!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. True, that's true!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. I smothered the baby in the
cellar with a board! I sat on it and smothered it—and its bones
crunched! (<i>Weeps</i>.) And I buried it! I did it, all alone!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. He raves! I told him
to!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Don't shield me! I fear no
one now! Forgive me, Christian Commune!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Bows to the ground.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Police Officer</i>. Bind him! The marriage is
evidently off!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Men come up with their belts.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i>. Wait, there's plenty of time!
(<i>Bows to the ground before his father</i>.) Father, dear father,
forgive me too,—fiend that I am! You told me from the first, when
I took to bad ways, you said then, "If a claw is caught, the bird
is lost!" I would not listen to your words, dog that I was, and it
has turned out as you said! Forgive me, for Christ's sake!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akím</i> (<i>rapturously</i>). God will
forgive you, my own son! (<i>Embraces him</i>.) You have had no
mercy on yourself; He will show mercy on you! God—God! It is
He!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> ELDER.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Elder</i>. There are witnesses enough here.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Police Officer</i>. We will have the examination
at once.</p>
<p class="indent">[NIKÍTA <i>is bound.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Akoulína</i>. (<i>goes and stands by his
side</i>). I shall tell the truth! Ask me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Nikíta</i> (<i>bound</i>). No need to
ask! I did it all myself. The design was mine, and the deed was
mine. Take me where you like. I will say no more!</p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<hr>
<h4>FOOTNOTES FOR<i> THE POWER OF DARKNESS</i></h4>
<a name="d1">1.</a> It is
customary to place a dying person under the icón. One or
more icóns hang in the hut of each Orthodox peasant. (<a href="#d1-r">Return</a>)
<p class="hang">
<a name="d2">2.</a>
Peasant weddings are usually in autumn. They are forbidden in Lent,
and soon after Easter the peasants become too busy to marry till
harvest is over. (<a href="#d2-r">Return</a>)
(<a href="#f19">Return to <i>FRUITS OF CULTURE</i></a>)
</p>
<p class="hang">
<a name="d3">3.</a> A formal request for
forgiveness is customary among Russians, but it is often no mere
formality. Nikíta's first reply is evasive; his second
reply, "God will forgive you," is the correct one sanctioned by
custom. (<a href="#d3-r">Return</a>) </p>
<p class="hang">
<a name="d4">4.</a> Loud public
wailing of this kind is customary, and considered indispensable,
among the peasants. (<a href="#d4-r">Return</a>) </p>
<p class="hang">
<a name="d5">5.</a> Where not otherwise mentioned
in the stage directions, it is always
the winter half of the hut that is referred to as "the hut." The
summer half is not heated, and not used in winter under ordinary
circumstances. (<a href="#d5-r">Return</a>) </p>
<p class="hang">
<a name="d6">6.</a> The Foundlings' Hospital in
Moscow, where 80 to 90 percent of the children die. (<a href="#d6-r">Return</a>)
</p>
<p class="hang">
<a name="d7">7.</a> Nan calls Mítritch
"daddy" merely as a term of endearment. (<a href="#d7-r">Return</a>)
</p>
<p class="hang">
<a name="d8">8.</a> Probably Kurds (<a href="#d8-r">Return</a>)
</p>
<p class="hang">
<a name="d9">9.</a> This refers to the songs
customary at the wedding of Russian peasants, praising the bride
and bridegroom. (<a href="#d9-r">Return</a>) </p>
<p class="hang">
<a name="d10">10.</a> It is etiquette for a bride to bewail the
approaching loss of her maidenhood. (<a href="#d10-r">Return</a>)</p>
<h4>END OF <i>THE POWER OF DARKNESS</i></h4>
<hr>
<p> </p>
<h1><a name="fruits">FRUITS OF CULTURE</a></h1>
<h3>CHARACTERS</h3>
<p class="hang">LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH ZVEZDÍNTSEF. <i>A retired
Lieutenant of the Horse Guards. Owner of more than 60,000 acres of
land in various provinces. A fresh-looking, bland, agreeable
gentleman of 60. Believes in Spiritualism, and likes to astonish
people with his wonderful stories.</i></p>
<p class="hang">ANNA PÁVLOVNA ZVEZDÍNTSEVA. <i>Wife of
Leoníd. Stout; pretends to be young; quite taken up with the
conventionalities of life; despises her husband, and blindly
believes in her doctor. Very irritable.</i></p>
<p class="hang">BETSY. <i>Their daughter. A young woman of 20, fast, tries to be
mannish, wears a pince-nez, flirts and giggles. Speaks very quickly
and distinctly.</i></p>
<p class="hang">VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH ZVEZDÍNTSEF. <i>Their
son, aged 25; has studied law, but has no definite occupation.
Member of the Cycling Club, Jockey Club, and of the Society for
Promoting the Breeding of Hounds. Enjoys perfect health, and has
imperturbable self-assurance. Speaks loud and abruptly. Is either
perfectly serious—almost morose, or is noisily gay and laughs
loud. Is nicknamed Vovo.</i></p>
<p class="hang">ALEXÉY VLADÍMIROVITCH KROUGOSVÉTLOF. <i>A
professor and scientist of about 50, with quiet and pleasantly
self-possessed manners, and quiet, deliberate, harmonious speech.
Likes to talk. Is mildly disdainful of those who do not agree with
him. Smokes much. Is lean and active.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THE DOCTOR. <i>About 40. Healthy, fat, red-faced, loud-voiced,
and rough; with a self-satisfied smile constantly on his
lips.</i></p>
<p class="hang">MÁRYA KONSTANTÍNOVNA. <i>A girl of 20, from the
Conservatoire, teacher of music. Wears a fringe, and is
super-fashionably dressed. Obsequious, and gets easily
confused.</i></p>
<p class="hang">PETRÍSTCHEF. <i>About 28; has taken his degree in
philology, and is looking out for a position. Member of the same
clubs as Vasíly Leoníditch, and also of the Society
for the Organisation of Calico <a name="f1-r">Balls</a>.</i><sup>
<a href="#f1">1</a></sup> <i>Is bald-headed, quick in movement and
speech, and very polite.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THE BARONESS. <i>A pompous lady of about 50, slow in her
movements, speaks with monotonous intonation.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THE PRINCESS. <i>A society woman, a visitor.</i></p>
<p class="hang">HER DAUGHTER. <i>An affected young society woman, a
visitor.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THE COUNTESS. <i>An ancient dame, with false hair and teeth.
Moves with great difficulty.</i></p>
<p class="hang">GROSSMAN. <i>A dark, nervous, lively man of Jewish type. Speaks
very loud.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THE FAT LADY: MÁRYA VASÍLYEVNA TOLBOÚHINA.
<i>A very distinguished, rich, and kindly woman, acquainted with
all the notable people of the last and present generations. Very
stout. Speaks hurriedly, trying to be heard above every one else.
Smokes.</i></p>
<p class="hang">BARON KLÍNGEN (<i>nicknamed</i> KOKO). <i>A graduate of
Petersburg University. Gentleman of the Bedchamber, Attaché
to an Embassy. Is perfectly correct in his deportment, and
therefore enjoys peace of mind and is quietly gay.</i></p>
<p class="hang">TWO SILENT LADIES.</p>
<p class="hang">SERGÉY IVÁNITCH SAHÁTOF. <i>About 50, an
ex-Assistant Minister of State. An elegant gentleman, of wide
European culture, engaged in nothing and interested in everything.
His carriage is dignified and at times even severe.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THEODORE IVÁNITCH. <i>Personal attendant on Zvezdíntsef,
aged about 60. A man of some education and fond of information.
Uses his pince-nez and pocket-handkerchief too much, unfolding the
latter very slowly. Takes an interest in politics. Is kindly and
sensible.</i></p>
<p class="hang">GREGORY. <i>A footman, about 28, handsome, profligate, envious,
and insolent.</i> </p>
<p class="hang">JACOB. <i>Butler, about 40, a bustling, kindly
man, to whom the interests of his family in the village are
all-important.</i></p>
<p class="hang">SIMON. <i>The butler's assistant, about 20, a healthy, fresh,
peasant lad, fair, beardless as yet; calm and smiling.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THE COACHMAN. <i>A man of about 35, a dandy. Has moustaches but
no beard. Rude and decided.</i></p>
<p class="hang">A DISCHARGED MAN-COOK. <i>About 45, dishevelled, unshaved,
bloated, yellow and trembling. Dressed in a ragged, light
summer-overcoat and dirty trousers. Speaks hoarsely, ejecting the
words abruptly.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THE SERVANTS' COOK. <i>A talkative, dissatisfied woman of
30.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THE DOORKEEPER. <i>A retired soldier.</i></p>
<p class="hang">TÁNYA (TATYÁNA MÁRKOVNA). <i>Lady's-maid,
19, energetic, strong, merry, with quickly-changing moods. At
moments, when strongly excited, she shrieks with joy.</i></p>
<p class="hang">FIRST PEASANT. <i>About 60. Has served as village Elder.
Imagines that he knows how to treat gentlefolk, and likes to hear
himself talk.</i></p>
<p class="hang">SECOND PEASANT. <i>About 45, head of a family. A man of few
words. Rough and truthful. The father of Simon.</i></p>
<p class="hang">THIRD PEASANT. <i>About 70. Wears shoes of plaited bast. Is
nervous, restless, hurried, and tries to cover his confusion by
much talking.</i></p>
<p class="hang">FIRST FOOTMAN (<i>in attendance on the Countess</i>). <i>An old
man, with old-fashioned manners, and proud of his place.</i></p>
<p class="hang">SECOND FOOTMAN. <i>Of enormous size, strong, and rude.</i></p>
<p class="hang">A PORTER FROM A FASHIONABLE DRESSMAKER'S SHOP. <i>A fresh-faced
man in dark-blue long coat. Speaks firmly, emphatically, and
clearly.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="hang"><i>The action takes place in Moscow, in Zvesdíntsef's
house.</i></p>
<h3>ACT I</h3>
<p class="hang"><i>The entrance hall of a wealthy house in Moscow.
There are three doors: the front door, the door of</i>
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH'S <i>study, and the door of</i>
VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH'S <i>room. A staircase leads up to
the other rooms; behind it is another door leading to the servants'
quarters.</i></p>
<h4>SCENE I</h4>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>looks at himself in the glass
and arranges his hair, etc</i>.). I am sorry about those moustaches
of mine! "Moustaches are not becoming to a footman," she says! And
why? Why, so that any one might see you're a footman,—else my
looks might put her darling son to shame. He's a likely one!
There's not much fear of his coming anywhere near me, moustaches or
no moustaches! (<i>Smiling into the glass</i>.) And what a lot of
'em swarm round me. And yet I don't care for any of them as much as
for that Tánya. And she only a lady's-maid! Ah well, she's
nicer than any young lady. (<i>Smiles</i>.) She's a duck!
(<i>Listening</i>.) Ah, here she comes. (<i>Smiles</i>.) Yes,
that's her, clattering with her little heels. Oh!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> TÁNYA, carrying a cloak and
boots.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. My respects to you, Tatyána
Márkovna.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. What are you always looking in
the glass for? Do you think yourself so good-looking?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Well, and are my looks not
agreeable?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. So, so; neither agreeable nor
disagreeable, but just betwixt and between! Why are all those
cloaks hanging there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. I am just going to put them away,
your lady-ship! (<i>Takes down a fur cloak and, wrapping it round
her, embraces her</i>.) I say, Tánya, I'll tell you
something....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Oh, get away, do! What do you
mean by it? (<i>Pulls herself angrily away</i>.) Leave me alone, I
tell you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>looks cautiously around</i>).
Then give me a kiss!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Now, really, what are you
bothering for? I'll give you such a kiss!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Raises her hand to strike.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>off the
scene, rings and then shouts</i>). Gregory!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. There now, go! Vasíly
Leoníditch is calling you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. He'll wait! He's only just opened
his eyes! I say, why don't you love me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. What sort of loving have you
imagined now? I don't love anybody.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. That's a fib. You love Simon! You
have found a nice one to love—a common, dirty-pawed peasant,
a butler's assistant!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Never mind; such as he is, you
are jealous of him!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>off the
scene</i>). Gregory!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. All in good time.... Jealous
indeed! Of what? Why, you have only just begun to get licked into
shape, and who are you tying yourself up with? Now, wouldn't it be
altogether a different matter if you loved me?.... I say,
Tánya....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>angrily and severely</i>).
You'll get nothing from me, I tell you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>off the
scene</i>). Gregory!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. You're mighty particular, ain't
you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>off the
scene, shouts persistently, monotonously, and with all his
might</i>) Gregory! Greg—ory! Gregory!</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>and</i> GREGORY
<i>laugh</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. You should have seen the girls that
have been sweet on me.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Bell rings.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well then, go to them, and
leave me alone!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. You are a silly, now I think of it.
I'm not Simon!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Simon means marriage, and not
tomfoolery!</p>
<p class="indent"> [<i>Enter</i> PORTER, c<i>arrying a large
cardboard box.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i>. Good morning!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Good morning! Where are you
from?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i>. From Bourdey's. I've brought a
dress, and here's a note for the lady.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>taking the note</i>). Sit
down, and I'll take it in.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH <i>looks out of
the door in shirt-sleeves and slippers.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>.
Gregory!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Yes, sir.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Gregory!
Don't you hear me call?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. I've only just come, sir.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Hot water,
and a cup of tea.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Yes, sir; Simon will bring them
directly.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. And who is
this? Ah, from Bourdier?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i>. Yes, sir.</p>
<p class="hang">[<i>Exeunt</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH <i>and</i>
GREGORY. Bell rings. TÁNYA <i>runs in at the sound of the
bell and opens the front door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>to</i> PORTER). Please wait
a little. <i>Porter</i>. I am waiting.</p>
<p class="indent">[SAHÁTOF <i>enters at front door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I beg your pardon, but the
footman has just gone away. This way, sir. Allow me, please.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes his fur cloak.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>adjusting his
clothes</i>). Is Leoníd Fyódoritch at home? Is he
up?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Bell rings.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Oh yes, sir. He's been up a
long time.</p>
<p class="indent">[DOCTOR <i>enters and looks around for the
footman. Sees</i> SAHÁTOF <i>and addresses him in an offhand
manner.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Ah, my respects to you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>looks fixedly at
him</i>). The Doctor, I believe?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. And I thought you were abroad!
Dropped in to see Leoníd Fyódoritch?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Yes. And you? Is any one
ill?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i> (<i>laughing</i>). Not exactly ill
but, you know.... It's awful with these ladies! Sits up at cards
till three every morning, and pulls her waist into the shape of a
wine-glass. And the lady is flabby and fat, and carries the weight
of a good many years on her back.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Is this the way you state
your diagnosis to Anna Pávlovna? I should hardly think it
quite pleases her!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i> (<i>laughing</i>). Well, it's the
truth. They do all these tricks—and then come derangements of
the digestive organs, pressure on the liver, nerves, and all sorts
of things, and one has to come and patch them up. It's just awful!
(<i>Laughs</i>.) And you? You are also a spiritualist, it
seems?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. I? No, I am not also a
spiritualist.... Good morning!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Is about to go, but is stopped by the</i>
DOCTOR.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. No! But I can't myself, you know,
positively deny the possibility of it, when a man like
Krougosvétlof is connected with it all. How can one? Is he
not a professor,—a European celebrity? There must be
something in it. I should like to see for myself, but I never have
the time. I have other things to do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Yes, yes! Good morning.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit, bowing slightly.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i> (<i>to</i> Tánya). Is Anna
Pávlovna up?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. She's in her bedroom, but
please come up.</p>
<p class="indent">[DOCTOR <i>goes upstairs.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>enters with a
newspaper In his hand.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>to</i> PORTER). What is it you
want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i>. I'm from Bourdey's. I brought a
dress and a note, and was told to wait.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Ah, from
Bourdey's! (<i>To</i> Tánya.) Who came in just now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. It was Sergéy
Ivánitch Sahátof and the Doctor. They stood talking
here a bit. It was all about spiritalism.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>correcting
her</i>). Spirit<i>u</i>alism.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, that's just what I
said—spiritalism. Have you heard how well it went off last
time, Theodore Ivánitch? (<i>Laughs</i>). There was knocks,
and things flew about!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. And how do
<i>you</i> know?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Miss Elizabeth told me.</p>
<p class="indent">[JACOB <i>runs in with a tumbler of tea on a
tray.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i> (<i>to the</i> PORTER). Good
morning!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i> (<i>disconsolately</i>). Good
morning!</p>
<p class="indent">[JACOB <i>knocks at</i> VASÍLY
LEONÍDITCH'S <i>door.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[GREGORY <i>enters.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Give it here.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. You didn't bring back all yesterday's
tumblers, nor the tray Vasíly Leoníditch had. And
it's me that have to answer for them!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. The tray is full of cigars.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Well, put them somewhere else. It's
me who's answerable for it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. I'll bring it back! I'll bring it
back!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Yes, so you say, but it is not where
it ought to be. The other day, just as the tea had to be served, it
was not to be found.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. I'll bring it back, I tell you.
What a fuss!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. It's easy for you to talk. Here am I
serving tea for the third time, and now there's the lunch to get
ready. One does nothing but rush about the livelong day. Is there
any one in the house who has more to do than me? Yet they are never
satisfied with me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Dear me! Who could wish for any one
more satisfactory? You're such a fine fellow!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Nobody is good enough for you!
You alone....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>to</i> TÁNYA). No one
asked your opinion!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Ah, well, I don't mind.
Tatyána Márkovna, did the mistress say anything about
yesterday?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. About the lamp, you mean?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. And how it managed to drop out of my
hands, the Lord only knows! Just as I began rubbing it, and was
going to take hold of it in another place, out it slips and goes
all to pieces. It's just my luck! It's easy for that Gregory
Miháylitch to talk—a single man like him! But when one
has a family, one has to consider things: they have to be fed. I
don't mind work.... So she didn't say anything? The Lord be
thanked!... Oh, Theodore Ivánitch, have you one spoon or
two?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. One. Only one!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Reads newspaper.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> JACOB.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Bell rings. Enter</i> GREGORY <i>carrying a
tray and the</i> DOORKEEPER.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doorkeeper</i> (<i>to</i> GREGORY). Tell the
master some peasants have come from the village.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>pointing to</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH). Tell the major-domo here, it's his business. I
have no time.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Where are these peasants
from?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doorkeeper</i>. From Koursk, I think.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. (<i>shrieks with delight</i>).
It's them.... It's Simon's father come about the land! I'll go and
meet them!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs off.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doorkeeper</i>. Well, then what shall I say to
them? Shall they come in here? They say they've come about the
land—the master knows, they say.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Yes, they want to
purchase some land. All right! But he has a visitor now, so you had
better tell them to wait.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doorkeeper</i>. Where shall they wait?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Let them wait
outside. I'll send for them when the time comes.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> DOORKEEPER.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> TÁNYA, followed by three
PEASANTS.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. To the right. In here! In
here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. I did not want
them brought in here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Forward minx!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Oh, Theodore Ivánitch,
it won't matter, they'll stand in this corner.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. They'll dirty the
floor.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. They've scraped their shoes,
and I'll wipe the floor up afterwards. (<i>To</i> PEASANTS.) Here,
stand just here.</p>
<p class="indent">[PEASANTS <i>come forward, carrying presents tied
in cotton handkerchiefs: cake, eggs and embroidered towels. They
look around for an icón before which to cross themselves;
not finding one, they cross themselves, looking at the
staircase.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>to</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH). There now, Theodore Ivánitch, they say
Pironnet's boots are an elegant shape. But those there are ever so
much better.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pointing to the third</i> PEASANT'S <i>bast
shoes.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Why will you
always be ridiculing people?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> GREGORY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>rises and goes
up to the</i> PEASANTS). So you are from Koursk? And have come to
arrange about buying some land?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Just so. We might say, it is
for the completion of the purchase of the land we have come. How
could we announce ourselves to the master?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Yes, yes, I know.
You wait a bit and I'll go and inform him.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> PEASANTS <i>look around; they are
embarrassed where to put their presents.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. There now, couldn't we have
what d'you call it? Something to present these here things on? To
do it in a genteel way, like,—a little dish or something.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. All right, directly; put them
down here for the present.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Puts bundles on settle.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. There now,—that
respectable gentleman that was here just now,—what might be
his station?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. He's the master's valet.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. I see. So he's also in
service. And you, now, are you a servant too?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I am lady's-maid. Do you know,
I also come from Démen! I know you, and you, but I don't
know him.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pointing to third</i> PEASANT.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Them two you know, but me you
don't know?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. You are Efím
Antónitch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. And you are Simon's father,
Zachary Trifánitch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Right!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. And let me tell you, I'm
Mitry Vlásitch Tchilikin. Now do you know?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Now I shall know you too!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. And who may you be?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I am Aksínya's, the
soldier's wife's, orphan.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First and Third Peasants</i> (<i>with
surprise</i>). Never!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. The proverb says true: "Buy
a penny pig, put it in the rye, And you'll have a wonderful fat
porker by-and-by."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it! She's got the
resemblance of a duchess!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. That be so truly. Oh
Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>off the
scene, rings, and then shouts</i>). Gregory! Gregory!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Now who's that, for example,
disturbing himself in such a way, if I may say so?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. That's the young master.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh Lord! Didn't I say we'd
better wait outside until the time comes?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Is it you, Simon wants to
marry?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Why, has he been writing?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Hides her face in her apron.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. It's evident he's written!
But it's a bad business he's imagined here. I see the lad's got
spoilt!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>quickly</i>). No, he's not
at all spoilt! Shall I send him to you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Why send him? All in good
time. Where's the hurry?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>
(<i>desperately, behind scene</i>). Gregory! Where the devil are
you?...</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enters from his room in shirt-sleeves,
adjusting his pince-nez.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Is every
one dead?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. He's not here, sir.... I'll
send him to you at once.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Moves towards the back door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. I could
hear you talking, you know. How have these scarecrows sprung up
here? Eh? What?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. They're peasants from the
Koursk village, sir.</p>
<p class="indent">[PEASANTS <i>bow.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. And who is
this? Oh yes, from Bourdier.</p>
<p class="indent">[VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH <i>pays no
attention to the</i> PEASANTS' <i>bow.</i> TÁNYA
<i>meets</i> GREGORY <i>at the doorway and remains on the
scene.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>to</i>
GREGORY). I told you the other boots.... I can't wear these!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Well, the others are also
there.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. But where
is <i>there</i>?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Just in the same place!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. They're
not!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Well, come and see.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt</i> GREGORY <i>and</i> VASÍLY
LEONÍDITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Say, now, might we not in the
meantime just go and wait, say, in some lodging-house or
somewhere?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. No, no, wait a little. I'll go
and bring you some plates to put the presents on.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> SAHÁTOF <i>and</i>
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH, followed by THEODORE
IVÁNITCH.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> PEASANTS <i>take up the presents, and
pose themselves.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>to</i>
PEASANTS). Presently, presently! Wait a bit! (<i>Points to</i>
PORTER.) Who is this?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i>. From Bourdey's.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Ah, from
Bourdier.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>smiling</i>). Well, I
don't deny it: still you understand that, never having seen it, we,
the uninitiated, have some difficulty in believing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. You say you
find it difficult to believe! We do not ask for faith; all we
demand of you is to investigate! How can I help believing in this
ring? Yet this ring came from there!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. From <i>there?</i> What do
you mean? From where?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. From the
other world. Yes!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>smiling</i>). That's very
interesting—very interesting!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well,
supposing we admit that I'm a man carried away by an idea, as you
think, and that I am deluding myself. Well, but what of
Alexéy Vladímiritch Krougosvétlof—he is
not just an ordinary man, but a distinguished professor, and yet he
admits it to be a fact. And not he alone. What of Crookes? What of
Wallace?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. But I don't deny anything. I
only say it is very interesting. It would be interesting to know
how Krougosvétlof explains it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. He has a
theory of his own. Could you come to-night?—he is sure to be
here. First we shall have Grossman—you know, the famous
thought-reader?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Yes, I have heard of him but
have never happened to meet him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Then you
must come! We shall first have Grossman, then Kaptchítch,
and our mediumistic séance.... (<i>To</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH.) Has the man returned from Kaptchítch?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Not yet, sir.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Then how am I to know?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Never mind,
come in any case! If Kaptchitch can't come we shall find our own
medium. Márya Ignátievna is a medium—not such a
good one as Kaptchítch, but still....</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>enters with plates for the
presents, and stands listening.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>smiling</i>). Oh, yes,
yes. But here is one puzzling point:—how is it that the
mediums are always of the, so-called, educated class, such as
Kaptchítch and Márya Ignátievna? If there were
such a special force, would it not be met with also among the
common people—the peasants?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Oh yes, and
it is! That is very common. Even here in our own house we have a
peasant whom we discovered to be a medium. A few days ago we called
him in—a sofa had to be moved, during a
séance—and we forgot all about him. In all probability
he fell asleep. And, fancy, after our séance was over and
Kaptchítch had come to again, we suddenly noticed
mediumistic phenomena in another part of the room, near the
peasant: the table gave a jerk and moved!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>aside</i>). That was when I
was getting out from under it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. It is quite
evident he also is a medium. Especially as he is very like Home in
appearance. You remember Home—a fair-haired naïf sort of
fellow?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>shrugging his
shoulders</i>). Dear me, this is very interesting, you know. I
think you should try him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. So we will!
And he is not alone; there are thousands of mediums, only we do not
know them. Why, only a short time ago a bedridden old woman moved a
brick wall!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Moved a brick ... a brick
wall?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes, yes.
She was lying in bed, and did not even know she was a medium. She
just leant her arm against the wall, and the wall moved!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. And did not cave in?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. And did not
cave in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Very strange! Well, then,
I'll come this evening.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Pray, do.
We shall have a séance in any case.</p>
<p class="indent">[SAHATOF <i>puts on his outdoor things;</i>
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>sees him to the door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i> (<i>to</i> TÁNYA). Do tell
your mistress! Am I to spend the night here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Wait a little; she's going to
drive out with the young lady, so she'll soon be coming
downstairs.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>comes up
to the</i> PEASANTS, who bow and offer him their presents). That's
not necessary!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i> (<i>smiling</i>). Oh, but
this-here is our first duty, it is! It's also the Commune's orders
that we should do it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. That's always been the
proper way.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Say no more about it! 'Cause
as we are much satisfied.... As our parents, let's say, served,
let's say, your parents, so we would like the same with all our
hearts ... and not just anyhow!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Bows.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. But what is
it about? What do you want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. It's to your honor we've
come....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> PETRÍSTCHEF <i>briskly, in
fur-lined overcoat.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Is Vasíly
Leoníditch awake yet?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Seeing</i> LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH,
<i>bows, moving only his head.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. You have
come to see my son?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. I? Yes, just to see Vovo
for a moment.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Step in,
step in.</p>
<p class="indent">[PETRÍSTCHEF <i>takes off his overcoat and
walks in briskly. Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>to</i>
PEASANTS). Well, what is it you want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Please accept our
presents!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i> (<i>smiling</i>). That's to
say, the peasants' offerings.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Say no more about it; what's
the good? We wish you the same as if you were our own father! Say
no more about it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. All right.
Here, Theodore, take these.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>to</i>
PEASANTS). Give them here.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes the presents.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well, what
is the business?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. We've come to your
honor....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. I see you
have; but what do you want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. It's about making a move
towards completing the sale of the land. It comes to this....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Do you mean
to buy the land?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. It comes to
this.... I mean the buying of the property of the land. The Commune
has given us, let's say, the power of atturning, to enter, let's
say, as is lawful, through the Government bank, with a stamp for
the lawful amount.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. You mean
that you want to buy the land through the land-bank.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. Just as you
offered it to us last year. It comes to this, then, the whole sum
in full for the buying of the property of the land is 32,864
roubles.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. That's all
right, but how about paying up?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. As to the payment, the
Commune offers just as it was said last year—to pay in
'stalments, and your receipt of the ready money by lawful
regulations, 4000 roubles in <a name="f2-r">full.</a>
<sup><a href="#f2">2</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Take 4000 now, and wait for
the rest of the money.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i> (<i>unwrapping a parcel of
money</i>). And about this be quite easy. We should pawn our own
selves rather than do such a thing just anyhow say, but in this
way, let's say, as it ought to be done.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. But did I
not write and tell you that I should not agree to it unless you
brought the whole sum?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. It would be
more agreeable, but it is not in our possibilities, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well then,
the thing can't be done!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. The Commune, for example,
relied its hopes on that, that you made the offer last year to sell
it in easy 'stalments....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. That was
last year. I would have agreed to it then, but now I can't.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. But how's that? We've been
depending on your promise—we've got the papers ready and have
collected the money!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Be merciful, master! We're
short of land; we'll say nothing about cattle, but even a hen,
let's say, we've no room to keep. (<i>Bows</i>.) Don't wrong us,
master!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Bows.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Of course
it's quite true, that I agreed last year to let you have the land
for payment by instalments, but now circumstances are such that it
would be inconvenient.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Without this land we cannot
live!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. Without land
our lives must grow weaker and come to a decline.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i> (<i>bowing</i>). Master, we
have so little land, let's not talk about the cattle, but even a
chicken, let's say, we've no room for. Master, be merciful, accept
the money, master!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>
(<i>examining the document</i>). I quite understand, and should
like to help you. Wait a little; I will give you an answer in
half-an-hour.... Theodore, say I am engaged and am not to be
disturbed.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Yes, sir.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> LEONÍD FYODORITCH.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> PEASANTS <i>look dejected.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Here's a go! "Give me the
whole sum," he says. And where are we to get it from?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. If he had not given us hopes,
for example. As it is we felt quite insured it would be as was said
last year.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh, Lord! and I had begun
unwrapping the money. (<i>Begins wrapping up the bundle of
bank-notes again</i>.) What are we to do now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. What is your
business, then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Our business, respected sir,
depends in this. Last year he made us the offer of our buying the
land in 'stalments. The Commune entered upon these terms and gave
us the powers of atturning, and now d'you see he makes the offering
that we should pay the whole in full! And as it turns out, the
business is no ways convenient for us.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. What is the whole
sum?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. The whole sum in readiness is
4000 roubles, you see.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Well, what of
that? Make an effort and collect more.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Such as it is, it was
collected with much effort. We have, so to say, in this sense, not
got ammunition enough.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. You can't get blood out of a
stone.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. We'd be glad with all our
hearts, but we have swept even this together, as you might say,
with a broom.</p>
<p class="indent">[VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH <i>and</i>
PETRÍSTCHEF <i>appear in the doorway both smoking
cigarettes.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. I have told
you already I'll do my best, so, of course, I will do all that is
possible! Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. You must just understand
that if you do not get it, the devil only knows what a mess we
shall be in!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. But I've
already said I'll do my best, and so I will. Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Nothing. I only say, get
some at any cost; I will wait.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit into</i> VASÍLY
LEONÍDITCH'S <i>room, closing door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>waving
his arm</i>). It's a deuce of a go!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> PEASANTS <i>bow.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>looking
at</i> PORTER, <i>to</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH). Why don't you
attend to this fellow from Bourdier? He hasn't come to take
lodgings with us, has he? Just look, he is asleep! Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. The note he
brought has been sent in, and he has been told to wait until Anna
Pávlovna comes down.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>looks
at</i> PEASANTS <i>and notices the money</i>). And what is this?
Money? For whom? Is it for us? (<i>To</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH.) Who are they?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. They are peasants
from Koursk. They are buying land.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Has it been sold
them?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. No, they have not
yet come to any agreement. They are too stingy?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Eh? Well,
we must try and persuade them. (<i>To the</i> PEASANTS.) Here, I
say, are you buying land? Eh?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. We have made
an offering as how we should like to acquire the possession of the
land.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Then you
should not be so stingy, you know. Just let me tell you how
necessary land is to peasants! Eh, what? It's very necessary, isn't
it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. The land
appears as the very first and foremost necessity to a peasant.
That's just it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Then why be
so stingy? Just you think what land is! Why, one can sow wheat on
it in rows! I tell you, you could get eighty bushels of wheat, at a
rouble and a half a bushel—that would be 120 roubles. Eh,
what? Or else mint! I tell you, you could collar 400 roubles off an
acre by sowing mint!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. All sorts of
products one could put into action if one had the right
understanding.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Mint!
Decidedly mint! I have learnt about it, you know. It's all printed
in books. I can show them you. Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it, all concerns
are clearer to you through your books. That's learnedness, of
course.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Then pay up
and don't be stingy! (<i>To</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH.) Where's
papa?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. He gave orders not
to be disturbed just now.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Oh, I
suppose he's consulting a spirit whether to sell the land or not?
Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. I can't say. All I
know is that be went away undecided about it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. What d'you
think, Theodore Ivánitch, is he flush of cash? Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. I don't know. I
hardly think so. But what does it matter to you? You drew a good
sum not more than a week ago.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. But didn't
I pay for those dogs? And now, you know, there's our new Society,
and Petrístchef has been chosen, and I had borrowed money
from Petrístchef and must pay the subscription both for him
and for myself. Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. And what is this
new Society? A Cycling Club?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. No. Just
let me tell you. It is quite a new Society. It is a very serious
Society, you know. And who do you think is President? Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. What's the object
of this new Society?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. It is a
"Society to Promote the Breeding of Pure-Bred Russian Hounds." Eh,
what? And I'll tell you, they're having the first meeting and a
lunch, to-day. And I've no money. I'll go to him and have a
try!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit through study door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i> (<i>to</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH). And who might he be, respected sir?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>smiles</i>).
The young master.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. The heir, so to say. Oh,
Lord! (<i>Puts away the money</i>.) I'd better hide it
meanwhile.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. And we were told he was in
military service, in the cav'rely, for example.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. No, as an only son
he is exempt from military service.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Left for to keep his parents,
so to say! That's right!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i> (<i>shaking his head</i>).
He's the right sort. He'll feed them finely!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh, Lord!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH,
followed by LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. That's
always the way. It's really surprising! First I'm asked why I have
no occupation, and now when I have found a field and am occupied,
when a Society with serious and noble aims has been founded, I
can't even have 300 roubles to go on with!...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. I tell you
I can't do it, and I can't! I haven't got it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Why, you
have just sold some land.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. In the
first place I have not sold it! And above all, do leave me in
peace! Weren't you told I was engaged?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit, slamming door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. I told you this
was not the right moment.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Well, I
say! Here's a position to be in! I'll go and see mamma—that's
my only hope. He's going crazy over his spiritualism and forgets
everything else.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes upstairs.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>takes newspaper and
is just going to sit down, when</i> BETSY <i>and</i> MÁRYA
KONSTANTÍNOVNA, followed by GREGORY, <i>come down the
stairs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Is the carriage ready?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Just coming to the door.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>to</i> MÁRYA
KONSTANTÍNOVNA). Come along, come along, I know it is
he.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. Which
he?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. You know very well whom I
mean—Petrístchef, of course.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. But
where is he?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Sitting in Vovo's room. You'll
see!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. And
suppose it is not he?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> PEASANTS <i>and</i> PORTER
<i>bow.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>to</i> PORTER). You brought a
dress from Bourdier's?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i>. Yes, Miss. May I go?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Well, I don't know. Ask my
mother.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i>. I don't know whose it is, Miss; I
was ordered to bring it here and receive the money.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Well, then, wait.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. Is it
still that costume for the charade?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Yes, a charming costume. But mamma
won't take it or pay for it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. But why
not?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. You'd better ask mamma. She doesn't
grudge Vovo 500 roubles for his dogs, but 100 is too much for a
dress. I can't act dressed like a scarecrow. (<i>Pointing to</i>
PEASANTS.) And who are these?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Peasants who have come to buy some
land or other.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. And I thought they were the beaters.
Are you not beaters?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. No, no, lady. We have come to
see Leoníd Fyódoritch about the signing into our
possession of the title-deeds to some land.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Then how is it? Vovo was expecting
some beaters who were to come to-day. Are you sure you are not the
beaters? (<i>The</i> PEASANTS <i>are silent</i>.) How stupid they
are! (<i>Goes to</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH'S
<i>door</i>.) Vovo?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. But we
met him just now upstairs!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Why need you remember that? Vovo, are
you there?</p>
<p class="indent">[PETRÍSTCHEF <i>enters.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Vovo is not here, but I
am prepared to fulfil on his behalf anything that may be required.
How do you do? How do you do, Márya
Konstantínovna?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Shakes hands long and violently with</i>
BETSY, <i>and then with</i> MÁRYA KONSTANTÍNOVNA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. See, it's as if he were
pumping water!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. You can't replace him,—still
you're better than nobody. (<i>Laughs</i>.) What are these affairs
of yours with Vovo?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. What affairs? Our
affairs are fie-nancial that is, our business is fie! It's also
nancial, and besides it is financial.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. What does nancial mean?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. What a question! It
means nothing, that's just the point.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. No, no, you have missed fire.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. One can't always hit the
mark, you know. It's something like a lottery. Blanks and blanks
again, and at last you win!</p>
<p class="indent">[THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>goes into the
study.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Well, this was blank then; but tell
me, were you at the Mergásofs' last night?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Not exactly at the
<i>Mère</i> Gásof's, but rather at the
<i>Père</i> Gásof's, or better still, at the
<i>Fils</i> Gásof's.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. You can't do without puns. It's an
illness. And were the <a name="f3-r">Gypsies there?</a>
<sup><a href="#f3">3</a></sup></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i> (<i>sings</i>). "On their
aprons silken threads, little birds with golden heads!"....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Happy mortals! And we were yawning at
Fofo's.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i> (<i>continues to
sing</i>). "And she promised and she swore, she would ope' her ...
her ... her...." how does it go on, Márya
Konstantínovna?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. "Closet
door."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. How? What? How,
Márya Konstantínovna?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. <i>Cessez, vous devenez
<a name="f4-r">impossible!</a></i>
<sup><a href="#f4">4</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. <i>J'ai cessé,
j'ai bébé, <a name="f5-r">j'ai
dédé....</a></i><sup><a href="#f5">5</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. I see the only way to rid ourselves
of your wit is to make you sing! Let us go into Vovo's room, his
guitar is there. Come, Márya Konstantínovna,
come!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt</i> BETSY, MÁRYA
KONSTANTÍNOVNA, <i>and</i> PETRÍSTCHEF.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Who be they?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. One is our young lady, the other is
a girl who teaches her music.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Administrates learning, so to
say. And ain't she smart? A reg'lar picture!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Why don't they marry her?
She is old enough, I should say.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Do you think it's the same as among
you peasants,—marry at fifteen?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. And that man, for example, is
he also in the musitional line?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>mimicking him</i>).
"Musitional," indeed! You don't understand anything!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant.</i> That's just so. And
stupidity, one might say, is our ignorance.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant.</i> Oh, Lord!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Gypsy songs and guitar accompaniment are
heard from</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH'S <i>room.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> SIMON, <i>followed by</i>
TÁNYA, <i>who watches the meeting between father and
son.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>to</i> SIMON). What do you
want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. I have been to Mr.
Kaptchítch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Well, and what's the answer?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. He sent word he couldn't possibly
come to-night.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. All right, I'll let them know.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i> (<i>to his father</i>). How d'you do,
father! My respects to Daddy Efím and Daddy Mítry!
How are all at home?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Very well, Simon.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. How d'you do, lad?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. How d'you do, sonny?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i> (<i>smiles</i>). Well, come along,
father, and have some tea.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Wait till we've finished our
business. Don't you see we are not ready yet?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Well, I'll wait for you by the
porch.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Wishes to go away.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>running after him</i>). I
say, why didn't you tell him anything?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. How could I before all those people?
Give me time, I'll tell him over our tea.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>enters and sits down
by the window.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Respected sir, how's our
business proceeding?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Wait a bit, he'll
be out presently, he's just finishing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>to</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH). And how do you know, Theodore Ivánitch, he
is finishing?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. I know that when
he has finished questioning, he reads the question and answer
aloud.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Can one really talk with
spirits by means of a saucer?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. It seems so.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. But supposing they tell him to
sign, will he sign?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Of course he
will.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. But they do not speak with
words?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Oh, yes. By means
of the alphabet. He notices at which letter the saucer stops.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, but at a si-ance?....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> LEONÍD
FYÓDORITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well,
friends, I can't do it! I should be very glad to, but it is quite
impossible. If it were for ready money it would be a different
matter.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just so. What more
could any one desire? But the people are so inpennycuous—it
is quite impossible!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well, I
can't do it, I really can't. Here is your document; I can't sign
it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Show some pity, master; be
merciful!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. How can you act so? It is
doing us a wrong.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Nothing
wrong about it, friends. I offered it you in summer, but then you
did not agree; and now I can't agree to it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Master, be merciful! How are
we to get along? We have so little land. We'll say nothing about
the cattle; a hen, let's say, there's no room to let a hen run
about.</p>
<p class="indent">[LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>goes up to
the door and stops. Enter, descending the staircase,</i> ANNA
PÁVLOVNA <i>and</i> DOCTOR, <i>followed by</i> VASÍLY
LEONÍDITCH, <i>who is in a merry and playful mood and is
putting some bank-notes into his purse.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>tightly laced, and
wearing a bonnet</i>). Then I am to take it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. If the symptoms recur you must
certainly take it, but above all, you must behave better. How can
you expect thick syrup to pass through a thin little hair tube,
especially when we squeeze the tube? It's impossible; and so it is
with the biliary duct. It's simple enough.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. All right, all
right!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Yes. "All right, all right," and you
go on in the same old way. It won't do, madam—it won't do.
Well, good-bye!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. No, not good-bye, only
<i>au revoir!</i> For I still expect you to-night. I shall not be
able to make up my mind without you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. All right, if I have time I'll pop
in.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>noticing the</i>
PEASANTS). What's this? What? What people are these?</p>
<p class="indent">[PEASANTS <i>bow.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. These are peasants
from Koursk, come to see Leoníd Fyódoritch about the
sale of some land.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. I see they are
peasants, but who let them in?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>.
Leoníd Fyódoritch gave the order. He has just been
speaking to them about the sale of the land.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. What sale? There is no
need to sell any. But above all, how can one let in people from the
street into the house? One can't let people in from the street! One
can't let people into the house who have spent the night heaven
knows where!... (<i>Getting more and more excited</i>.) I daresay
every fold of their clothes is full of microbes—of
scarlet-fever microbes, of smallpox microbes, of diphtheria
microbes! Why, they are from Koursk Government, where there is an
epidemic of diphtheria ... Doctor! Doctor! Call the doctor
back!</p>
<p class="indent">[LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>goes into his
room and shuts the door.</i> GREGORY <i>goes to recall the</i>
DOCTOR.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>smokes
at the</i> PEASANTS). Never mind, mamma; if you like I'll fumigate
them so that all the microbes will go to pot! Eh, what?</p>
<p class="indent">[ANNA PÁVLOVNA <i>remains severely silent,
awaiting the</i> DOCTOR'S <i>return.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>to</i>
PEASANTS). And do you fatten pigs? There's a first-rate
business!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just so. We do go in
for the pig-fattening line now and then.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. This
kind?...</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Grunts like a pig.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Vovo, Vovo, leave
off!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Isn't it
like? Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just so. It's very
resemblant.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Vovo, leave off, I
tell you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. What's it all about?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. I said, we'd better go to
some lodging meanwhile!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> DOCTOR <i>and</i> GREGORY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. What's the matter? What's
happened?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Why, you're always
saying I must not get excited. Now, how is it possible to keep
calm? I do not see my own sister for two months, and am careful
about any doubtful visitor—and here are people from Koursk,
straight from Koursk, where there is an epidemic of diphtheria,
right in my house!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. These good fellows you mean, I
suppose?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Of course. Straight
from a diphtheric place!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Well, of course, if they come from
an infected place it is rash; but still there is no reason to
excite yourself so much about it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. But don't you yourself
advise carefulness?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Of course, of course. Still, why
excite yourself?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. How can I help it? Now
we shall have to have the house completely disinfected.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Oh, no! Why completely? That would
cost 300 roubles or more. I'll arrange it cheaply and well for you.
Take, to a large bottle of water....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Boiled?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. It's all the same. Boiled would be
better. To one bottle of water take a tablespoon of salicylic acid,
and have everything they have come in contact with washed with the
solution. As to the fellows themselves, they must be off, of
course. That's all. Then you're quite safe. And it would do no harm
to sprinkle some of the same solution through a spray—two or
three tumblers—you'll see how well it will act. No danger
whatever.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Tánya! Where is
Tánya?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> TÁNYA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Did you call, M'm?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. You know that big
bottle in my dressing-room?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Out of which we sprinkled the
laundress yesterday?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Well, of course! What
other bottle could I mean? Well, then, take that bottle and first
wash with soap the place where they have been standing, and then
with....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, M'm; I know how.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. And then take the
spray.... However, I had better do that myself when I get back.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Well, then, do so, and don't be
afraid! Well, <i>au revoir</i> till this evening.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. And they must be off!
Not a trace of them must remain! Get out, get out! Go—what
are you looking at?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just so. It's because
of our stupidity, as we were instructed....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>pushes the</i> PEASANTS
<i>out</i>). There, there; be off!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Let me have my handkerchief
back!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The handkerchief in which the presents were
wrapped.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh, Lord, oh, Lord! didn't I
say—some lodging-house meanwhile!</p>
<p class="indent">[GREGORY <i>pushes him out. Exeunt</i>
PEASANTS.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i> (<i>who has repeatedly tried to say
something</i>).—Will there be any answer?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Ah, from Bourdier?
(<i>Excitedly</i>.) None! None! You can take it back. I told her I
never ordered such a costume, and I will not allow my daughter to
wear it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i>. I know nothing about it. I was
sent....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Go, go, take it back!
I will call myself about it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>
(<i>solemnly</i>). Sir Messenger from Bourdier, depart!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Porter</i>. I might have been told that long
ago. I have sat here nearly five hours!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Ambassador
from Bourdier, begone!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Cease, please!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> PORTER.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Betsy! Where is she? I
always have to wait for her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>shouting
at the top of his voice</i>). Betsy! Petrístchef! Come
quick, quick, quick! Eh? What?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> PETRÍSTCHEF, BETSY,
<i>and</i> MÁRYA KONSTANTÍNOVNA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. You always keep one
waiting!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. On the contrary, I was waiting for
you!</p>
<p class="indent">[PETRÍSTCHEF <i>bows with his head only,
then kisses</i> ANNA PÁVLOVNA'S <i>hand.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. How d'you do!
(<i>To</i> BETSY.) You always have an answer ready!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. If you are upset, mamma, I had better
not go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Are we going or
not?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Well, let us go; it can't be
helped.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Did you see the man
from Bourdier?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Yes, and I was very glad. I ordered
the costume, and am going to wear it when it is paid for.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. I am not going to pay
for a costume that is indecent!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Why has it become indecent? First it
was decent, and now you have a fit of prudery.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Not prudery at all! If
the bodice were completely altered, then it would do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Mamma, that is quite impossible.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Well, get dressed.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>They sit down.</i> GREGORY <i>puts on their
over-shoes for them.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>.
Márya Konstantínovna, do you notice a vacuum in the
hall?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. What is
it?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs in anticipation.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Bourdier's
man has gone! Eh, what? Good, eh?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs loudly.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Well, let us go.
(<i>Goes out of the door, but returns at once</i>.)
Tánya!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, M'm?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Don't let Frisk catch
cold while I am away. If she wants to be let out, put on her little
yellow cloak. She is not quite well to-day.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, M'm.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt</i> ANNA PÁVLOVNA, BETSY,
<i>and</i> GREGORY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Well, have you got
it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Not without
trouble, I can tell you! First I rushed at the gov'nor; he began to
bellow and turned me out. Off to the mater—I got it out of
her. It's here! (<i>Slaps his breast pocket</i>.) If once I make up
my mind, there's no getting away from me. I have a deadly grip! Eh,
what? And d'you know, my wolf-hounds are coming to-day.</p>
<p class="indent">[PETRÍSTCHEF <i>and</i> VASÍLY
LEONÍDITCH <i>put on their outdoor things and go out.</i>
TÁNYA <i>follows.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>alone</i>).
Yes, nothing but unpleasantness. How is it they can't live in
peace? But one must say the new generation are not—the thing.
And as to the women's dominion!... Why, Leoníd
Fyódoritch just now was going to put in a word, but seeing
what a frenzy she was in—slammed the door behind him. He is a
wonderfully kind-hearted man. Yes, wonderfully kind. What's this?
Here's Tánya bringing them back again!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Come in, come in, grand-dads,
never mind!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> TÁNYA <i>and the</i>
PEASANTS.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Why have you
brought them back?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, Theodore
Ivánitch, we must do something about their business. I shall
have to wash the place anyhow.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. But the business
will not come off, I see that already.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. How could we best put our
affair into action, respected sir? Your reverence might take a
little trouble over it, and we should give you full thankings from
the Commune for your trouble.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Do try, honey! We can't live!
We have so little land. Talk of cattle—why, we have no room
to keep a hen!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>They bow.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. I am sorry for
you, friends, but I can't think of any way to help you. I
understand your case very well, but he has refused. So what can one
do? Besides, the lady is also against it. Well, give me your
papers—I'll try and see what I can do, but I hardly hope to
succeed.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>and the three</i> PEASANTS
<i>sigh.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. But tell me, grand-dads, what
is it that is wanted?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Why, only that he should put
his signature to our document.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. That the master should sign?
Is that all?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Yes, only lay his signature
on the deed and take the money, and there would be an end of the
matter.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. He only has to write and
sign, as the peasants, let's say, desire, so, let's say, I also
desire. That's the whole affair—if he'd only take it and sign
it, it's all done.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>considering</i>). He need
only sign the paper and it's done?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just so. The whole
matter is in dependence on that, and nothing else. Let him sign,
and we ask no more.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Just wait and see what
Theodore Ivánitch will say. If he cannot persuade the
master, I'll try something.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Get round him, will you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I'll try.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Ay, the lass is going to
bestir herself. Only get the thing settled, and the Commune will
bind itself to keep you all your life. See there, now!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. If the affair can be put into
action, truly we might put her in a gold frame.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. That goes without
saying!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I can't promise for certain,
but as the saying is: "An attempt is no sin, if you try...."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. "You may win." That's just
so.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. No, friends, it's
no go! He has not done it, and he won't do it. Here, take your
document. You may go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i> (<i>gives</i> TÁNYA
<i>the paper</i>). Then it's on you we pin all our reliance, for
example.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, yes! You go into the
street, and I'll run out to you in a minute and have a word with
you.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt</i> PEASANTS.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Theodore Ivánitch, dear
Theodore Ivánitch, ask the master to come out and speak to
me for a moment. I have something to say to him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. What next?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I must, Theodore
Ivánitch. Ask him, do; there's nothing wrong about it, on my
sacred word.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. But what do you
want with him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. That's a little secret. I will
tell you later on, only ask him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>smiling</i>). I
can't think what you are up to! All right, I'll go and ask him.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I'll do it! Didn't he say
himself that there is that power in Simon? And I know how to
manage. No one found me out that time, and now I'll teach Simon
what to do. If it doesn't succeed it's no great matter. After all
it's not a sin.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH,
<i>followed by</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>
(<i>smiling</i>). Is this the petitioner? Well, what is your
business?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. It's a little secret,
Leoníd Fyódoritch; let me tell it you alone.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. What is it?
Theodore, leave us for a minute.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. As I have grown up and lived
in your house, Leoníd Fyódoritch, and as I am very
grateful to you for everything, I shall open my heart to you as to
a father. Simon, who is living in your house, wants to marry
me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. So that's
it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I open my heart to you as to a
father! I have no one to advise me, being an orphan.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well, and
why not? He seems a nice lad.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, that's true. He would be
all right; there is only one thing I have my doubts about. It's
something about him that I have noticed and can't make out ...
perhaps it is something bad.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. What is it?
Does he drink?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. God forbid! But since I know
that there is such a thing as spiritalism....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Ah, you
know that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> Of course! I understand it very well.
Some, of course, through ignorance, don't understand it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well, what
then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I am very much afraid for
Simon. It does happen to him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. What
happens to him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Something of a kind like
spiritalism. You ask any of the servants. As soon as he gets drowsy
at the table, the table begins to tremble, and creak like that:
<i>tuke,</i> ... <i>tuke!</i> All the servants have heard it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Why, it's
the very thing I was saying to Sergéy Ivánitch this
morning! Yes?...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Or else ... when was it?...
Oh, yes, last Wednesday. We sat down to dinner, and the spoon just
jumps into his hand of itself!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Ah, that is
interesting! Jumps into his hand? When he was drowsing?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. That I didn't notice. I think
he was, though.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes?...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. And that's what I'm afraid of,
and what I wanted to ask you about. May not some harm come of it?
To live one's life together, and him having such a thing in
him!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>
(<i>smiling</i>). No, you need not be afraid, there is nothing bad
in that. It only proves him to be a <i>medium</i>—simply a
medium. I knew him to be a medium before this.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. So that's what it is! And I
was afraid!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. No, there's
nothing to be afraid of. (<i>Aside</i>.) That's capital!
Kaptchítch can't come, so we will test him to-night....
(<i>To</i> TÁNYA.) No, my dear, don't be afraid, he will be
a good husband and ... that is only a kind of special power, and
every one has it, only in some it is weaker and in others
stronger.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Thank you, sir. Now I shan't
think any more about it; but I was so frightened.... What a thing
it is, our want of education!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. No, no,
don't be frightened.... Theodore!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. I am going
out now. Get everything ready for to-night's séance.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. But Mr.
Kaptchítch is not coming.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. That does
not matter. (<i>Puts on overcoat</i>.) We shall have a trial
séance with our own medium.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>goes
out with him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>alone</i>). He believes it!
He believes it! (<i>Shrieks and jumps with joy</i>.) He really
believes it! Isn't it wonderful! (<i>Shrieks</i>.) Now I'll do it,
if only Simon has pluck for it!</p>
<p class="indent">[THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>returns.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Well, have you
told him your secret?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I'll tell you, too, only later
on.... But I have a favor to ask of you, too, Theodore
Ivánitch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Yes? What is
it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>shyly</i>). You have been a
second father to me, and I will open my heart before you as before
God.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Don't beat about
the bush, but come straight to the point.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. The point is ... well, the
point is, that Simon wants to marry me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Is that it? I
thought I noticed....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, why should I hide it? I
am an orphan, and you know yourself how matters are in these town
establishments. Every one comes bothering; there's that Gregory
Miháylitch, for instance, he gives me no peace. And also
that other one ... you know. They think I have no soul, and am only
here for their amusement.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Good girl, that's
right! Well, what then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, Simon wrote to his
father; and he, his father, sees me to-day, and says: "He's
spoilt"—he means his son. Theodore Ivánitch
(<i>bows</i>), take the place of a father to me, speak to the old
man,—to Simon's father! I could take them into the kitchen,
and you might come in and speak to the old man!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>smiling</i>).
Then I am to turn match-maker—am I? Well, I can do that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Theodore Ivánitch,
dearest, be a father to me, and I'll pray for you all my life
long.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. All right, all
right, I'll come later on. Haven't I promised?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes up newspaper.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. You are a second father to
me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. All right, all
right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Then I'll rely on you.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>alone, shaking
his head</i>). A good affectionate girl. To think that so many like
her perish! Get but once into trouble and she'll go from hand to
hand until she sinks into the mire, and can never be found again!
There was that dear little Nataly. She, too, was a good girl,
reared and cared for by a mother. (<i>Takes up paper</i>.) Well,
let's see what tricks Ferdinand is up to in Bulgaria.</p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<h3>ACT II</h3>
<p class="hang"><i>Evening of the same day. The scene represents
the interior of the servants' kitchen. The</i> PEASANTS <i>have
taken off their outer garments and sit drinking tea at the table,
and perspiring.</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>is smoking a cigar
at the other side of the stage. The discharged</i> COOK <i>is lying
on the brick oven, and is unseen during the early part of the
scene.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. My advice is,
don't hinder him! If it's his wish and hers, in Heaven's name, let
him do it. She is a good, honest girl. Never mind her being a bit
dressy; she can't help that, living in town: she is a good girl all
the same.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Well, of course, if it is
his wish, let him! <i>He'll</i> have to live with her, not me. But
she's certainly uncommon spruce. How's one to take her into one's
hut? Why, she'll not let her mother-in-law so much as pat her on
the head.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. That does not
depend on the spruceness, but on character. If her nature is good,
she's sure to be docile and respectful.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Ah, well, we'll have her if
the lad's bent on having her. After all, it's a bad job to live
with one as one don't care for. I'll consult my missus, and then
may Heaven bless them!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Then let's shake
hands on it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Well, it seems it will have
to come off.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Eh, Zachary! fortune's
a-smiling on you! You've come to accomplish a piece of business,
and just see what a duchess of a daughter-in-law you've obtained.
All that's left to be done is to have a drink on it, and then it
will be all in order.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. That's not at all
necessary.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>An awkward silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. I know something
of your way of life, too, you know. I am even thinking of
purchasing a bit of land, building a cottage, and working on the
land myself somewhere; maybe in your neighborhood.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. A very good thing, too.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. When one has
got the money one can get all kinds of pleasure in the country.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Say no more about it! Country
life let's say, is freer in every way, not like the town!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. There now, would
you let me join your Commune if I settled among you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Why not? If you stand drink
for the Elders, they'll accept you soon enough!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. And if you open a
public-house, for example, or an inn, why, you'd have such a life
you'd never need to die! You might live like a king, and no
mistake.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Well, we'll see. I
should certainly like to have a few quiet years in my old age.
Though my life here is good enough, and I should be sorry to leave.
Leoníd Fyódoritch is an exceedingly kind-hearted
man.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. But how about
our business? Is it possible that he is going to leave it without
any termination?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. He'd do it
willingly.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. It seems he's afraid of his
wife.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. It's not that he's
afraid, but they don't hit things off together.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. But you should try, father!
How are we to live else? We've so little land....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. We'll see what
comes of Tánya's attempt. She's taken the business into her
hands now!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i> (<i>takes a sip of tea</i>).
Father, be merciful. We've so little land. A hen, let's say, we've
no room for a hen, let alone the cattle.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. If the business
depended on me.... (<i>To</i> SECOND PEASANT.) Well, friend, so
we've done our bit of match-making! It's agreed then about
Tánya?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. I've given my word, and I'll
not go back on it without a good reason. If only our business
succeeds!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> SERVANTS' COOK, <i>who looks up at
the oven, makes a sign, and then begins to speak animatedly to</i>
THEODORE IVÁNITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Just now Simon was called
upstairs from the front kitchen! The master and that other
bald-headed one who calls up spirits with him, ordered him to sit
down and take the place of Kaptchítch!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. You don't say
so!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Yes, Jacob told
Tánya.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Extraordinary!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> COACHMAN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. What do you
want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Coachman</i> (<i>to</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH). You may just tell them I never agreed to live
with a lot of dogs! Let any one who likes do it, but I will never
agree to live among dogs!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. What dogs?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Coachman</i>. Three dogs have been sent into our
room by Vasíly Leoníditch! They've messed it all
over. They're whining, and if one comes near them they
bite—the devils! They'd tear you to pieces if you didn't
mind. I've a good mind to take a club and smash their legs for
them!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. But when did they
come?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Coachman</i>. Why, to-day, from the Dog Show;
the devil knows what kind they are, but they're an expensive sort.
Are we or the dogs to live in the coachmen's quarters? You just go
and ask!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Yes, that will
never do. I'll go and ask about it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Coachman</i>. They'd better be brought here to
Loukérya.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i> (<i>angrily</i>). People have
to eat here, and you'd like to lock dogs in here! As it is....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Coachman</i>. And I've got the liveries, and the
sledge-covers and the harness there, and they expect things kept
clean! Perhaps the porter's lodge might do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. I must ask
Vasíly Leoníditch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Coachman</i> (<i>angrily</i>). He'd better hang
the brutes round his neck and lug them about with him! But no fear:
he'd rather ride on horseback himself. It's he as spoilt. Beauty
without rhyme or reason. That was a horse!... Oh, dear! what a
life!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit, slamming door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. That's not right!
Certainly not right! (<i>To</i> PEASANTS.) Well, then, it's time we
were saying good-bye, friends.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Peasants</i>. Good-bye!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>As soon as he is gone a sound of groaning is
heard from the top of the oven.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. He's sleek, that one; looks
like a general.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Rather! Why he has a room
all to himself; he gets his washing, his tea and sugar, and food
from the master's table.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i> (<i>on the oven</i>). Why
shouldn't the old beggar live well? He's lined his pockets all
right!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Who's that up there, on the
oven?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Oh, it's only a man.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Well, and you, too, as I
noticed a while since when you were supping, have capital food to
eat.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. We can't complain. She's not
mean about the food. We have wheat bread every Sunday, and fish
when a holiday happens to be a fast-day, too, and those who like
may eat meat.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. And does any one tuck into
flesh on fast-days?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Oh, they nearly all do! Only
the old coachman—not the one who was here just now but the
old one—and Simon, and I and the housekeeper, fast—all
the others eat meat.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. And the master himself?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Catch him! Why, I bet he's
forgotten there is such a thing as fasting!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh, Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's the gentlefolks' way:
they have got it all out of their books. 'Cos of their intelex!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Shouldn't wonder if they feed
on wheat bread every day!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Wheat bread, indeed! Much
they think of wheat bread! You should see what food they eat. No
end of different things!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. In course gentlefolks' food
is of an airial kind.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Airial, of course, but all
the same they're good at stuffing themselves, they are!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Have healthy appekites, so to
say.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. 'Cos they always rinse it
down! All with sweet wines, and spirits, and fizzy liquors. They
have a different one to suit every kind of food. They eat and rinse
it down, and eat and rinse it down, they do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. And so the food's floated
down in proportion, so to say.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Ah, yes, they are good at
stuffing! It's awful! You see, it's not just sitting down, eating,
then saying grace and going away—they're always at it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Like pigs with their feet in
the trough!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Peasants laugh.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. As soon as, by God's grace,
they have opened their eyes, the samovár is brought
in—tea, coffee, chocolate. Hardly is the second
samovár emptied, a third has to be set. Then lunch, then
dinner, then again coffee. They've hardly left off, then comes tea,
and all sorts of tit-bits and sweetmeats—there's never an end
to it! They even lie in bed and eat!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. There now; that's good.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First and Second Peasants</i>. What are you
about?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. If I could only live a single
day like that!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. But when do they do their
work?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Work indeed! What is their
work? Cards and piano—that's all their work. The young lady
used to sit down to the piano as soon as she opened her eyes, and
off she'd go! And that other one who lives here, the teacher,
stands and waits. "When will the piano be free?" When one has
finished, off rattles the other, and sometimes they'd put two
pianos near one another and four of 'em would bust out at once.
Bust out in such a manner, you could hear 'em down here!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh, Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Well, and that's all the
work they do! Piano or cards! As soon as they have met
together—cards, wine, smoking, and so on, all night long. And
as soon as they are up: eating again!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> SIMON.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Hope you're enjoying your tea!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Come and join us.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. (<i>comes up to the table</i>). Thank
you kindly.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>First</i> PEASANT <i>pours out a cup of tea
for him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Where have you been?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Upstairs.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Well, and what was being
done there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Why, I couldn't make it out at all! I
don't know how to explain it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. But what was it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. I can't explain it. They have been
trying some kind of strength in me. I can't make it out.
Tánya says, "Do it, and we'll get the land for our peasants;
he'll sell it them."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. But how is she going to
manage it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. I can't make it out, and she won't
say. She says, "Do as I tell you," and that's all.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. But what is it you have to
do?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Nothing just now. They made me sit
down, put out the lights and told me to sleep. And Tánya had
hidden herself there. They didn't see her, but I did.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Why? What for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. The Lord only knows—I can't
make it out.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Naturally, it is for the
distraction of time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Well, it's clear you and I
can make nothing of it. You had better tell me whether you have
taken all your wages yet.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. No, I've not drawn any. I have
twenty-eight roubles to the good, I think.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. That's all right! Well, if
God grants that we get the land, I'll take you home, Simon.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. With all my heart!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. You've got spoilt, I should
say. You'll not want to plough?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Plough? Only give me the chance!
Plough or mow,—I'm game. Those are things one doesn't
forget.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. But it don't seem very
desirous after town life, for example? Eh!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. It's good enough for me. One can live
in the country, too.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. And Daddy Mítry here
is already on the look-out for your place; he's hankering after a
life of luckshury!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Eh, Daddy Mítry, you'd soon
get sick of it. It seems easy enough when one looks at it, but
there's a lot of running about that takes it out of one.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. You should see one of their
balls, Daddy Mítry, then you would be surprised!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Why, do they eat all the
time?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. My eye! You should have seen
what we had here awhile ago. Theodore Ivánitch took me
upstairs and I peeped in. The ladies—awful! Dressed up!
Dressed up, bless my heart, and all bare down to here, and their
arms bare.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh, Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Faugh! How beastly!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. I take it the climate allows
of that sort of thing!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Well, daddy, so I peeped in.
Dear me, what it was like! All of 'em in their natural skins! Would
you believe it: old women—our mistress, only think, she's a
grandmother, and even she'd gone and bared her shoulders.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh, Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. And what next? The music
strikes up, and each man of 'em went up to his own, catches hold of
her, and off they go twirling round and round!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. The old women, too?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Yes, the old ones, too.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. No, the old ones sit still.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Get along,—I've seen
it myself!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. No, they don't.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i> (<i>in a hoarse voice,
looking down from the oven</i>). That's the Polka-Mazurka. You
fools don't understand what dancing is. The way they dance....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Shut up, you dancer! And
keep quiet—there's some one coming.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> GREGORY<i>; old</i> COOK <i>hides
hurriedly.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>to</i> SERVANTS' COOK). Bring
some sour cabbage.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. I am only just up from the
cellar, and now I must go down again! Who is it for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. For the young ladies. Be quick, and
send it up with Simon. I can't wait!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. There now, they tuck into
sweetmeats till they are full up, and then they crave for sour
cabbage!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's to make a
clearance.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Of course, and as soon as
there is room inside, they begin again!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes basin, and exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i> (<i>at</i> PEASANTS). Look at them,
how they've established themselves down here! Mind, if the mistress
finds it out she'll give it you hot, like she did this morning!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit, laughing.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it, she did raise
a storm that time—awful!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. That time it looked as if
the master was going to step in, but seeing that the missus was
about to blow the very roof off the house, he slams the door. Have
your own way, thinks he.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i> (<i>waving his arm</i>). It's
the same everywhere. My old woman, let's say, she kicks up such a
rumpus sometimes—it's just awful! Then I just get out of the
hut. Let her go to Jericho! She'll give you one with the poker if
you don't mind. Oh, Lord!</p>
<p class="indent">[JACOB <i>enters hurriedly with a
prescription.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Here, Simon, you run to the chemist's
and get these powders for the mistress!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. But master told me not to go out.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. You've plenty of time; your business
won't begin till after their tea. Hope you are enjoying your
tea!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Thanks, come and join us.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> SIMON.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. I haven't time. However, I'll just
have one cup for company's sake.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. And we've just been having a
conversation as to how your mistress carried on so haughty this
morning.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Oh, she's a reg'lar fury! So
hot-tempered, that she gets quite beside herself. Sometimes she
even bursts out crying.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Now, there's a thing I wanted
to ask you about. What, for example, be these mikerots she was
illuding to erewhile? "They've infested the house with mikerots,
with mikerots," she says. What is one to make of these same
mikerots?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Mikerogues, you mean! Well, it seems
there is such a kind of bugs; all illnesses come from them, they
say. So she says there are some of 'em on you. After you were gone,
they washed and washed and sprinkled the place where you had stood.
There's a kind of physic as kills these same bugs, they say.
<i>Second Peasant</i>. Then where have we got these bugs on us?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i> (<i>drinking his tea</i>). Why, they
say they're so small that one can't see 'em even through a
glass.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Then how does she know I've
got 'em on me? Perhaps there's more of that muck on her than on
me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. There now, you go and ask her!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. I believe it's humbug.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Of course it's bosh. The doctors must
invent something, or else what are they paid for? There's one comes
to us every day. Comes,—talks a bit,—and pockets ten
roubles!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Nonsense!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Why, there's one as takes a
hundred!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. A hundred? Humbug!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. A hundred. Humbug, you say? Why, if
he has to go out of town, he'll not do it for less than a thousand!
"Give a thousand," he says, "or else you may kick the bucket for
what I care!"</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh, Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Then does he know some
charm?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. I suppose he must. I served at a
General's outside Moscow once: a cross, terrible proud old fellow
he was—just awful. Well, this General's daughter fell ill.
They send for that doctor at once. "A thousand roubles, then I'll
come." Well, they agreed, and he came. Then they did something or
other he didn't like, and he bawled out at the General and says,
"Is this the way you show your respect for me? Then I'll not attend
her!" And, oh, my! The old General forgot all his pride, and starts
wheedling him in every way not to chuck up the job!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. And he got the thousand?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Of course!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. That's easy got money. What
wouldn't a peasant do with such a sum!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. And I think it's all bosh.
That time my foot was festering I had it doctored ever so long. I
spent nigh on five roubles on it,—then I gave up doctoring,
and it got all right!</p>
<p class="indent">[DISCHARGED COOK <i>on the oven coughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Ah, the old crony is here again!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Who might that man be?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. He used to be our master's cook. He
comes to see Loukérya.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Kitchen-master, as one might
say. Then, does he live here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. No, they won't allow that. He's here
one day, there another. If he's got a copper he goes to a
dosshouse; but when he has drunk all, he comes here.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. How did he come to this?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Simply grew weak. And what a man he
used to be—like a gentleman! Went about with a gold watch;
got forty roubles a month wages. And now look at him! He'd have
starved to death long ago if it hadn't been for
Loukérya.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> SERVANTS' COOK <i>with the sour
cabbage.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i> (<i>to</i> SERVANTS' COOK). I see
you've got Paul Petróvitch here again?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. And where's he to go to? Is
he to go and freeze?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. What liquor does.... Liquor,
let's say....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Clicks his tongue sympathetically.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Of course. A firm man's firm
as a rock; a weak man's weaker than water.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i> (<i>gets off the oven with
trembling hands and legs</i>). Loukérya, I say, give us a
drop!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. What are you up to? I'll
give you such a drop!...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i>. Have you no conscience? I'm
dying! Brothers, a copper....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Get back on the oven, I tell
you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i>. Half a glass only, cook,
for Heaven's sake! I say, do you understand? I ask you in the name
of Heaven, now!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Come along, here's some tea
for you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i>. Tea; what is tea? Weak,
sloppy stuff. A little vódka—just one little drop....
Loukérya!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Poor old soul, what agony it
is!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. You'd better give him
some.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i> (<i>gets out a bottle and
fills a wine-glass</i>). Here you are; you'll get no more.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i> (<i>clutches hold of it and
drinks, trembling all over</i>). Loukérya, Cook! I am
drinking, and you must understand....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Now, then, stop your
chatter! Get on to the oven, and let not a breath of you be
heard!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The old</i> COOK <i>meekly begins to climb
up, muttering something to himself.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. What it is, when a man gives
way to his weakness!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it—human
weakness.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. That goes without saying.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> DISCHARGED COOK <i>settles down,
muttering all the time.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. I want to ask you something:
that girl of Aksínya's as comes from our village and is
living here. How is she? What is she like? How is she
living—I mean, does she live honest?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. She's a nice girl; one can say
nothing but good of her.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. I'll tell you straight,
daddy; I know this here establishment out and out, and if you mean
to have Tánya for your son's wife—be quick about it,
before she comes to grief, or else she'll not escape!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Yes, that's true. A while ago we had
a girl here, Nataly. She was a good girl too. And she was lost
without rhyme or reason. No better than that chap!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pointing to the old</i> COOK.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. There's enough to dam a
mill-pool, with the likes of us, as perish! 'Cos why, every one is
tempted by the easy life and the good food. And see there,—as
soon as one has tasted the good food she goes and slips. And once
she's slipped, they don't want her, but get a fresh one in her
place. So it was with dear little Nataly; she also slipped, and
they turned her out. She had a child and fell ill, and died in the
hospital last spring. And what a girl she used to be!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh, Lord! People are weak;
they ought to be pitied.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i>. Those devils pity? No fear!
(<i>He hangs his legs down from the oven</i>.) I have stood
roasting myself by the kitchen range for thirty years, and now that
I am not wanted, I may go and die like a dog.... Pity
indeed!...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. It's the old
circumstances.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>.</p>
<p class="follow">While they drank and they fed, you were "curly
head."<br>
When they'd finished the prog, 'twas "Get out, mangy dog!"</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i>. Much you know. What is
"Sautey a la Bongmont"? What is "Bavassary"? Oh, the things I could
make! Think of it! The Emperor tasted my work, and now the devils
want me no longer. But I am not going to stand it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Now, then, stop that noise,
mind.... Get up right into the corner, so that no one can see you,
or else Theodore Ivánitch or some one may come in, and both
you and me'll be turned out!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. And do you know my part of the
country? I'm from Voznesénsky.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Not know it? Why, it's no
more'n ten miles from our village; not <i>that</i> across the ford!
Do you cultivate any land there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. My brother does, and I send my wages.
Though I live here, I am dying for a sight of home.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Then Anísim is your
brother?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Own brother. He lives at the farther
end of the village.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Of course, I know; his is
the third house.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> TÁNYA, running.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Jacob, what are you doing,
amusing yourself here? She is calling you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. I'm coming; but what's up?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Frisk is barking; it's hungry.
And she's scolding you. "How cruel he is," she says. "He's no
feeling," she says. "It's long past Frisk's dinner-time, and he has
not brought her food!"</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i> (<i>rises to go</i>). Oh, she's cross?
What's going to happen now, I wonder?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Here, take the cabbage with
you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. All right, give it here.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes basin, and exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Who is going to dine now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Why, the dog! It's her dog.
(<i>Sits down and takes up the tea-pot</i>.) Is there any more tea?
I've brought some.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Puts fresh tea into the tea-pot.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Dinner for a dog?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, of course! They prepare a
special cutlet for her; it must not be too fat. And I do the
washing—the dog's washing, I mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Oh Lord!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. It's like that gentleman who
had a funeral for his dog.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. What's that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Why, some one told me he had a
dog—I mean the gentleman had a dog. And it died. It was
winter, and he went in his sledge to bury that dog. Well, he buried
it, and on the way home he sits and cries—the gentleman does.
Well, there was such a bitter frost that the coachman's nose keeps
running, and he has to keep wiping it. Let me fill your cup!
(<i>Fills it</i>.) So he keeps wiping his nose, and the gentleman
sees it, and says, "What are you crying about?" And the coachman,
he says, "Why, sir, how can I help it; is there another dog like
him?"</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. And I daresay he thinks to
himself, "If your own self was to kick the bucket I'd not cry."</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i> (<i>from up on the
oven</i>). That is true; that's right!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, the gentleman, he gets
home and goes straight to his lady: "What a good-hearted man our
coachman is; he was crying all the way home about poor Dash. Have
him called.... Here, drink this glass of vódka," he says,
"and here's a rouble as a reward for you." That's just like her
saying Jacob has no feelings for her dog!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The</i> PEASANTS <i>laugh.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's the style!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. That was a go!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Aye, lassie, but you've set
us a-laughing!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>pouring out more tea</i>).
Have some more! Yes, it only seems that our life is pleasant; but
sometimes it is very disgusting,—clearing up all their
messes! Faugh! It's better in the country. (PEASANTS <i>turn their
cups upside-down, as a polite sign that they have had enough.</i>
TÁNYA <i>pours out more tea</i>.) Have some more,
Efím Antónitch. I'll fill your cup, Mítry
Vlásitch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. All right, fill it, fill
it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Well, dear, and what
progression is our business making?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. It's getting on....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. Simon told us....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> (<i>quickly</i>). Did he?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. But he could not make us
understand.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I can't tell you now, but I'm
doing my best—all I can! And I've got your paper here!
(<i>Shows the paper hidden under the bib of her apron</i>.) If only
one thing succeeds ... (<i>Shrieks</i>.) Oh, how nice it would
be!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Don't lose that paper, mind.
It has cost money.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Never fear. You only want him
to sign it? Is that all?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Why, what else? Let's say
he's signed it, and it's done! (<i>Turns his cup upside-down</i>.)
I've had enough.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>aside</i>). He'll sign it;
you'll see he will.... Have some more.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Pours out tea.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. If only you get this business
about the sale of the land settled, the Commune would pay your
marriage expenses.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Refuses the tea.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>pouring out tea</i>). Do
have another cup.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant.</i> You get it done, and we'll
arrange your marriage, and I myself, let's say, will dance at the
wedding. Though I've never danced in all my born days, I'll dance
then!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>laughing</i>). All right,
I'll be in hopes of it.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i> (<i>examines</i>
TÁNYA). That's all very well, but you're not fit for peasant
work.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Who? I? Why, don't you think
me strong enough? You should see me lacing up my mistress. There's
many a peasant couldn't tug as hard.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Where do you tug her to?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, there's a thing made
with bone, like—something like a stiff jacket, only up to
here! Well, and I pull the strings just as when you saddle a
horse—when you ... what d'ye call it? You know, when you spit
on your hands!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Tighten the girths, you
mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, yes, that's it. And you
know I mustn't shove against her with my knee.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Why do you pull her in?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. For a reason!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Why, is she doing
penance?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. No, it's for beauty's
sake!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's to say, you pull in
her paunch for appearance' sake.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Sometimes I lace her up so
that her eyes are ready to start from her head, and she says,
"Tighter," till my hands tingle. And you say I'm not strong!</p>
<p class="indent">[PEASANTS <i>laugh and shake their heads.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. But here, I've been
jabbering.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs away, laughing.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Ah, the lassie has made us
laugh!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. She's a tidy one!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. She's not bad.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> SAHÁTOF <i>and</i>
VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH. SAHÁTOF <i>holds a teaspoon
in his hand.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Not exactly
a dinner, but a <i>déjeuner dinatoire</i>. And first-rate it
was, I tell you. Ham of sucking-pig, delicious! Roulier feeds one
splendidly! I've only just returned. (<i>Sees</i> PEASANTS.) Ah,
the peasants are here again!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Yes, yes, that's all very
well, but we came here to hide this article. Where shall we hide
it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Excuse me a
moment. (<i>To</i> SERVANTS' COOK.) Where are the dogs?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. In the coachman's quarters.
You can't keep dogs in the servants' kitchen!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Ah, in the
coachman's quarters? All right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. I am waiting.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Excuse me,
please. Eh, what? Hide it? I'll tell you what. Let's put it into
one of the peasants' pockets. That one. I say, where's your pocket?
Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. What for d'ye want my pocket?
You're a good 'un! My pocket! There's money in my pocket!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Where's
your bag, then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. What for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. What d'you mean? That's the
young master!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i> (<i>laughs.
To</i> SAHÁTOF). D'you know why he's so frightened? Shall I
tell you? He's got a heap of money. Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Yes, yes, I see. Well, you
talk to them a bit, and I'll put it into that bag without being
observed, so that they should not notice and could not point it out
to him. Talk to them.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. All right!
(<i>To</i> PEASANTS.) Well then, old fellows, how about the land?
Are you buying it? Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. We have made an offering, so
to say, with our whole heart. But there,—the business don't
come into action nohow.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. You should
not be so stingy! Land is an important matter! I told you about
planting mint. Or else tobacco would also do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. That's just it. Every kind of
producks.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. And you help us, master. Ask
your father. Or else how are we to live? There's so little land. A
fowl, let's say, there's not enough room for a fowl to run
about.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>having put the spoon into
a bag belonging to the</i> THIRD PEASANT). <i>C'est fait</i>.
Ready. Come along.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. So don't be
stingy! Eh? Well, good-bye.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Didn't I say, come to some
lodging-house? Well, supposing we'd had to give three-pence each,
then at least we'd have been in peace. As to here, the Lord be
merciful! "Give us the money," he says. What's that for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. He's drunk, I daresay.</p>
<p class="indent">[PEASANTS <i>turn their cups upside-down, rise,
and cross themselves.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. And d'you mind what a saying
he threw out? Sowing mint! One must know how to understand them,
that one must!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Sow mint indeed! He'd better
bend his own back at that work, and then it's not mint he'll hanker
after, no fear! Well, many thanks!... And now, good woman, would
you tell us where we could lie down to sleep?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. One of you can lie on the
oven, and the others on these benches.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Christ save you!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Prays, crossing himself.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant</i>. If only by God's help we get
our business settled! (<i>Lies down</i>.) Then to-morrow, after
dinner, we'd be off by the train, and on Tuesday we'd be home
again.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. Are you going to put out the
light?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Put it out? Oh, no! They'll
keep running down here, first for one thing then another.... You
lie down, I'll lower it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. How is one to live, having
so little land? Why, this year, I have had to buy corn since
Christmas. And the oat-straw is all used up. I'd like to get hold
of ten acres, and then I could take Simon back.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. You're a man with a family.
You'd get the land cultivated without trouble. If only the business
comes off.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant</i>. We must pray to the Holy
Virgin, maybe she'll help us out. (<i>Silence, broken by sighs.
Then footsteps and voices are heard outside. The door opens.
Enter</i> GROSSMAN <i>hurriedly, with his eyes bandaged,
holding</i> SAHÁTOF'S <i>hand, and followed by the</i>
PROFESSOR <i>and the</i> DOCTOR, <i>the</i> FAT LADY <i>and</i>
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH, BETSY <i>and</i> PETRÍSTCHEF,
VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH <i>and</i> MÁRYA
KONSTANTÍNOVNA, ANNA PÁVLOVNA <i>and the</i>
BARONESS, THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>and</i> TÁNYA.)</p>
<p class="indent">[PEASANTS <i>jump up.</i> GROSSMAN <i>comes
forward stepping quickly, then stops.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. You need not trouble yourselves; I
have undertaken the task of observing, and am strictly fulfilling
my duty! Mr. Sahátof, are you not leading him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Of course not!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. You must not lead him, but neither
must you resist! (<i>To</i> LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH.) I
know these experiments. I have tried them myself. Sometimes I used
to feel a certain effluence, and as soon as I felt it....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. May I beg
of you to keep perfect silence?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Oh, I understand so well! I have
experienced it myself. As soon as my attention was diverted I could
no longer....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Sh...!</p>
<p class="indent">[GROSSMAN <i>goes about, searches near the</i>
FIRST <i>and</i> SECOND PEASANTS, then approaches the THIRD, and
stumbles over a bench.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Baroness</i>. <i>Mais dites-moi, on le
<a name="f6-r">paye?</a></i> <sup><a href="#f6">6</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. <i>Je ne saurais vous
dire.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Baroness</i>. <i>Mais c'est un monsieur?</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. <i>Oh, oui!</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Baroness</i>. <i>Ça tient du miraculeux.
N'est ce pas? Comment est-ce qu'il trouve?</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. <i>Je ne saurais vous
dire. Mon mari vous l'expliquera.</i> (<i>Noticing</i> PEASANTS,
<i>turns round, and sees the</i> SERVANTS' COOK.) <i>Pardon</i> ...
what is this?</p>
<p class="indent">[BARONESS <i>goes up to the group.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. (<i>to</i> SERVANTS'
COOK). Who let the peasants in?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. Jacob brought them in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Who gave Jacob the
order?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook.</i> I can't say. Theodore
Ivánitch has seen them.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Leoníd!</p>
<p class="indent">[LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>does not
hear, being absorbed in the search, and says, Sh....</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Theodore
Ivánitch! What is the meaning of this? Did you not see me
disinfecting the whole hall, and now the whole kitchen is infected,
all the rye bread, the milk....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch.</i> I thought there
would not be any danger if they came here. The men have come on
business. They have far to go, and are from our village.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> That's the worst of
it! They are from the Koursk village, where people are dying of
diphtheria like flies! But the chief thing is, I ordered them out
of the house!... Did I, or did I not? (<i>Approaches the others
that have gathered round the</i> PEASANTS.) Be careful! Don't touch
them—they are all infected with diphtheria!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>No one heeds her, and she steps aside in a
dignified manner and stands quietly waiting.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i> (<i>sniffs loudly</i>). I don't
know if it is diphtheria, but there is some kind of infection in
the air. Don't you notice it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> Stop your nonsense! Vovo, which bag
is it in?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch.</i> That one,
that one. He is getting near, very near!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef.</i> Is it spirits divine, or
spirits of wine?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> Now your cigarette comes in handy for
once. Smoke closer, closer to me.</p>
<p class="indent">[PETRÍSTCHEF <i>leans over her and smokes at
her.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch.</i> He's
getting near, I tell you. Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i> (<i>searches excitedly round the
T</i>HIRD PEASANT). It is here; I feel it is!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady.</i> Do you feel an effluence?</p>
<p class="indent">[GROSSMAN <i>stoops and finds the spoon in the
bag.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>All.</i> Bravo!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>General enthusiasm.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Ah! So
that's where our spoon was. (<i>To</i> PEASANTS.) Then that's the
sort you are!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. What sort? I didn't take your
spoon! What are you making out? I didn't take it, and my soul knows
nothing about it. I didn't take it—there! Let him do what he
likes. I knew he came here for no good. "Where's your bag?" says
he. I didn't take it, the Lord is my witness! (<i>Crosses
himself</i>.) I didn't take it!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The young people group round the</i> PEASANT,
laughing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>angrily
to his son</i>). Always playing the fool! (<i>To the</i> THIRD
PEASANT.) Never mind, friend! We know you did not take it; it was
only an experiment.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i> (<i>removes bandage from his eyes,
and pretends to be coming to</i>). Can I have a little water?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>All fuss round him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Let's go
straight from here into the coachman's room. I've got a bitch
<a name="f7-r">there—<i>épâtante!</i></a>
<sup><a href="#f7">7</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. What a horrid word! Couldn't you say
dog?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. No. I can't
say—Betsy is a man, <i>épâtante</i>. I should
have to say young woman; it's a parallel case. Eh, what?
Márya Konstantínovna, isn't it true? Good, eh?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughs loudly.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. Well,
let us go.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt</i> MÁRYA
KONSTANTÍNOVNA, BETSY, PETRÍSTCHEF, <i>and</i>
VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>to</i> GROSSMAN). Well? how are
you? Have you rested? (GROSSMAN <i>does not answer. To</i>
SAHÁTOF.) And you, Mr. Sahátof, did you feel the
effluence?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. I felt nothing. Yes, it was
very fine—very fine. Quite a success!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Baroness</i>.—<i>Admirable! Ça ne
le fait pas <a name="f8-r">souffrir?</a></i>
<sup><a href="#f8">8</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. <i>Pas le
moins du monde.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>to</i> GROSSMAN). May I
trouble you? (<i>Hands him a thermometer</i>.) At the beginning of
the experiment it was 37 decimal 2 <a name="f9-r">degrees.</a>
<sup><a href="#f9">9</a></sup> (<i>To</i>
DOCTOR.) That's right, I think? Would you mind feeling his pulse?
Some loss is inevitable.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i> (<i>to</i> GROSSMAN). Now then, sir,
let's have your hand; we'll see, we'll see.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes out his watch and feels</i> GROSSMAN'S
<i>pulse.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>to</i> GROSSMAN). One moment!
The condition you were in could not be called sleep?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i> (<i>wearily</i>). It was
hypnosis.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. In that case, are we to
understand that you hypnotised yourself?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i>. And why not? An hypnotic state may
ensue not only in consequence of association—the sound of the
tom-tom, for instance, in Charcot's method—but by merely
entering an hypnogenetic zone.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Granting that, it would
still be desirable to define what hypnotism is, more exactly?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. Hypnotism is a phenomenon
resulting from the transmutation of one energy into another.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i>. Charcot does not so define it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. A moment, just a moment!
That is your definition, but Liébault told me
himself....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i> (<i>lets go of</i> GROSSMAN'S
<i>pulse</i>). Ah, that's all right; well, now, the
temperature?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>interrupting</i>). No, allow
me! I agree with the Professor. And here's the very best proof.
After my illness, when I lay insensible, a desire to speak came
over me. In general I am of a silent disposition, but then I was
overcome by this desire to speak, and I spoke and spoke, and I was
told that I spoke in such a way that every one was astonished!
(<i>To</i> SAHÁTOF.) But I think I interrupted you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>with dignity</i>). Not at
all. Pray continue.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Pulse 82, and the temperature has
risen three-tenths of a degree.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. There you are! That's a proof!
That's just as it should be. (<i>Takes out pocket-book and
writes</i>.) 82, yes? And 37 and 5. When the hypnotic state is
induced, it invariably produces a heightened action of the
heart.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. I can, as a medical man, bear
witness that your prognosis was justified by the event.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>to SAHÁTOF</i>). You
were saying?...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. I wished to say that
Liébault told me himself that the hypnotic is only one
particular psychical state, increasing susceptibility to
suggestion.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. That is so, but still the law of
equivalents is the chief thing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i>. Moreover, Liébault is far
from being an authority, while Charcot has studied the subject from
all sides, and has proved that hypnotism produced by a blow, a
trauma....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>All talking together—</i></p>
<p class="deep_hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Yes, but I don't reject
Charcot's labor. I know him also, I am only repeating what
Liébault told me...</p>
<p class="deep_hang"><i>Grossman</i> (<i>excitedly</i>). There are
3000 patients <i>together</i> in the Salpêtrière,
and I have gone through the whole course.</p>
<p class="deep_hang"><i>Professor.</i> Excuse me, gentlemen, but
that is not the point.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>interrupting</i>). One moment,
I will explain it to you in two words. When my husband was ill, all
the doctors gave him up....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. However, we
had better go upstairs again. Baroness, this way!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt</i> GROSSMAN, SAHÁTOF,
PROFESSOR, DOCTOR, <i>the</i> FAT LADY, <i>and</i> BARONESS,
<i>talking loudly and interrupting each other.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>catching hold
of</i> LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH'S <i>arm</i>). How often
have I asked you not to interfere in household matters! You think
of nothing but your nonsense, and the whole house is on my
shoulders. You will infect us all!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. What? How?
I don't understand what you mean.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. How? Why, people ill
of diphtheria sleep in the kitchen, which is in constant
communication with the whole house.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes, but
I....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. What, I?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. I know
nothing about it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. It's your duty to
know, if you are the head of the family. Such things must not be
done.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. But I never
thought.... I thought....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. It is sickening to
listen to you!</p>
<p class="indent">[LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>remains
silent.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>to</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH). Turn them out at once! They are to leave my
kitchen immediately! It is terrible! No one listens to me; they do
it out of spite.... I turn them out from there, and they bring them
in here! And with my illness.... (<i>Gets more and more excited,
and at last begins to cry</i>.) Doctor! Doctor! Peter
Petróvitch!... He's gone too!...</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit, sobbing, followed by</i> LEONÍD
FYÓDORITCH.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>All stand silent for a long time.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i>. Botheration take them all! If
one don't mind, the police will be after one here. And I have never
been to law in all my born days. Let's go to some lodging-house,
lads!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. (<i>to</i>
TÁNYA). What are we to do?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Never mind, Theodore
Ivánitch, let them sleep with the coachman.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. How can we do
that? The coachman was complaining as it is, that his place is full
of dogs.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, then, the porter's
lodge.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. And supposing it's
found out?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. It won't be found out! Don't
trouble about that, Theodore Ivánitch. How can one turn them
out now, at night? They'll not find anywhere to go to.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Well, do as you
please. Only they must go away from here.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[PEASANTS <i>take their bags.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Discharged Cook</i>. Oh those damned fiends!
It's all their fat! Fiends!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Servants' Cook</i>. You be quiet there. Thank
goodness they didn't see you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> Well then, daddy, come along
to the porter's lodge.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant.</i> Well, but how about our
business? How, for example, about the applience of his hand to the
signature? May we be in hopes?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> We'll see in an hour's
time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant.</i> You'll do the trick?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>laughs</i>). Yes, God
willing!</p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<h3>ACT III</h3>
<p class="hang"><i>Evening of the same day. The small drawing-room
in</i> LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH'S <i>house, where the
séances are always held.</i> LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH
<i>and the</i> PROFESSOR.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Well then,
shall we risk a séance with our new medium?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> Yes, certainly. He is a powerful
medium, there is no doubt about it. And it is especially desirable
that the séance should take place to-day with the same
people. Grossman will certainly respond to the influence of the
mediumistic energy, and then the connection and identity of the
different phenomena will be still more evident. You will see then
that, if the medium is as strong as he was just now, Grossman will
vibrate.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Then I will
send for Simon and ask those who wish to attend to come in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> Yes, all right! I will just jot
down a few notes.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes out his note-book and writes.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> SAHÁTOF.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof.</i> They have just settled down
to whist in Anna Pávlovna's drawing-room, and as I am not
wanted there—and as I am interested in your
séance—I have put in an appearance here. But will
there be a séance?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Yes,
certainly!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof.</i> In spite of the absence of
Mr. Kaptchítch's mediumistic powers?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch. Vous avez la
main <a name="f10-r">heureuse.</a></i>
<sup><a href="#f10">10</a></sup> Fancy, that very peasant whom I mentioned to
you this morning turns out to be an undoubted medium.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof.</i> Dear me! Yes, that is
peculiarly interesting!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Yes, we
tried a few preliminary experiments with him just after dinner.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. So you've had time already
to experiment, and to convince yourself....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes,
perfectly! And he turns out to be an exceptionally powerful
medium.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>incredulously</i>). Dear
me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. It turns
out that it has long been noticed in the servants' hall. When he
sits down to table, the spoon springs into his hand of its own
accord! (<i>To the</i> PROFESSOR.) Had you heard about it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. No, I had not heard that
detail.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>to the</i> PROFESSOR).
But still, you admit the possibility of such phenomena?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. What phenomena?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Well, spiritualistic,
mediumistic, and supernatural phenomena in general.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. The question is, what do we
consider supernatural? When, not a living man but a piece of stone
attracted a nail to itself, how did the phenomena strike the first
observers? As something natural? Or supernatural?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Well, of course; but
phenomena such as the magnet attracting iron always repeat
themselves.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. It is just the same in this case.
The phenomenon repeats itself and we experiment with it. And not
only that, but we apply to the phenomena we are investigating the
laws common to other phenomena. These phenomena seem supernatural
only because their causes are attributed to the medium himself. But
that is where the mistake lies. The phenomena are not caused by the
medium, but by psychic energy acting through a medium, and that is
a very different thing. The whole matter lies in the law of
equivalents.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Yes, certainly, but....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> TÁNYA, <i>who hides behind
the hangings.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Only
remember that we cannot reckon on any results with certainty, with
this medium any more than with Home or Kaptchítch. We may
not succeed, but on the other hand we may even have perfect
materialisation.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Materialisation even? What
do you mean by materialisation?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Why, I mean
that some one who is dead—say, your father or your
grandfather—may appear, take you by the hand, or give you
something; or else some one may suddenly rise into the air, as
happened to Alexéy Vladímiritch last time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> Of course, of course. But the
chief thing is the explanation of the phenomena, and the
application to them of general laws.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter the</i> FAT LADY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady.</i> Anna Pávlovna has allowed
me to join you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Very
pleased.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady.</i> Oh, how tired Grossman seems! He
could scarcely hold his cup. Did you notice (<i>to the
PROFESSOR</i>) how pale he turned at the moment he approached the
hiding-place? I noticed it at once, and was the first to mention it
to Anna Pávlovna.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> Undoubtedly,—loss of vital
energy.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady.</i> Yes, it's just as I say, one
should not abuse that sort of thing. You know, a hypnotist once
suggested to a friend of mine, Véra Kónshin (oh, you
know her, of course)—well, he suggested that she should leave
off smoking,—and her back began to ache!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>trying to have his say</i>).
The temperature and the pulse clearly indicate....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady.</i> One moment! Allow me! Well, I said
to her: it's better to smoke than to suffer so with one's nerves.
Of course, smoking is injurious; I should like to give it up
myself, but, do what I will, I can't! Once I managed not to smoke
for a fortnight, but could hold out no longer.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>again trying to speak</i>).
Clearly proves....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady.</i> Yes, no! Allow me, just one word!
You say, "loss of strength." And I was also going to say that, when
I travelled with post-horses ... the roads used to be dreadful in
those days—you don't remember—but I have noticed that
all our nervousness comes from railways! I, for instance, can't
sleep while travelling; I cannot fall asleep to save my life!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>makes another attempt, which
the FAT LADY baffles</i>). The loss of strength....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>smiling</i>). Yes; oh
yes!</p>
<p class="indent">[LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH
<i>rings.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. I am awake one night, and another,
and a third, and still I can't sleep!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> GREGORY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Please tell
Theodore to get everything ready for the séance, and send
Simon here—Simon, the butler's assistant,—do you
hear?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. Yes, sir.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>to SAHÁTOF</i>). The
observation of the temperature and the pulse have shown loss of
vital energy. The same will happen in consequence of the
mediumistic phenomena. The law of the conservation of
energy....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Oh yes, yes; I was just going to
say that I am very glad that a simple peasant turns out to be a
medium. That's very good. I always did say that the
Slavophils....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Let's go
into the drawing-room in the meantime.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Allow me, just one word! The
Slavophils are right; but I always told my husband that one ought
never to exaggerate anything! "The golden mean," you know. What is
the use of maintaining that the common people are all perfect, when
I have myself seen....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Won't you
come into the drawing-room?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. A boy—that high—who
drank! I gave him a scolding at once. And he was grateful to me
afterwards. They are children, and, as I always say, children need
both love and severity!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt all, all talking together.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>enters from behind the
hangings.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Oh, if it would only
succeed!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Begins fastening some threads.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> BETSY <i>hurriedly.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Isn't papa here? (<i>Looks
inquiringly at TÁNYA</i>.) What are you doing here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Oh, Miss Elizabeth, I have
only just come; I only wished ... only came in....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Embarrassed.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. But they are going to have a
séance here directly (<i>Notices</i> TÁNYA <i>drawing
in the threads, looks at her, and suddenly bursts out
laughing</i>.) Tánya! Why, it's you who do it all? Now don't
deny it. And last time it was you too? Yes, it was, it was!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Miss Elizabeth, dearest!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>delighted</i>). Oh, that is a
joke! Well, I never. But why do you do it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Oh miss, dear miss, don't
betray me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Not for the world! I'm awfully glad.
Only tell me how you manage it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, I just hide, and then,
when it's all dark, I come out and do it. That's how.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>pointing to threads</i>). And what
is this for? You needn't tell me. I see; you draw....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Miss Elizabeth, darling! I
will confess it, but only to you. I used to do it just for fun, but
now I mean business.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. What? How? What business?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, you see, those peasants
that came this morning, you saw them. They want to buy some land,
and your father won't sell it; well, and Theodore Ivánitch,
he says it's the spirits as forbid him. So I have had a thought
as....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Oh, I see! Well, you are a clever
girl! Do it, do it.... But how will you manage it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, I thought, when they put
out the lights, I'll at once begin knocking and shying things
about, touching their heads with the threads, and at last I'll take
the paper about the land and throw it on the table. I've got it
here.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Well, and then?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Why, don't you see? They will
be astonished. The peasants had the paper, and now it's here. I
will teach....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Why, of course! Simon is the medium
to-day!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, I'll teach him....
(<i>Laughs so that she can't continue</i>.) I'll tell him to
squeeze with his hands any one he can get hold of! Of course, not
your father—he'd never dare do that—but any one else;
he'll squeeze till it's signed.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>laughing</i>). But that's not the
way it is done. Mediums never do anything themselves.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Oh, never mind. It's all one;
I daresay it'll turn out all right.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> BETSY, making signs to
TÁNYA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Why are you
here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. It's you I want, Theodore
Ivánitch, dear....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Well, what is
it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. About that affair of mine as I
spoke of.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>laughs</i>).
I've made the match; yes, I've made the match. The matter is
settled; we have shaken hands on it, only not had a drink on
it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>with a shriek</i>). Never!
So it's all right?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Don't I tell you
so? He says, "I shall consult the missus, and then, God
willing...."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Is that what he said?
(<i>Shrieks</i>.) Dear Theodore Ivánitch, I'll pray for you
all the days of my life!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. All right! All
right! Now is not the time. I've been ordered to arrange the room
for the séance.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Let me help you. How's it to
be arranged?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. How? Why, the
table in the middle of the room—chairs—the
guitar—the accordion. The lamp is not wanted, only
candles.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>helps</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH <i>to place the things</i>). Is that right? The
guitar here, and here the inkstand. (<i>Places it</i>.) So?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Can it be true
that they'll make Simon sit here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I suppose so; they've done it
once.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Wonderful!
(<i>Puts on his pince-nez</i>.) But is he clean?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. How should I know?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Then, I'll tell
you what....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Yes, Theodore
Ivánitch?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Go and take a
nail-brush and some Pears' soap; you may take mine ... and go and
cut his claws and scrub his hands as clean as possible.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> He can do it himself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch.</i> Well then, tell
him to. And tell him to put on a clean shirt as well.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> All right, Theodore
Ivánitch.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>sits down in an
easy-chair</i>). They're educated and learned—Alexéy
Vladímiritch now, he's a professor—and yet sometimes
one can't help doubting very much. The people's rude superstitions
are being abolished: hobgoblins, sorcerers, witches.... But if one
considers it, is not this equally superstitious? How is it possible
that the souls of the dead should come and talk, and play the
guitar? No! Some one is fooling them, or they are fooling
themselves. And as to this business with Simon—it's simply
incomprehensible. (<i>Looks at an album</i>.) Here's their
spiritualistic album. How is it possible to photograph a spirit?
But here is the likeness of a Turk and Leoníd
Fyódoritch sitting by.... Extraordinary human weakness!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> LEONÍD
FYÓDORITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Is it all
ready?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>rising
leisurely</i>). Quite ready. (<i>Smiles</i>.) Only I don't know
about your new medium. I hope he won't disgrace you, Leoníd
Fyódoritch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> No, I and
Alexéy Vladímiritch have tested him. He is a
wonderfully powerful medium!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Well, I don't
know. But is he clean enough? I don't suppose you have thought of
ordering him to wash his hands? It might be rather
inconvenient.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> His hands?
Oh yes! They're not clean, you think?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. What can you
expect? He's a peasant, and there will be ladies present, and
Márya Vasílevna.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> It will be
all right.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. And then I have
something to report to you. Timothy, the coachman, complains that
he can't keep things clean because of the dogs.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>
(<i>arranging the things on the table absentmindedly</i>). What
dogs?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. The three hounds
that came for Vasíly Leoníditch to-day.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>
(<i>vexed</i>). Tell Anna Pávlovna! She can do as she likes
about it. I have no time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. But you know her
weakness....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. 'Tis just
as she likes, let her do as she pleases. As for him,—one
never gets anything but unpleasantness from him. Besides, I am
busy.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> SIMON, <i>smiling; he has a
sleeveless peasant's coat on.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. I was ordered to come.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes, it's
all right. Let me see your hands. That will do, that will do very
well! Well, then, my good fellow, you must do just as you did
before,—sit down, and give way to your mood. But don't think
at all.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Why should I think? The more one
thinks, the worse it is.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Just so,
just so, exactly! The less conscious one is, the greater is the
power. Don't think, but give in to your mood. If you wish to sleep,
sleep; if you wish to walk, walk. Do you understand?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. How could one help understanding?
It's simple enough.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. But above
all, don't be frightened. Because you might be surprised yourself.
You must understand that just as we live here, so a whole world of
invisible spirits live here also.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>improving on
what</i> LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>has said</i>).
Invisible feelings, do you understand?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i> (<i>laughs</i>). How can one help
understanding! It's very plain as you put it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. You may
rise up in the air, or something of the kind, but don't be
frightened.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Why should I be frightened? That
won't matter at all.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well then,
I'll go and call them all.... Is everything ready?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. I think so.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. But the
slates?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch.</i> They are
downstairs. I'll bring them.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. All right
then. So don't be afraid, but be at your ease.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Had I not better take off my coat?
One would be more easy like.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Your coat?
Oh no. Don't take that off.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. She tells me to do the same again,
and she will again shy things about. How isn't she afraid?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> TÁNYA <i>in her stockings and
in a dress of the color of the wall-paper.</i> SIMON
<i>laughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Shsh!... They'll hear! There,
stick these matches on your fingers as before. (<i>Sticks them
on</i>.) Well, do you remember everything?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i> (<i>bending his fingers in, one by
one</i>). First of all, wet the matches and wave my hands about,
that's one. Then make my teeth chatter, like this ... that's two.
But I've forgotten the third thing.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. And it's the third as is the
chief thing. Don't forget as soon as the paper falls on the
table—I shall ring the little bell—then you do like
this.... Spread your arms out far and catch hold of some one,
whoever it is as sits nearest, and catch hold of him. And then
squeeze! (<i>Laughs</i>.) Whether it's a gentleman or a lady, it's
all one, you just squeeze 'em, and don't let 'em go,—as if it
were in your sleep, and chatter with your teeth, or else howl like
this. (<i>Howls sotto-voce</i>.) And when I begin to play on the
guitar, then stretch yourself as if you were waking up, you
know.... Will you remember everything?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Yes, I'll remember, but it is too
funny.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. But mind you don't laugh.
Still, it won't matter much if you do laugh; they'd think it was in
your sleep. Only take care you don't really fall asleep when they
put out the lights.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. No fear, I'll pinch my ears.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Well, then, Sim, darling, only
mind do as I tell you, and don't get frightened. He'll sign the
paper, see if he don't! They're coming!</p>
<p class="hang">[<i>Gets under the sofa.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> GROSSMAN <i>and the</i> PROFESSOR,
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>and the</i> FAT LADY, <i>the</i>
DOCTOR, SAHÁTOF <i>and</i> ANNA PÁVLOVNA. SIMON
<i>stands near the door.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Please come
in, all you doubters! Though we have a new and accidentally
discovered medium, I expect very important phenomena to-night.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. That's very, very
interesting.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>pointing to</i> SIMON). <i>Mais
il est très <a name="f11-r">bien!</a></i>
<sup><a href="#f11">11</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Yes, as a butler's
assistant, but hardly....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Wives never have any faith
in their husbands' work. You don't believe in anything of this
kind?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Of course not.
Kaptchítch, it is true, has something exceptional about him,
but Heaven knows what all this is about!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. No, Anna Pávlovna, permit
me, you can't decide it in such a way. Before I was married, I once
had a remarkable dream. Dreams, you know, are often such that you
don't know where they begin and where they end; it was just such a
dream that I....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH
<i>and</i> PETRÍSTCHEF.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. And much was revealed to me by
that dream. Nowadays the young people (<i>points to</i>
PETRÍSTCHEF <i>and</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH) deny
everything.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. But look
here, you know—now I, for instance, never deny anything! Eh,
what?</p>
<p class="indent">[BETSY <i>and</i> MÁRYA
KONSTANTÍNOVNA <i>enter, and begin talking to</i>
PETRÍSTCHEF.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. And how can one deny the
supernatural? They say it is unreasonable. But what if one's reason
is stupid; what then? There now, on Garden Street, you know ...
why, well, it appeared every evening! My husband's
brother—what do you call him? Not
<i>beau-frère</i>—what's the other name for it?—I never
can remember the names of these different relationships—well,
he went there three nights running, and still he saw nothing; so I
said to him....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well, who
is going to stay here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. I! I!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. I.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>to</i> DOCTOR). Do
you mean to say you are going to stay?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Yes; I must see, if only once, what
it is that Alexéy Vladímiritch has discovered in it.
How can we deny anything without proof?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Then I am to take it
to-night for certain?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Take what?... Oh, the powder. Yes,
it would perhaps be better. Yes, yes, take it.... However, I shall
come upstairs again.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i>. Yes, please do.
(<i>Loud</i>.) When it is over, <i>mesdames et messieurs</i>, I
shall expect you to come to me upstairs to rest from your emotions,
and then we will finish our rubber.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Oh, certainly.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Yes, thanks!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> ANNA PÁVLOVNA.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>to</i> PETRÍSTCHEF). You
must stay, I tell you. I promise you something extraordinary. Will
you bet?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. But you
don't believe in it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. To-day I do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>
(<i>to</i> PETRÍSTCHEF). And do you believe?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. "I can't believe, I
cannot trust a heart for falsehood framed." Still, if Elizabeth
Leonídovna commands....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Let us
stay, Márya Konstantínovna. Eh, what? I shall invent
something <i>épâtant</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Márya Konstantínovna</i>. No, you
mustn't make me laugh. You know I can't restrain myself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>
(<i>loud</i>). I remain!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>
(<i>severely</i>). But I beg those who remain not to joke about it.
It is a serious matter.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Do you hear? Well then,
let's stay. Vovo, sit here, and don't be too shy.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Yes, it's all very well for you to
laugh; but just wait till you see what will happen.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Oh, but
supposing it's true? Won't it be a go! Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i> (<i>trembles</i>). Oh,
I'm afraid, I'm afraid! Márya Konstantínovna, I'm
afraid! My tootsies tremble.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>laughing</i>). Not so loud.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>All sit down.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Take your
seats, take your seats. Simon, sit down!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Yes, sir.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Sits down on the edge of the chair.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Sit
properly.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. Sit straight in the middle of the
chair, and quite at your ease.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Arranges</i> SIMON <i>on his chair.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[BETSY, MÁRYA KONSTANTÍNOVNA
<i>and</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH <i>laugh.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>raising
his voice</i>). I beg those who are going to remain here not to
behave frivolously, but to regard this matter seriously, or bad
results might follow. Do you hear, Vovo! If you can't be quiet, go
away!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Quiet,
quiet!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Hides behind</i> FAT LADY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>.
Alexéy Vladímiritch, will you mesmerise him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. No; why should I do it when
Antón Borísitch is here? He has had far more practice
and has more power in that department than I ... Antón
Borísitch!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i>. Ladies and gentlemen, I am not,
strictly speaking, a spiritualist. I have only studied hypnotism.
It is true I have studied hypnotism in all its known
manifestations; but what is called spiritualism, is entirely
unknown to me. When a subject is thrown into a trance, I may expect
the hypnotic phenomena known to me: lethargy, abulia, anaesthesia,
analgesia, catalepsy, and every kind of susceptibility to
suggestion. Here it is not these but other phenomena we expect to
observe. Therefore it would be well to know of what kind are the
phenomena we expect to witness, and what is their scientific
significance.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. I thoroughly agree with Mr.
Grossman. Such an explanation would be very interesting.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. I think
Alexéy Vladímiritch will not refuse to give us a
short explanation.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. Why not? I can give an
explanation if it is desired. (<i>To the</i> DOCTOR.) Will you
kindly note his temperature and pulse? My explanation must, of
necessity, be cursory and brief.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes,
please; briefly, quite briefly.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. All right. (<i>Takes out
thermometer</i>.) Now then, my lad....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Places the thermometer.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Yes, sir!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>rising and addressing the</i>
FAT LADY—<i>then reseating himself</i>). Ladies and
gentlemen! The phenomenon we are investigating to-night is
regarded, on the one hand, as something new; and, on the other, as
something transcending the limits of natural conditions. Neither
view is correct. This phenomenon is not new but is as old as the
world; and it is not supernatural but is subject to the eternal
laws that govern all that exists. This phenomenon has been usually
defined as "intercourse with the spirit world." That definition is
inexact. Under such a definition the spirit world is contrasted
with the material world. But this is erroneous; there is no such
contrast! Both worlds are so closely connected that it is
impossible to draw a line of demarcation, separating the one from
the other. We say matter is composed of molecules....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Prosy matter!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Whispering and laughter.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>pauses, then continues</i>).
Molecules are composed of atoms, but the atoms, having no
extension, are in reality nothing but the points of application of
forces. Strictly speaking, not of forces but of energy, that same
energy which is as much a unity and just as indestructible as
matter. But matter, though one, has many different aspects, and the
same is true of energy. Till recently only four forms of energy,
convertible into one another, have been known to us: energies known
as the dynamic, the thermal, the electric, and the chemic. But
these four aspects of energy are far from exhausting all the
varieties of its manifestation. The forms in which energy may
manifest itself are very diverse, and it is one of these new and as
yet but little known phases of energy, that we are investigating
to-night. I refer to mediumistic energy.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Renewed whispering and laughter among the
young people.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>stops and casts a severe look
round</i>). Mediumistic energy has been known to mankind for ages:
prophecy, presentiments, visions and so on, are nothing but
manifestations of mediumistic energy. The manifestations produced
by it have, I say, been known to mankind for ages. But the energy
itself has not been recognised as such till quite
recently—not till that medium, the vibrations of which cause
the manifestations of mediumistic energy, was recognised. In the
same way that the phenomena of light were inexplicable until the
existence of an imponderable substance—an ether—was
recognised, so mediumistic phenomena seemed mysterious until the
now fully established fact was recognised, that between the
particles of ether there exists another still more rarefied
imponderable substance not subject to the law of the three
dimensions....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Renewed laughter, whispers, and
giggling.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>again looks round
severely</i>). And just as mathematical calculations have
irrefutably proved the existence of imponderable ether which gives
rise to the phenomena of light and electricity, so the successive
investigations of the ingenious Hermann, of Schmidt, and of Joseph
Schmatzhofen, have confirmed beyond a doubt the existence of a
substance which fills the universe and may be called spiritual
ether.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Ah, now I understand. I am so
grateful....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes, but
Alexéy Vladímiritch, could you not ... condense it a
little?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>not heeding the remark</i>).
And so, as I have just had the honor of mentioning to you, a
succession of strictly scientific experiments have made plain to us
the laws of mediumistic phenomena. These experiments have proved
that, when certain individuals are plunged into a hypnotic state (a
state differing from ordinary sleep only by the fact that man's
physiological activity is not lowered by the hypnotic influence
but, on the contrary, is always heightened—as we have
recently witnessed), when, I say, any individual is plunged into
such a state, this always produces certain perturbations in the
spiritual ether—perturbations quite similar to those produced
by plunging a solid body into liquid matter. These perturbations
are what we call mediumistic phenomena....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Laughter and whispers.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof.</i> That is quite comprehensible
and correct; but if, as you are kind enough to inform us, the
plunging of the medium into a trance produces perturbations of the
spiritual ether, allow me to ask why (as is usually supposed to be
the case in spiritualistic séances) these perturbations
result in an activity on the part of the souls of dead people?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> It is because the molecules of
this spiritual ether are nothing but the souls of the living, the
dead, and the unborn, and any vibration of the spiritual ether must
inevitably cause a certain vibration of its atoms. These atoms are
nothing but human souls, which enter into communication with one
another by means of these movements.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>to</i> SAHÁTOF). What is
it that puzzles you? It is so simple.... Thank you so, so much!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> I think
everything has now been explained, and that we may commence.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor.</i> The fellow is in a perfectly normal
condition: temperature 37 decimal 2, pulse 74.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>takes out his pocket-book and
notes this down</i>). What I have just had the honor of explaining
will be confirmed by the fact, which we shall presently have an
opportunity of observing, that after the medium has been thrown
into a trance his temperature and pulse will inevitably rise, just
as occurs in cases of hypnotism.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Yes, yes.
But excuse me a moment. I should like to reply to Sergéy
Ivánitch's question: How do we know we are in communication
with the souls of the dead? We know it because the spirit that
appears, plainly tells us—as simply as I am speaking to
you—who he is, and why he has come, and whether all is well
with him! At our last séance a Spaniard, Don Castillos, came
to us, and he told us everything. He told us who he was, and when
he died, and that he was suffering for having taken part in the
Inquisition. He even told us what was happening to him at the very
time that he was speaking to us, namely, that at the very time he
was talking to us he had to be born again on earth, and, therefore,
could not continue his conversation with us.... But you'll see for
yourselves....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>interrupting</i>). Oh, how
interesting! Perhaps the Spaniard was born in one of our houses and
is a baby now!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Quite
possibly.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. I think it is time we began.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. I was only
going to say....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. It is getting late.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Very well.
Then we will commence. Antón Borísitch, be so good as
to hypnotize the medium.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i>. What method would you like me to
use? There are several methods. There is Braid's system, there is
the Egyptian symbol, and there is Charcot's system.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>to
the</i> PROFESSOR). I think it is quite immaterial.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. Quite.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i>. Then I will make use of my own
method, which I showed in Odessa.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. If you
please!</p>
<p class="indent">[GROSSMAN <i>waves his arms above</i> SIMON.
SIMON <i>closes his eyes and stretches himself.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i> (<i>looking closely at him</i>). He
is falling asleep! He is asleep! A remarkably rapid occurrence of
hypnosis. The subject has evidently already reached a state of
anæsthesia. He is remarkable,—an unusually
impressionable subject, and might be subjected to interesting
experiments!... (<i>Sits down, rises, sits down again</i>.) Now one
might run a needle into his arm. If you like....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>to LEONÍD
FYÓDORITCH</i>). Do you notice how the medium's trance acts
on Grossman? He is beginning to vibrate.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Yes, yes
... can the lights be extinguished now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof.</i> But why is darkness
necessary?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> Darkness? Because it is a
condition of the manifestation of mediumistic energy, just as a
given temperature is a condition necessary for certain
manifestations of chemical or dynamic energy.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> But not
always. Manifestations have been observed by me, and by many
others, both by candlelight and daylight.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>interrupting</i>). May the
lights be put out?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Yes,
certainly. (<i>Puts out candles</i>.) Ladies and gentlemen!
attention, if you please.</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>gets from under the sofa and
takes hold of a thread tied to a chandelier.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef.</i> I like that Spaniard!
Just in the midst of a conversation—off he goes head
downwards ... as the French say: <i>piquer une
<a name="f12-r">tête.</a></i>
<sup><a href="#f12">12</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> You just wait a bit, and see what
will happen!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef.</i> I have only one fear,
and that is that Vovo may be moved by the spirit to grunt like a
pig!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch.</i> Would you
like me to? I will....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Gentlemen!
Silence, if you please!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence.</i> SIMON <i>licks the matches on
his fingers and rubs his knuckles with them.</i> <i>Leoníd
Fyódoritch.</i> A light! Do you see the light?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof.</i> A light? Yes, yes, I see;
but allow me....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady.</i> Where? Where? Oh, dear, I did not
see it! Ah, there it is. Oh!...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>whispers to LEONÍD
FYÓDORITCH, and points to GROSSMAN, who is moving</i>). Do
you notice how he vibrates? It is the dual influence.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The light appears again.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>to
the</i> PROFESSOR). It must be he—you know!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Who?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. A Greek,
Nicholas. It is his light. Don't you think so, Alexéy
Vladímiritch?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Who is this Greek,
Nicholas?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. A certain Greek, who was a monk
at Constantinople under Constantine and who has been visiting us
lately.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Where is he? Where is he? I don't
see him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. He is not
yet visible ... Alexéy Vladímiritch, he is particularly well
disposed towards you. You question him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>in a peculiar voice</i>).
Nicholas! Is that you?</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>raps twice on the wall.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>
(<i>joyfully</i>). It is he! It is he!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Oh, dear! Oh! I shall go away!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Why do you suppose it is
he?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Why, the
two knocks. It is an affirmative answer; else all would have been
silence.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence. Suppressed giggling in the young
people's corner.</i> TÁNYA <i>throws a lampshade, pencil and
penwiper upon the table.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>
(<i>whispers</i>). Do you notice, gentlemen, here is a lamp-shade,
and something else—a pencil!... Alexéy Vladímiritch,
it is a pencil!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. All right, all right! I am
watching both him and Grossman!</p>
<p class="indent">[GROSSMAN <i>rises and feels the things that have
fallen on the table.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Excuse me, excuse me! I
should like to see whether it is not the medium who is doing it all
himself?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Do you
think so? Well, sit by him and hold his hands. But you may be sure
he is asleep.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>approaches</i>,
TÁNYA <i>lets a thread touch his head. He is frightened, and
stoops</i>). Ye ... ye ... yes! Strange, very strange!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Takes hold of</i> SIMON'S <i>elbow.</i> SIMON
<i>howls.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>to</i> LEONÍD
FYÓDORITCH). Do you notice the effect of Grossman's
presence? It is a new phenomenon—I must note it....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs out to note it down, and returns
again.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Yes.... But
we cannot leave Nicholas without an answer. We must begin....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i> (<i>rises, approaches Simon and
raises and lowers his arm</i>). It would be interesting to produce
contraction! The subject is in profound hypnosis.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>to</i> LEONÍD
FYÓDORITCH). Do you see? Do you see?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i>. If you like....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i>. Now then, my dear sir, leave the
management to Alexéy Vladímiritch; the affair is turning out
serious.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. Leave him alone, he (<i>referring
to</i> GROSSMAN) is talking in his sleep!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. How glad I now am that I resolved
to be present! It is frightening, but all the same I am glad, for I
always said to my husband....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Silence, if
you please.</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>draws a thread over the</i> FAT
LADY'S <i>head.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Aie!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. What? What
is it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. He took hold of my hair!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>
(<i>whispers</i>). Never mind, don't be afraid, give him your hand.
His hand will be cold, but I like it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>hides her hands</i>). Not for
the world!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Yes, it is strange, very
strange!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. He is here
and is seeking for intercourse. Who wishes to put a question to
him?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. I should like to put a
question, if I may.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. Please do.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Do I believe or not?</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>knocks twice.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. The answer is affirmative.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Allow me to ask again. Have
I a ten rouble note in my pocket?</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>knocks several times and passes
a thread over</i> SAHÁTOF'S <i>head.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Ah!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Seizes the thread and breaks it.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. I should ask those present not to
ask indefinite or trivial questions. It is unpleasant to
<i>him!</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. No, but allow me! Here I
have a thread in my hand!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. A thread?
Hold it fast; that happens often, and not only threads but
sometimes even silk cords—very ancient ones!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. No—but where did this
thread come from?</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>throws a cushion at him.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. Wait a bit; wait! Something
soft has hit me on the head. Light a candle—there is
something....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. We beg of you not to interrupt
the manifestations.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. For goodness' sake, don't
interrupt! I should also like to ask something. May I?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes, if you
like.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. I should like to ask about my
digestion. May I? I want to know what to take: aconite or
belladonna?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Silence, whispers among the young people;
suddenly</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH <i>begins to cry like
a baby: "ou-a, ou-a!" (Laughter.) Holding their mouths and noses,
the girls and</i> PETRÍSTCHEF <i>run away bursting with
laughter.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Ah, that must be the monk who's
been born again!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>beside
himself with anger, whispers</i>). One gets nothing but tomfoolery
from you! If you don't know how to behave decently, go away!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH.
<i>Darkness and silence.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Oh, what a pity! Now one can't ask
any more! He is born!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Not at all.
It is only Vovo's nonsense. But <i>he</i> is here. Ask him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. That often happens. These jokes
and ridicule are quite usual occurrences. I expect <i>he</i> is
still here. But we may ask. Leoníd Fyódoritch, will
you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. No, you, if
you please. This has upset me. So unpleasant! Such want of
tact!...</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> Very well.... Nicholas, are you
here?</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>raps twice and rings.</i> SIMON
<i>roars, spreads his arms out, seizes</i> SAHÁTOF <i>and
the</i> PROFESSOR<i>—squeezing them.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> What an unexpected phenomenon!
The medium himself reacted upon! This never happened before!
Leoníd Fyódoritch, will you watch? It is difficult
for me to do so. He squeezes me so! Mind you observe Grossman! This
needs the very greatest attention!</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>throws the</i> PEASANTS'
<i>paper on the table.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Something
has fallen upon the table.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> See what it is!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Paper! A
folded paper!</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>throws a travelling inkstand on
the table.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> An
inkstand!</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>throws a pen.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> A pen!</p>
<p class="indent">[SIMON <i>roars and squeezes.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>crushed</i>). Wait a bit,
wait: a totally new manifestation! The action proceeding not from
the mediumistic energy produced, but from the medium himself!
However, open the inkstand, and put the pen on the table, and
<i>he</i> will write!</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>goes behind</i> LEONÍD
FYÓDORITCH <i>and strikes him on the head with the
guitar.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> He has
struck me on the head! (<i>Examining table</i>.) The pen is not
writing yet and the paper remains folded.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> See what the paper is, and
quickly; evidently the dual influence—his and
Grossman's—has produced a perturbation!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>goes out
and returns at once</i>). Extraordinary! This paper is an agreement
with some peasants that I refused to sign this morning and returned
to the peasants. Probably <i>he</i> wants me to sign it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> Of course! Of course! But ask
him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Nicholas,
do you wish....</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>knocks twice.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> Do you hear? It is quite
evident!</p>
<p class="indent">[LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>takes the
paper and pen and goes out.</i> TÁNYA <i>knocks, plays on
the guitar and the accordion, and then creeps under the sofa.</i>
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>returns.</i> SIMON
<i>stretches himself and coughs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. He is
waking up. We can light the candles.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>hurriedly</i>). Doctor,
Doctor, please, his pulse and temperature! You will see that a rise
of both will be apparent.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>lights
the candles</i>). Well, what do you gentlemen who were sceptical
think of it now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i> (<i>goes up to</i> SIMON <i>and
places thermometer</i>). Now then my lad. Well, have you had a nap?
There, put that in there, and give me your hand.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Looks at his watch.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>shrugging his
shoulders</i>). I must admit that all that has occurred cannot have
been done by the medium. But the thread?... I should like the
thread explained.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. A thread! A
thread! We have been witnessing manifestations more important than
a thread.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. I don't know. At all events,
<i>je réserve mon opinion</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>to</i> SAHÁTOF). Oh, no,
how can you say: "<i>je réserve mon opinion</i>"? And the
infant with the little wings? Didn't you see? At first I thought it
was only an illusion, but afterwards it became clearer and clearer,
like a live....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. I can only speak of what I
have seen. I did not see that—nothing of the kind.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. You don't mean to say so? Why, it
was quite plainly visible! And to the left there was a monk clothed
in black bending over it....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Sahátof</i> (<i>moves away. Aside</i>).
What exaggeration!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>addressing the</i> DOCTOR). You
must have seen it! It rose up from your side.</p>
<p class="indent">[DOCTOR <i>goes on counting the pulse without
heeding her.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i> (<i>to</i> GROSSMAN). And that
light, the light around it, especially around its little face! And
the expression so mild and tender, something so heavenly!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Smiles tenderly herself.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Grossman</i>. I saw phosphorescent light, and
objects changed their places, but I saw nothing more than that.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Don't tell me! You don't mean it!
It is simply that you scientists of Charcot's school do not believe
in a life beyond the grave! As for me, no one could now make me
disbelieve in a future life—no one in the world!</p>
<p class="indent">[GROSSMAN <i>moves away from her.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. No, no, whatever you may say, this
is one of the happiest moments of my life! When I heard Sarasate
play, and now.... Yes! (<i>No one listens to her. She goes up
to</i> SIMON.) Now tell me, my friend, what did you feel? Was it
very trying?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i> (<i>laughs</i>). Yes, ma'm, just
so.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. Still not unendurable?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i>. Just so, ma'm. (<i>To</i>
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH.) Am I to go?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes, you
may go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doctor</i> (<i>to the</i> PROFESSOR). The pulse
is the same, but the temperature is lower.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i>. Lower! (<i>Considers awhile, then
suddenly divines the conclusion</i>.) It had to be so—it had
to descend! The dual influence crossing had to produce some kind of
reflex action. Yes, that's it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Exeunt, all talking at once—</i></p>
<p class="deep_hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. I'm
only sorry we had no complete {materialisation. But still.... Come,
gentlemen, let us go to the drawing-room?</p>
<p class="deep_hang"><i>Fat Lady</i>. What specially struck me was
when he flapped his wings, and one saw how he rose!</p>
<p class="deep_hang"><i>Grossman</i> (<i>to</i> SAHÁTOF). If
we had kept to hypnotism, we might have produced a thorough state
of epilepsy. The success might have been complete!</p>
<p class="deep_hang"><i>Sahátof</i>. It is very interesting,
but not entirely convincing. That is all I can say.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i> (<i>with
paper in his hand</i>). Ah, Theodore, what a remarkable
séance we have had! It turns out that the peasants must have
the land on their own terms.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Dear me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Yes,
indeed. (<i>Showing paper</i>.) Fancy, this paper that I returned
to them, suddenly appeared on the table! I have signed it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. How did it get
there?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch</i>. Well, it
did get there!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>follows
him out.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>gets from under the sofa
and laughs</i>). Oh, dear, oh dear! Well, I did get a fright when
he got hold of the thread! (<i>Shrieks</i>.) Well, anyhow, it's all
right—he has signed it!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> GREGORY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. So it was you that was fooling
them?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. What business is it of
yours?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. And do you think the missis will be
pleased with you for it? No, you bet; you're caught now! I'll tell
them what tricks you're up to, if you don't let me have my way!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. And you'll not get your way,
and you'll not do me any harm!</p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<h3>ACT IV</h3>
<p class="hang"><i>The same scene as in Act I. The next day. Two
liveried footmen</i>, THEODORE IVÁNITCH <i>and</i>
GREGORY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Footman</i> (<i>with grey whiskers</i>).
Yours is the third house to-day. Thank goodness that all the
at-homes are in this direction. Yours used to be on Thursdays.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Yes, we changed to
Saturday so as to be on the same day as the Golóvkins and
Grade von Grabes....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Footman</i>. The Stcherbákofs do
the thing well. There's refreshments for the footmen every time
they've a ball.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>The two</i> PRINCESSES, <i>mother and
daughter, come down the stairs accompanied by</i> BETSY. <i>The
old</i> PRINCESS <i>looks in her note-book and at her watch, and
sits down on the settle.</i> GREGORY <i>puts on her
overshoes.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Young Princess</i>. Now, do come. Because, if
you refuse, and Dodo refuses, the whole thing will be spoilt.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. I don't know. I must certainly go to
the Shoúbins. And then there is the rehearsal.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Young Princess</i>. You'll have plenty of time.
Do, please. <i>Ne nous fais pas faux
<a name="f13-r">bond</a></i>.<a href="#f13"><sup>13</sup></a> Fédya
and Koko will come.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy. J'en ai par-dessus la tête de votre
<a name="f14-r">Koko</a></i>.<sup><a href="#f14">14</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Young Princess</i>. I thought I should see him
here. <i>Ordinairement il est d'une
<a name="f15-r">exactitude</a></i>....<sup><a href="#f15">15</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. He is sure to come.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Young Princess</i>. When I see you together, it
always seems to me that he has either just proposed or is just
going to propose.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> Yes, I don't suppose it can be
avoided. I shall have to go through with it. And it is so
unpleasant!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Young Princess.</i> Poor Koko! He is head over
ears in love.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> <i>Cessez, les <a name=
"f16-r">gens!</a></i> <sup><a href="#f16">16</a></sup></p>
<p class="indent">[YOUNG PRINCESS <i>sits down, talking in
whispers.</i> GREGORY <i>puts on her overshoes.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Young Princess.</i> Well then, good-bye till
this evening.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> I'll try to come.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Old Princess.</i> Then tell your papa that I
don't believe in anything of the kind, but will come to see his new
medium. Only he must let me know when. Good afternoon, ma toute
belle.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Kisses</i> BETSY, <i>and exit</i>,
<i>followed by her daughter.</i> BETSY <i>goes upstairs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> I don't like putting on an old
woman's overshoes for her; she can't stoop, can't see her shoe for
her stomach, and keeps poking her foot in the wrong place. It's
different with a young one; it's pleasant to take her foot in one's
hand.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Footman.</i> Hear him! Making
distinctions!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Footman.</i> It's not for us footmen to
make such distinctions.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> Why shouldn't one make
distinctions; are we not men? It's they think we don't understand!
Just now they were deep in their talk, then they look at me, and at
once it's "lay zhon!"</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Footman.</i> And what's that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> Oh, that means, "Don't talk, they
understand!" It's the same at table. But I understand! You say,
there's a difference? I say there is none.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Footman.</i> There is a great difference
for those who understand.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> There is none at all. To-day I am a
footman, and to-morrow I may be living no worse than they are. Has
it never happened that they've married footmen? I'll go and have a
smoke.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Footman.</i> That's a bold young man
you've got.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. A worthless
fellow, not fit for service. He used to be an office boy and has
got spoilt. I advised them not to take him, but the mistress liked
him. He looks well on the carriage when they drive out.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Footman</i>. I should like to send him to
our Count; he'd put him in his place! Oh, he don't like those
scatterbrains. "If you're a footman, be a footman and fulfil your
calling." Such pride is not befitting.</p>
<p class="indent">[PETRÍSTCHEF <i>comes running downstairs,
and takes out a cigarette.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i> (<i>deep in thought</i>).
Let's see, my second is the same as my first. Echo, a-co, co-coa.
(<i>Enter</i> KOKO KLÍNGEN, <i>wearing his pince-nez</i>.)
Ko-ko, co-coa. Cocoa tin, where do you spring from?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen</i>. From the
Stcherbákofs. You are always playing the fool....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. No, listen to my
charade. My first is the same as my second, my third may be
cracked, my whole is like your pate.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen</i>. I give it up. I've no
time.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Where else are you
going?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen</i>. Where? Of course to the
Ivins, to practice for the concert. Then to the Shoúbins,
and then to the rehearsal. You'll be there too, won't you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Most certainly. At the
re-her-Sall and also at the re-her-Sarah. Why, at first I was a
savage, and now I am both a savage and a general.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen</i>. How did yesterday's
séance go off?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Screamingly funny! There
was a peasant, and above all, it was all in the dark. Vovo cried
like an infant, the Professor defined, and Márya
Vasílevna refined. Such a lark! You ought to have been
there.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen</i>. I'm afraid, <i>mon
cher</i>. You have a way of getting off with a jest, but I always
feel that if I say a word they'll construe it into a proposal.
<i>Et ça ne m'arrange pas du tout, du tout. Mais du tout, du
<a name="f17-r">tout!</a></i> <sup><a href="#f17">17</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Instead of a proposal,
make a proposition, and receive a sentence! Well, I shall go in to
Vovo's. If you'll call for me, we can go to the re-her-Sarah
together.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen.</i> I can't think how you
can be friends with such a fool. He is so stupid—a regular
blockhead!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef.</i> And I am fond of him. I
love Vovo, but ... "with a love so strange, ne'er towards him the
path untrod shall be"....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit into Vovo's room.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[BETSY <i>comes down with a</i> LADY. KOKO
<i>bows significantly to</i> BETSY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>shaking</i> KOKO'S <i>hand without
turning towards him. To</i> LADY). You are acquainted?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lady.</i> No.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> Baron Klíngen.... Why were you
not here last night?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen.</i> I could not come, I was
engaged.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> What a pity, it was so interesting!
(<i>Laughs</i>.) You should have seen what manifestations we had!
Well, how is our charade getting on?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen.</i> Oh, the verses for
<i>mon second</i> are ready. Nick composed the verses, and I the
music.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> What are they? What are they? Do tell
me!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen.</i> Wait a minute; how does
it go?... Oh, the knight sings:</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"Oh, <i>naught</i> so beautiful as
nature:<br>
The <i>Nautilus</i> sails by.<br>
Oh, <i>naughty</i> lass, oh, <i>naughty</i> lass!<br>
Oh, <i>nought,</i> oh, <i>nought!</i> Oh, fie!"</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lady.</i> I see, my second is "nought," and what
is my first?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen.</i> My first is
<i>Aero,</i> the name of a girl savage.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> <i>Aero,</i> you see, is a savage who
wished to devour the object of her love. (<i>Laughs</i>.) She goes
about lamenting, and sings—</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"My appetite,"</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen (interrupts)</i>—</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"How can I fight,"....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy (chimes in)</i>—</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"Some one to chew I long.<br>
I seeking go ...."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen</i>—</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"But even so...."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>—</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"No one to chew can find."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen</i>—</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"A raft sails by,"</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>—</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"It cometh nigh;<br>
Two generals upon it...."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen</i>—</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"Two generals are we:<br>
By fate's hard decree,<br>
To this island we flee."</p>
<p class="follow">And then, the refrain—</p>
<p class="deep_hang">"By fate's hard decree,<br>
To this island we flee."</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lady. Charmant!</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. But just think how silly!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Koko Klíngen</i>. Yes, that's the charm
of it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lady</i>. And who is to be Aero?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. I am. And I have had a costume made,
but mamma says it's "not decent." And it is not a bit less decent
than a ball dress. (<i>To</i> THEODORE IVÁNITCH.) Is
Bourdier's man here?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Yes, he is waiting
in the kitchen.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lady</i>. Well, and how will you represent
Aeronaut?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i>. Oh, you'll see. I don't want to spoil
the pleasure for you. <i>Au revoir</i>.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Lady</i>. Good-bye!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>They bow. Exit</i> LADY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>to</i> KOKO KLÍNGEN). Come
up to mamma.</p>
<p class="indent">[BETSY <i>and</i> KOKO <i>go upstairs.</i> JACOB
<i>enters from servants' quarters, carrying a tray with teacups,
cakes, etc., and goes panting across the stage.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i> (<i>to the</i> FOOTMEN). How d'you do?
How d'you do?</p>
<p class="indent">[FOOTMEN <i>bow.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i> (to THEODORE IVÁNITCH).
Couldn't you tell Gregory to help a bit! I'm ready to drop....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit up the stairs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Footman</i>. That is a hard-working chap
you've got there.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Yes, a good
fellow. But there now—he doesn't satisfy the mistress, she
says his appearance is ungainly. And now they've gone and told
tales about him for letting some peasants into the kitchen
yesterday. It is a bad look-out: they may dismiss him. And he is a
good fellow.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Footman</i>. What peasants were they?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Peasants that had
come from our Koursk village to buy some land. It was night, and
they were our fellow-countrymen, one of them the father of the
butler's assistant. Well, so they were asked into the kitchen. It
so happened that there was thought-reading going on. Something was
hidden in the kitchen, and all the gentlefolk came down, and the
mistress saw the peasants. There was such a row! "How is this," she
says; "these people may be infected, and they are let into the
kitchen!".... She is terribly afraid of this infection.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> GREGORY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Gregory, you go
and help Jacob. I'll stay here. He can't manage alone.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory</i>. He's awkward, that's why he can't
manage.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Footman</i>. And what is this new mania
they have got? This infection!... So yours also is afraid of
it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. She fears it worse
than fire! Our chief business, nowadays, is fumigating, washing,
and sprinkling.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Footman</i>. I see. That's why there is
such a stuffy smell here. (<i>With animation</i>.) I don't know
what we're coming to with these infection notions. It's just
detestable! They seem to have forgotten the Lord. There's our
master's sister, Princess Mosolóva, her daughter was dying,
and, will you believe it, neither father nor mother would come near
her! So she died without their having taken leave of her. And the
daughter cried, and called them to say good-bye—but they
didn't go! The doctor had discovered some infection or other! And
yet their own maid and a trained nurse were with her, and nothing
happened to them; they're still alive!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH
<i>and</i> PETRÍSTCHEF <i>from</i> VASÍLY
LEONÍDITCH'S <i>room, smoking cigarettes.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Come along then, only I
must take Koko—Cocoanut, with me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. Your Koko
is a regular dolt; I can't bear him. A hare-brained fellow, a
regular gad-about! Without any kind of occupation, eternally
loafing around! Eh, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Well, anyhow, wait a
bit, I must say goodbye.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. All right.
And I will go and look at my dogs in the coachman's room. I've got
a dog there that's so savage, the coachman said, he nearly ate
him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i>. Who ate whom? Did the
coachman really eat the dog?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Vasíly Leoníditch</i>. You are
always at it!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Puts on outdoor things and goes out.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Petrístchef</i> (<i>thoughtfully</i>). Ma
- kin - tosh, Co - co - tin.... Let's see.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Goes upstairs.</i></p>
<p class="indent">[JACOB <i>runs across the stage.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. What's the
matter?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. There is no more thin bread and
butter. I said....</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Footman</i>. And then our master's little
son fell ill, and they sent him at once to an hotel with his nurse,
and there he died without his mother.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Footman</i>. They don't seem to fear sin!
<i>I</i> think you cannot escape from God anywhere.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. That's what I
think.</p>
<p class="indent">[JACOB <i>runs upstairs with bread and
butter.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Footman</i>. One should consider too, that
if we are to be afraid of everybody like that, we'd better shut
ourselves up within four walls, as in a prison, and stick
there!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> TÁNYA<i>; she bows to
the</i> FOOTMEN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Good afternoon.</p>
<p class="indent">[FOOTMEN <i>bow.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Theodore Ivánitch, I
have a word to say to you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Well, what?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. The peasants have come again,
Theodore Ivánitch....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Well? I gave the
paper to Simon.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I have given them the paper.
They were that grateful! I can't say how! Now they only ask you to
take the money.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. But where are
they?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Here, by the porch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. All right, I'll
tell the master.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. I have another request to you,
dear Theodore Ivánitch.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. What now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Why, don't you see, Theodore
Ivánitch, I can't remain here any longer. Ask them to let me
go.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> JACOB, running.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>to</i> JACOB).
What d'you want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i>. Another samovár, and
oranges.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Ask the
housekeeper.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> JACOB.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>to</i>
TÁNYA). How is that?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Why, don't you see, my
position is such....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob</i> (<i>runs in</i>). There are not enough
oranges.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Serve up as many
as you've got. (<i>Exit</i> JACOB.) Now's not the time! Just see
what a bustle we are in.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. But you know yourself,
Theodore Ivánitch, there is no end to this bustle; one might
wait for ever—you know yourself—and my affair is for
life.... Dear Theodore Ivánitch, you have done me a good
turn, be a father to me now, choose the right moment and tell her,
or else she'll get angry and won't let me have my
<a name="f18-r">passport.</a><sup><a href="#f18">18</a></sup></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Where's the
hurry?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i>. Why, Theodore Ivánitch,
it's all settled now.... And I could go to my godmother's and get
ready, and then after Easter we'd get
<a name="f19-r">married.</a><sup><a href="#f19">19</a></sup> Do tell her,
dear Theodore Ivánitch!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i>. Go away—this
is not the place.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>An elderly</i> GENTLEMAN <i>comes downstairs,
puts on overcoat, and goes out, followed by the</i> SECOND
FOOTMAN.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> TÁNYA. <i>Enter</i>
JACOB.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob.</i> Just fancy, Theodore Ivánitch,
it's too bad! She wants to discharge me now! She says, "You break
everything, and forget Frisk, and you let the peasants into the
kitchen against my orders!" And you know very well that I knew
nothing about it. Tatyána told me, "Take them into the
kitchen"; how could I tell whose order it was?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch.</i> Did the mistress
speak to you?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob.</i> She's just spoken. Do speak up for
me, Theodore Ivánitch! You see, my people in the country are
only just getting on their feet, and suppose I lose my place, when
shall I get another? Theodore Ivánitch, do, please!</p>
<p class="indent">[ANNA PÁVLOVNA <i>comes down with the
old</i> COUNTESS, <i>whom she is seeing off. The</i> COUNTESS
<i>has false teeth and hair. The</i> FIRST FOOTMAN <i>helps the</i>
COUNTESS <i>into her outdoor things.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Oh, most certainly, of
course! I am so deeply touched.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Countess.</i> If it were not for my illness, I
should come oftener to see you.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> You should really
consult Peter Petróvitch. He is rough, but nobody can soothe
one as he does. He is so clear, so simple.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Countess.</i> Oh no, I shall keep to the one I
am used to.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Pray, take care of
yourself.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Countess.</i> <i>Merci, mille fois
<a name="f20-r">merci</a></i>.<sup><a href="#f20">20</a></sup></p>
<p class="indent">[GREGORY, <i>dishevelled and excited, jumps out
from the servants' quarters</i>. SIMON <i>appears behind him in the
doorway.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon.</i> You'd better leave her alone!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> You rascal! I'll teach you how to
fight, you scamp, you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> What do you mean? Do
you think you are in a public-house?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> This coarse peasant makes life
impossible for me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>provoked</i>).
You've lost your senses. Don't you see? (<i>To</i> COUNTESS.)
<i>Merci, mille fois merci. A <a name="f21-r">mardi!</a></i> <sup>
<a href="#f21">21</a></sup></p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt</i> COUNTESS <i>and</i> FIRST
FOOTMAN.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>to</i> GREGORY).
What is the meaning of this?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> Though I do occupy the position of
a footman, still I won't allow every peasant to hit me; I have my
pride too.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Why, what has
happened?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> Why, this Simon of yours has got so
brave, sitting with the gentlemen, that he wants to fight!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Why? What for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> Heaven only knows!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>to</i> SIMON). What
is the meaning of it?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon.</i> Why does he bother her?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> What has happened?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Simon</i> (<i>smiles</i>). Well, you see, he is
always catching hold of Tánya, the lady's-maid, and she
won't have it. Well, so I just moved him aside a bit, just so, with
my hand.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> A nice little bit! He's almost
caved my ribs in, and has torn my dress-coat, and he says, "The
same power as came over me yesterday comes on me again," and he
begins to squeeze me.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>to</i> SIMON). How
dare you fight in my house?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch.</i> May I explain it
to you, ma'am? I must tell you Simon is not indifferent to
Tánya, and is engaged to her. And Gregory—one must
admit the truth—does not behave properly, nor honestly, to
her. Well, so I suppose Simon got angry with him.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> Not at all! It is all his spite,
because I have discovered their trickery.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> What trickery?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> Why, at the séance. All
those things, last night,—it was not Simon but Tánya
who did them! I saw her getting out from under the sofa with my own
eyes.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> What is that? From
under the sofa?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> I give you my word of honor. And it
was she who threw the paper on the table. If it had not been for
her the paper would not have been signed, nor the land sold to the
peasants.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> And you saw it
yourself?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> With my own eyes. Shall I call her?
She'll not deny it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Yes, call her.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit</i> GREGORY.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Noise behind the scenes. The voice of the</i>
DOORKEEPER, "No, no, you cannot." DOORKEEPER <i>is seen at the
front door, the three</i> PEASANTS <i>rush in past him, the</i>
SECOND PEASANT <i>first; the</i> THIRD <i>one stumbles, falls on
his nose, and catches hold of it.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doorkeeper.</i> You must not go in!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant.</i> Where's the harm? We are not
doing anything wrong. We only wish to pay the money!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant.</i> That's just it; as by laying
on the signature the affair is come to a conclusion, we only wish
to make payment with thanks.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Wait a bit with your
thanks. It was all done by fraud! It is not settled yet. Not sold
yet.... Leoníd.... Call Leoníd Fyódoritch.</p>
<p class="hang">[<i>Exit</i> DOORKEEPER.</p>
<p class="indent">[LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>enters, but,
seeing his wife and the</i> PEASANTS, <i>wishes to retreat.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> No, no, come here,
please! I told you the land must not be sold on credit, and
everybody told you so, but you let yourself be deceived like the
veriest blockhead.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> How? I
don't understand who is deceiving?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> You ought to be
ashamed of yourself! You have grey hair, and you let yourself be
deceived and laughed at like a silly boy. You grudge your son some
three hundred roubles which his social position demands, and let
yourself be tricked of thousands—like a fool!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Now come,
Annette, try to be calm.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant.</i> We are only come about the
acceptation of the sum, for example....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i> (<i>taking out the money</i>).
Let us finish the matter, for Christ's sake!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Wait, wait!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> TÁNYA <i>and</i> GREGORY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>angrily</i>). You
were in the small drawing-room during the séance last
night?</p>
<p class="indent">[TÁNYA <i>looks around at</i> THEODORE
IVÁNITCH, LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH, <i>and</i> SIMON,
<i>and sighs.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Gregory.</i> It's no use beating about the bush;
I saw you myself....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Tell me, were you
there? I know all about it, so you'd better confess! I'll not do
anything to you. I only want to expose him (<i>pointing to</i>
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH) your master.... Did you throw the
paper on the table?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> I don't know how to answer.
Only one thing,—let me go home.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> BETSY <i>unobserved.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>to</i>
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH). There, you see! You are being
made a fool of.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> Let me go home, Anna
Pávlovna!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> No, my dear! You may
have caused us a loss of thousands of roubles. Land has been sold
that ought not to be sold!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> Let me go, Anna
Pávlovna!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> No; you'll have to
answer for it! Such tricks won't do. We'll have you up before the
Justice of the Peace!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy</i> (<i>comes forward</i>). Let her go,
mamma. Or, if you wish to have her tried, you must have me tried
too! She and I did it together.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Well, of course, if
you have a hand in anything, what can one expect but the very worst
results!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter the</i> PROFESSOR.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> How do you do, Anna
Pávlovna? How do you do, Miss Betsy? Leoníd
Fyódoritch, I have brought you a report of the Thirteenth
Congress of Spiritualists at Chicago. An amazing speech by
Schmidt!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Oh, that is
interesting!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> I will tell you
something much more interesting! It turns out that both you and my
husband were fooled by this girl! Betsy takes it on herself, but
that is only to annoy me. It was an illiterate peasant girl who
fooled you, and you believed it all. There were no mediumistic
phenomena last night; it was she (<i>pointing to</i> TÁNYA)
who did it!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>taking off his overcoat</i>).
What do you mean?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> I mean that it was she
who, in the dark, played on the guitar and beat my husband on the
head and performed all your idiotic tricks—and she has just
confessed!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>smiling</i>). What does that
prove?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> It proves that your
mediumism is—tomfoolery; that's what it proves!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor.</i> Because this young girl wished to
deceive, we are to conclude that mediumism is "tomfoolery," as you
are pleased to express it? (<i>Smiles</i>.) A curious conclusion!
Very possibly this young girl may have wished to deceive: that
often occurs. She may even have done something; but then, what she
did—<i>she</i> did. But the manifestations of mediumistic
energy still remain manifestations of <i>mediumistic</i> energy! It
is even very probable that what this young girl did evoked (and so
to say solicited) the manifestation of mediumistic
energy,—giving it a definite form.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Another lecture!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>sternly</i>). You say, Anna
Pávlovna, that this girl, and perhaps this dear young lady
also, did something; but the light we all saw, and, in the first
case the fall, and in the second the rise of temperature, and
Grossman's excitement and vibration—were those things also
done by this girl? And these are facts, Anna Pávlovna,
facts! No! Anna Pávlovna, there are things which must be
investigated and fully understood before they can be talked about,
things too serious, too serious....</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> And the child that
Márya Vasílevna distinctly saw? Why, I saw it too....
That could not have been done by this girl.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> You think yourself
wise, but you are—a fool.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Leoníd Fyódoritch.</i> Well, I'm
going.... Alexéy Vladímiritch, will you come?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit into his study.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>Professor</i> (<i>shrugging his shoulders,
follows</i>). Oh, how far, how far, we still lag behind Western
Europe!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Enter</i> JACOB.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>following</i>
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH <i>with her eyes</i>). He has been tricked
like a fool, and he sees nothing! (<i>To</i> JACOB.) What do you
want?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Jacob.</i> How many persons am I to lay the
table for?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> For how many?...
Theodore Ivánitch! Let him give up the silver plate to you.
Be off, at once! It is all his fault! This man will bring me to my
grave. Last night he nearly starved the dog that had done him no
harm! And, as if that were not enough, he lets the infected
peasants into the kitchen, and now they are here again! It is all
his fault! Be off at once! Discharge him, discharge him! (<i>To</i>
SIMON.) And you, horrid peasant, if you dare to have rows in my
house again, I'll teach you!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant.</i> All right, if he is a horrid
peasant there's no good keeping him; you'd better discharge him
too, and there's an end of it.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna</i> (<i>while listening to
him looks at</i> THIRD PEASANT). Only look! Why, he has a rash on
his nose—a rash! He is ill; he is a hotbed of infection!! Did
I not give orders, yesterday, that they were not to be allowed into
the house, and here they are again? Drive them out!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch.</i> Then are we not to
accept their money?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> Their money? Oh yes,
take their money; but they must be turned out at once, especially
this one! He is quite rotten!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant.</i> That's not just, lady. God's
my witness, it's not just! You'd better ask my old woman, let's
say, whether I am rotten! I'm clear as crystal, let's say.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Anna Pávlovna.</i> He talks!... Off, off
with him! It's all to spite me!... Oh, I can't bear it, I can't!...
Send for the doctor!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Runs away, sobbing. Exit also</i> JACOB
<i>and</i> GREGORY.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya</i> (<i>to</i> BETSY). Miss
Elizabeth, darling, what am I to do now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Betsy.</i> Never mind, you go with them and I'll
arrange it all.</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant.</i> Well, your reverence, how
about the reception of the sum now?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant.</i> Let us settle up, and
go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant</i> (<i>fumbling with the packet
of banknotes</i>). Had I known, I'd not have come for the world.
It's worse than a fever!</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch</i> (<i>to</i>
DOORKEEPER). Show them into my room. There's a counting-board
there. I'll receive their money. Now go.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Doorkeeper.</i> Come along.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch.</i> And it's
Tánya you have to thank for it. But for her you'd not have
had the land.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>First Peasant.</i> That's just it. As she made
the proposal, so she put it into effect.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Third Peasant.</i> She's made men of us. Else
what were we? We had so little land, no room to let a hen out,
let's say, not to mention the cattle. Good-bye, dear! When you get
to the village, come to us and eat honey.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Second Peasant.</i> Let me get home and I'll
start brewing the beer for the wedding! You will come?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> Yes, I'll come, I'll come!
(<i>Shrieks</i>.) Simon, this is fine, isn't it?</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Exeunt</i> PEASANTS.</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Theodore Ivánitch.</i> Well,
Tánya, when you have your house I'll come to visit you. Will
you welcome me?</p>
<p class="hang"><i>Tánya.</i> Dear Theodore Ivánitch,
just the same as we would our own father!</p>
<p class="indent">[<i>Embraces and kisses him.</i></p>
<p class="hang">CURTAIN</p>
<hr>
<h4>FOOTNOTES FOR <i>FRUITS OF CULTURE</i></h4>
<p class="hang"><a name="f1">1.</a> Economical
balls at which the ladies are bound to appear in dresses made of
cotton materials. (<a href="#f1-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f2">2.</a> The present
value of the rouble is rather over fifty cents.
(<a href="#f2-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f3">3.</a> The Gypsy
choirs are very popular in Moscow. (<a href="#f3-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f4">4.</a> <i>Betsy</i>.
Cease! You are becoming quite unbearable!
(<a href="#f4-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f5">5.</a>
<i>Petrístchef</i>. I have C said
(<i>ceased</i>), B said, and D said.
(<a href="#f5-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f6">6.</a> <i>Baroness</i>. But tell me,
please, is he paid for this?</p>
<p class="hang"> <i>Anna
Pávlovna</i>. I really do not know.</p>
<p class="hang"> <i>Baroness</i>. But he
is a gentleman?</p>
<p class="hang"> <i>Anna
Pávlovna</i>. Oh, yes!</p>
<p class="hang"> <i>Baroness</i>. It is
almost miraculous. Isn't it? How does he manage to find things?</p>
<p class="hang"> <i>Anna
Pávlovna</i>. I really can't tell you. My husband will
explain it to you.... Excuse me....
(<a href="#f6-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f7">7.</a> Stunning!
(<a href="#f7-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f8">8.</a>
<i>Baroness</i>. Capital! Does it not cause him
any pain?</p>
<p class="hang"> <i>Leoníd
Fyódoritch</i>. Not the slightest.
(<a href="#f8-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f9">9.</a> He uses a
Centigrade thermometer. (<a href="#f9-r">Return</a>)</p>
<a name="f10">10.</a> <i>Leoníd
Fyódoritch</i>. You bring good luck.
(<a href="#f10-r">Return</a>)
<p class="hang"><a name="f11">11.</a> <i>Fat Lady</i>. But
he looks quite nice. (<a href="#f11-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f12">12.</a> To take a header.
(<a href="#f12-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f13">13.</a> Do not disappoint us.
(<a href="#f13-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f14">14.</a> <i>Betsy</i>. I have
more than enough of your Koko. (<a href="#f14-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f15">15.</a> <i>Young Princess.</i>
He is usually so very punctual....
(<a href="#f15-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f16">16.</a> <i>Betsy</i>. Cease;
mind the servants! (<a href="#f16-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f17">17.</a> And that won't suit me
at all, at all! Not at all, at all!
(<a href="#f17-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f18">18.</a> Employers have charge
of the servants' passports, and in this way have a hold on them in
case of misconduct. (<a href="#f18-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f19">19.</a> It is customary for
peasants to marry just after Easter, but when spring has come and
the field work begun, no marriages take place among them till
autumn. (See also <i>THE POWER OF DARKNESS</i>
<a href="#d2">footnote 2</a>.)
(<a href="#f19-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f20">20.</a> <i>Countess.</i> Thank
you (for your hospitality), a thousand thanks
(<a href="#f20-r">Return</a>)</p>
<p class="hang"><a name="f21">21.</a> <i>Anna
Pávlovna</i>. Thank you (for coming to see us), a
thousand thanks. Till next Tuesday! (<a href="#f21-r">Return</a>)</p>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<pre>
*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, REDEMPTION AND TWO OTHER PLAYS ***
This file should be named 8rdpt10h.htm or 8rdpt10h.zip
Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8rdpt11h.htm
VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8rdpt10ah.htm
Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed
editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US
unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we usually do not
keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
We are now trying to release all our eBooks one year in advance
of the official release dates, leaving time for better editing.
Please be encouraged to tell us about any error or corrections,
even years after the official publication date.
Please note neither this listing nor its contents are final til
midnight of the last day of the month of any such announcement.
The official release date of all Project Gutenberg eBooks is at
Midnight, Central Time, of the last day of the stated month. A
preliminary version may often be posted for suggestion, comment
and editing by those who wish to do so.
Most people start at our Web sites at:
<a href="http://gutenberg.net">http://gutenberg.net</a> or
<a href="http://promo.net.pg">http://promo.net/pg</a>
These Web sites include award-winning information about Project
Gutenberg, including how to donate, how to help produce our new
eBooks, and how to subscribe to our email newsletter (free!).
Those of you who want to download any eBook before announcement
can get to them as follows, and just download by date. This is
also a good way to get them instantly upon announcement, as the
indexes our cataloguers produce obviously take a while after an
announcement goes out in the Project Gutenberg Newsletter.
<a href="http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext04">http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext05</a> or
<a href="ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/docs/books/gutenberg/etext04">ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/docs/books/gutenberg/etext05</a>
Or /etext05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90
Just search by the first five letters of the filename you want,
as it appears in our Newsletters.
Information about Project Gutenberg (one page)
We produce about two million dollars for each hour we work. The
time it takes us, a rather conservative estimate, is fifty hours
to get any eBook selected, entered, proofread, edited, copyright
searched and analyzed, the copyright letters written, etc. Our
projected audience is one hundred million readers. If the value
per text is nominally estimated at one dollar then we produce $2
million dollars per hour in 2002 as we release over 100 new text
files per month: 1240 more eBooks in 2001 for a total of 4000+
We are already on our way to trying for 2000 more eBooks in 2002
If they reach just 1-2% of the world's population then the total
will reach over half a trillion eBooks given away by year's end.
The Goal of Project Gutenberg is to Give Away 1 Trillion eBooks!
This is ten thousand titles each to one hundred million readers,
which is only about 4% of the present number of computer users.
Here is the briefest record of our progress (* means estimated):
eBooks Year Month
1 1971 July
10 1991 January
100 1994 January
1000 1997 August
1500 1998 October
2000 1999 December
2500 2000 December
3000 2001 November
4000 2001 October/November
6000 2002 December*
9000 2003 November*
10000 2004 January*
The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been created
to secure a future for Project Gutenberg into the next millennium.
We need your donations more than ever!
As of February, 2002, contributions are being solicited from people
and organizations in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts,
Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South
Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West
Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
We have filed in all 50 states now, but these are the only ones
that have responded.
As the requirements for other states are met, additions to this list
will be made and fund raising will begin in the additional states.
Please feel free to ask to check the status of your state.
In answer to various questions we have received on this:
We are constantly working on finishing the paperwork to legally
request donations in all 50 states. If your state is not listed and
you would like to know if we have added it since the list you have,
just ask.
While we cannot solicit donations from people in states where we are
not yet registered, we know of no prohibition against accepting
donations from donors in these states who approach us with an offer to
donate.
International donations are accepted, but we don't know ANYTHING about
how to make them tax-deductible, or even if they CAN be made
deductible, and don't have the staff to handle it even if there are
ways.
Donations by check or money order may be sent to:
Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
PMB 113
1739 University Ave.
Oxford, MS 38655-4109
Contact us if you want to arrange for a wire transfer or payment
method other than by check or money order.
The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been approved by
the US Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization with EIN
[Employee Identification Number] 64-622154. Donations are
tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law. As fund-raising
requirements for other states are met, additions to this list will be
made and fund-raising will begin in the additional states.
We need your donations more than ever!
You can get up to date donation information online at:
<a href="http://www.gutenberg.net/donation.html">http://www.gutenberg.net/donation.html</a>
***
If you can't reach Project Gutenberg,
you can always email directly to:
<a href="mailto:hart@pobox.com">Michael S. Hart [hart@pobox.com]</a>
Prof. Hart will answer or forward your message.
We would prefer to send you information by email.
**The Legal Small Print**
(Three Pages)
***START**THE SMALL PRINT!**FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS**START***
Why is this "Small Print!" statement here? You know: lawyers.
They tell us you might sue us if there is something wrong with
your copy of this eBook, even if you got it for free from
someone other than us, and even if what's wrong is not our
fault. So, among other things, this "Small Print!" statement
disclaims most of our liability to you. It also tells you how
you may distribute copies of this eBook if you want to.
*BEFORE!* YOU USE OR READ THIS EBOOK
By using or reading any part of this PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm
eBook, you indicate that you understand, agree to and accept
this "Small Print!" statement. If you do not, you can receive
a refund of the money (if any) you paid for this eBook by
sending a request within 30 days of receiving it to the person
you got it from. If you received this eBook on a physical
medium (such as a disk), you must return it with your request.
ABOUT PROJECT GUTENBERG-TM EBOOKS
This PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook, like most PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBooks,
is a "public domain" work distributed by Professor Michael S. Hart
through the Project Gutenberg Association (the "Project").
Among other things, this means that no one owns a United States copyright
on or for this work, so the Project (and you!) can copy and
distribute it in the United States without permission and
without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth
below, apply if you wish to copy and distribute this eBook
under the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark.
Please do not use the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark to market
any commercial products without permission.
To create these eBooks, the Project expends considerable
efforts to identify, transcribe and proofread public domain
works. Despite these efforts, the Project's eBooks and any
medium they may be on may contain "Defects". Among other
things, Defects may take the form of incomplete, inaccurate or
corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged
disk or other eBook medium, a computer virus, or computer
codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.
LIMITED WARRANTY; DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES
But for the "Right of Replacement or Refund" described below,
[1] Michael Hart and the Foundation (and any other party you may
receive this eBook from as a PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook) disclaims
all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including
legal fees, and [2] YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE OR
UNDER STRICT LIABILITY, OR FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE
OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
If you discover a Defect in this eBook within 90 days of
receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any)
you paid for it by sending an explanatory note within that
time to the person you received it from. If you received it
on a physical medium, you must return it with your note, and
such person may choose to alternatively give you a replacement
copy. If you received it electronically, such person may
choose to alternatively give you a second opportunity to
receive it electronically.
THIS EBOOK IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED TO YOU "AS-IS". NO OTHER
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE MADE TO YOU AS
TO THE EBOOK OR ANY MEDIUM IT MAY BE ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Some states do not allow disclaimers of implied warranties or
the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the
above disclaimers and exclusions may not apply to you, and you
may have other legal rights.
INDEMNITY
You will indemnify and hold Michael Hart, the Foundation,
and its trustees and agents, and any volunteers associated
with the production and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm
texts harmless, from all liability, cost and expense, including
legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the
following that you do or cause: [1] distribution of this eBook,
[2] alteration, modification, or addition to the eBook,
or [3] any Defect.
DISTRIBUTION UNDER "PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm"
You may distribute copies of this eBook electronically, or by
disk, book or any other medium if you either delete this
"Small Print!" and all other references to Project Gutenberg,
or:
[1] Only give exact copies of it. Among other things, this
requires that you do not remove, alter or modify the
eBook or this "small print!" statement. You may however,
if you wish, distribute this eBook in machine readable
binary, compressed, mark-up, or proprietary form,
including any form resulting from conversion by word
processing or hypertext software, but only so long as
*EITHER*:
[*] The eBook, when displayed, is clearly readable, and
does *not* contain characters other than those
intended by the author of the work, although tilde
(~), asterisk (*) and underline (_) characters may
be used to convey punctuation intended by the
author, and additional characters may be used to
indicate hypertext links; OR
[*] The eBook may be readily converted by the reader at
no expense into plain ASCII, EBCDIC or equivalent
form by the program that displays the eBook (as is
the case, for instance, with most word processors);
OR
[*] You provide, or agree to also provide on request at
no additional cost, fee or expense, a copy of the
eBook in its original plain ASCII form (or in EBCDIC
or other equivalent proprietary form).
[2] Honor the eBook refund and replacement provisions of this
"Small Print!" statement.
[3] Pay a trademark license fee to the Foundation of 20% of the
gross profits you derive calculated using the method you
already use to calculate your applicable taxes. If you
don't derive profits, no royalty is due. Royalties are
payable to "Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation"
the 60 days following each date you prepare (or were
legally required to prepare) your annual (or equivalent
periodic) tax return. Please contact us beforehand to
let us know your plans and to work out the details.
WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO?
Project Gutenberg is dedicated to increasing the number of
public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed
in machine readable form.
The Project gratefully accepts contributions of money, time,
public domain materials, or royalty free copyright licenses.
Money should be paid to the:
"Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
If you are interested in contributing scanning equipment or
software or other items, please contact Michael Hart at:
hart@pobox.com
[Portions of this eBook's header and trailer may be reprinted only
when distributed free of all fees. Copyright (C) 2001, 2002 by
Michael S. Hart. Project Gutenberg is a TradeMark and may not be
used in any sales of Project Gutenberg eBooks or other materials be
they hardware or software or any other related product without
express permission.]
*END THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END*
</pre>
</body>
</html>
|
