Chapter IV: Act II

_Guest-room in the house of_ TORTSÓV. _Against the rear wall a sofa, in front of the sofa a round table and six armchairs, three on each side; in the left corner a door; on each wall a mirror, and under them little tables. A door in each side wall, and a door in the rear wall in the corner. On the stage it is dark; from the left door comes a light._

SCENE I

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA _and_ ANNA IVÁNOVNA _enter through the lighted door._

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Why don't they come, our fine lads? Shall we go and fetch them?

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. No, you'd better not. Well, yes, if you like, fetch them. [_Embraces her_] Fetch them, Annushka.

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Well, evidently you aren't happy without him!

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Oh, Annushka, if you only knew how I love him!

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Love him, then, my dear, but don't lose your wits. Don't let him go too far, or you may be sorry for it. Be sure you find out first what sort of a fellow he is.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. He's a good lad!--I love him very much; he's so quiet, and he's an orphan.

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Well, if he's good, then love him; you ought to know best. I just said that! Many a girl comes to grief because of them. It's easy to get into trouble, if you don't use your sense.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. What is our love? Like a blade of grass in the field; it blooms out of season--and it fades.

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Wait a moment! Some one's coming, I think. Isn't it he? I'll go and you wait, perhaps it's he! Have a good talk with him. [_She goes out._

MÍTYA _enters._

SCENE II

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA _and_ MÍTYA

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Who's there?

MÍTYA. It's I, Mítya.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Why were you so long in coming?

MÍTYA. I was detained. [_Approaches_] Lyubóv Gordéyevna, are you alone?

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Yes, what of it?

MÍTYA. Lyubóv Gordéyevna, how do you wish me to understand your letter? Do you mean it, or is it a joke? [LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA _is silent_] Tell me, Lyubóv Gordéyevna! I am now in such perplexity that I cannot express it to you. My position in your house is known to you; subordinate to everybody, and I may say utterly despised by Gordéy Kárpych. I've had only one feeling, that for you, and if I receive ridicule from you, then it would have been better for me never to have lived in this world. You may trust me! I am telling you the truth.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. No, Mítya dear, what I wrote to you was the truth, and not a joke. And you, do you love me?

MÍTYA. Indeed, Lyubóv Gordéyevna, I do not know how to express to you what I feel. But at least let me assure you that I have a heart in my breast, and not a stone. You can see my love from everything.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. But I thought that you loved Anna Ivánovna.

MÍTYA. That is not true!

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Really, they told me so.

MÍTYA. If this were true, then what sort of a man should I be after acting as I have? Could I declare with words what my heart does not feel! I think such a thing would be dishonorable! I may not be worth your regard, but I'm not the man to deceive you.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. It is impossible to believe you men; all men in the world are deceivers.

MÍTYA. Let them be deceivers, but I am not.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. How can one know! Perhaps you also are deceiving me and want to play a joke on me!

MÍTYA. It would be easier for me to die in this place than to hear such words from you! [_Turns away._

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. No, Mítya, I didn't mean it. I know that you love me. I only wanted to tease you. [MÍTYA _is silent_] Mítya dear! Mítya! Why are you silent? Are you angry with me? I tell you I was only joking! Mítya! Yes! Now, then, say something. [_Takes his hand._

MÍTYA. Oh, Lyubóv Gordéyevna, I'm not in a joking humor! I'm not that sort of man.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Don't be angry.

MÍTYA. If you love me, then stop these jokes! They are not in place. Oh, it's all the same to me now! [_Embraces her_] Maybe they can take you from me by force, but I won't give you up of my free will. I love you more than my life!

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. [_Returning his embrace_] Mítya dear, what shall we do now?

MÍTYA. What shall we do? We didn't fall in love with each other just to say good-by!

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Well, but what if they promise me to some one else?

MÍTYA. Look here, Lyubóv, one word! To-morrow we must go together to Gordéy Kárpych, and throw ourselves at his feet. We'll say so and so--whatever you please, but we can't live without each other. Yes, if you love me, then forget your pride!

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. What pride, Mítya? Is this a time for pride! Mítya dear, don't be angry with me; don't remember my past words. It was only girlish foolishness; I'm sorry that I did it! I shouldn't have joked with you; I should have caressed you, my poor boy. [_Throws her arms round his neck_] Oh, but, if father doesn't consent to our happiness--what then?

MÍTYA. Who can tell beforehand? It will be as God wills. I don't know how it is with you, but for me life is not life without you! [_Is silent_.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Some one's coming! Go away quietly, dearest, and I'll come later.

MÍTYA _goes out quietly_. ARÍNA _comes in with a candle_; LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA _goes to meet her_.

SCENE III

ARÍNA, LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA, _and afterwards_ EGÓRUSHKA

ARÍNA. Well, you! You frightened me enough! What are you doing here? Your mother is looking for you there, and here you are! Why are you wandering about in the dark! Oh, you modest maiden! Fairy princess. [LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA _goes out_] Well, really, wasn't some one there with her? [_Looks into the corner_] But I'm a silly old woman, I suspected some one! [_Lights the candles_] Oh, deary me, some trouble will be sure to come in my old age. [EGÓRUSHKA _enters_] Go along, Egórushka, and call the girls in from the neighbors; tell them Pelagéya Egórovna told you to invite them to come and sing songs.

EGÓRUSHKA. Oh! how are you, Arína, my dear?

ARÍNA. What are you so happy about, silly?

EGÓRUSHKA. Why shouldn't I be happy? It's such fun! Ha, ha, ha! [_Jumps about._

ARÍNA. And maybe the mummers are coming; the young people wanted to dress up.

EGÓRUSHKA. Oh, I shall die! Oh, Lord, I shall die!

ARÍNA. What's the matter with you, you scamp?

EGÓRUSHKA. Oh, I shall die of laughing! Oh, granny, I've got such giggles!

ARÍNA. Dress up yourself.

EGÓRUSHKA. I will, I will! Oh, Lord! Oh, Oh, Oh.

ARÍNA. Now you run along quickly and fetch the girls.

EGÓRUSHKA. In a second! [_Goes out._

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA _comes in._

SCENE IV

ARÍNA _and_ PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Arinushka, did you send for the girls?

ARÍNA. I did, my dear.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. That's right. Let them have a song with our folks, and cheer up Lyubóv and the guests. This is the time for them to enjoy themselves--while they're young. You know what a girl's life is--behind bolts and bars, never seeing the world! Now's their holiday!--Yes, let 'em have a good time!

ARÍNA. Yes, to be sure, to be sure! Why shouldn't they?

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Bring in some Madeira, Arinushka, the oldest we have; and gingerbread for the young people, and sweets--whatever you choose! Attend to it yourself, but don't forget the Madeira.

ARÍNA. I understand, I understand; there'll be enough of everything. Directly, my dear, directly!

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. And a snack for the young men.

ARÍNA. Everything, everything will be all right. Don't you worry yourself; you join the guests. I'll do everything with pleasure. [_Goes out._

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. [_Going to the door_] Girls, boys, come here! There's more room here and it's lighter.

_Enter_ LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA, MÁSHA, LÍZA, ANNA IVÁNOVNA, RAZLYULYÁYEV, MÍTYA, GÚSLIN, _and two_ GUESTS.

SCENE V

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA, LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA, MÁSHA, LÍZA, ANNA IVÁNOVNA, RAZLYULYÁYEV, MÍTYA, GÚSLIN, _and two_ GUESTS _(old women)._

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. [_To the old women_] We'll sit here. [_Seats herself on the sofa, with the old women near her;_ ANNA IVÁNOVNA _and_ GÚSLIN _take chairs and talk quietly;_ MÍTYA _stands near them;_ MÁSHA, LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA, _and_ LÍZA _walk about the room with their arms round each other;_ RAZLYULYÁYEV _follows them_] We'll watch them while they play.

LÍZA. "Just imagine, mother!" I said, "he doesn't know how to talk properly, and he even uses such words that it's absolutely impolite."

RAZLYULYÁYEV. Do you mean me?

LÍZA. We aren't talking about you; it's no business of yours. [_She continues_] "But why, mother, must I love him?" [_Speaks in a whisper._

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Yes, my friend, I love the good old ways. Yes, our good old Russian ways. But there! my husband doesn't care for them! What can you do about it? That's his character. But I love them, I'm naturally jolly; yes, I love to give a person a bite and to get them to sing songs to me! Yes, I take after my family. Our family are all jolly, and love singing.

FIRST GUEST. When I look round, my dear Pelagéya Egórovna, there isn't the gayety that there used to be when we were young.

SECOND GUEST. No, no.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. In my young days I was the merriest sort of girl--always singing and dancing---indeed I was. Yes, what songs I knew! They don't sing such songs now.

FIRST GUEST. No, they don't sing them; new songs have come in now.

SECOND GUEST. Yes, yes, one remembers the old times.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Yasha dear! Sing us some good old songs.

GÚSLIN _takes the guitar._

RAZLYULYÁYEV. [_To the girls_] So it's no use for me to wait; evidently I shan't get any sense out of you.

LÍZA. What do you mean by sense? I don't understand.

MÁSHA. It's ridiculous to listen to you.

RAZLYULYÁYEV. Yes, it's funny for you; but how is it for me? Really, why don't you love me?

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Let's sit down.

_They sit down._

GÚSLIN. [_Sings_]

"Four huts beside the brook
That swift doth run.
There is a gossip
In every one.

Dear gossips all four,
My friends that be,
Be friendly and kindly
And nice to me.

When you're in the green garden,
Take me with you;
When you pluck flowers,
Pluck me a few.

When you weave garlands,
Weave me some too;
When you go to the river,
Take me with you.

When you throw in the garlands,
Throw also my wreath;
The others will float,
When mine sinks beneath.

All of the sweethearts,
They have come home;
Mine, and mine only,
He has not come."

ARÍNA. [_Enters with bottles and glasses; and a servant-girl with relishes_] Here, I've brought them!

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. [_To the servant_] Pass it to the young ladies. [_The servant carries wine round to the girls, places the tray on the table and goes out_] Arína! Bring us some wine. Yes, pour it out, pour out the Madeira, the Madeira; it will cheer us up. That's all right! Let's have a glass; they won't condemn us--we're old folks! [_They drink_] Annushka! Come along and drink some wine. Won't you have some?

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Well, why shouldn't I drink some! They say, don't drink when there's no one round, but when there's company, it's all right.

_Goes to_ PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA, _drinks and talks in a whisper_.

ARÍNA. Have you had a drop too much, my boys?

MÍTYA. I don't drink.

RAZLYULYÁYEV. With pleasure! [_He comes up with_ GÚSLIN _and drinks; then catches hold of_ ARÍNA] Now, then, let's start an old song. [_Sings_.

"Oh, I'll sing an old song,
Of Eréma, of Fomá--"

ARÍNA. Stop, saucy; you've crumpled me all up!

RAZLYULYÁYEV. [_Sings_]

"The reins were in Kalúga;
In Tarús' the hames were hid.
Grooved runners had the sleigh;
All by itself it slid."

_The girls laugh_.

ARÍNA. Let me go, I say! Now that's enough! [_Goes out_.

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. What are you teasing the old woman for? Come and dance with me.

RAZLYULYÁYEV. Come on, then! Play for us, Yasha!

YÁSHA _plays; they dance_.

FIRST GUEST. That's a lively little woman.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Yes, very lively, very lively.

RAZLYULYÁYEV. [_Stamping his feet_] That's the way we do it. [_Stops dancing_.

EGÓRUSHKA. [_Enters_] The girls have come.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Ask them in. [EGÓRUSHKA _goes out; the girls come in_. ARÍNA _brings in a dish and covers it_] Sit down and sing the dish songs; I'm so fond of them.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA, MÁSHA, LÍZA, _and_ ANNA IVÁNOVNA _take off their rings and put them into the dish; the girls sing_.

"Sow the wheat, my mother, and bake the cake for me.
Glory!
Many guests are coming, my lovers for to be. Glory!

Your guests will wear bast slippers, but mine have boots
of hide. Glory!
The girl of whom the song is sung, much good it doth betide.
Glory!

The girl whose ring is taken out, will find it so without a
doubt. Glory!"

RAZLYULYÁYEV _rolls up his sleeves, takes out a ring and gives it to_ LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. High time, high time!

GIRLS. [_Sing_]

"In Bélgorod a sparrow small, Glory!
In Bélgorod sits on a wall. Glory!

In a strange land he looks about. Glory!
Her ring and fortune will come out. Glory!"

ARÍNA. [_Enters_] The mummers have come; shall I let them in?

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Yes, let them in; let them have a dance. And you girls can sing afterwards.

SCENE VI

_The same and mummers; an_ OLD MAN _with a balalaika or guitar, a_ TRAINER _with a bear and goat_, EGÓRUSHKA _with molasses_.

OLD MAN. [_Bowing_] To all this honest company, greeting!

TRAINER. Make a bow, Mishka! [_The bear bows_.

OLD MAN. Do you wish me to sing and dance and amuse you, and to limber up my old bones?

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. That's all right; yes, dance! Give them some wine, Arinushka.

ARÍNA _serves the wine; some of them drink_.

OLD MAN. Thank you humbly for your kind words, and for the entertainment. [_Sings_.

"Our lads, though stripped unto the buff,
Even so are bold enough.
Their twelve hands go weaving on;
Now the web of cloth is done.
They made kaftans for us here;
Kaftans do not cost you dear
When you've grist within your hopper.
In our purses silver bright
Will not let us sleep at night.
And the jingling coins of copper
For the tavern raise the call.
Tapster Andrew, quick undo
The inn-door. We've a kaftan new
Here to put in pawn with you;
We won't take it home at all."

[_Goes to one side_.

EGÓRUSHKA. [_Dances with the molasses_]

"Molasses! Molasses!
It simmers so sweet.
Oh, winter is bitter,
The frost and the sleet.
Stormy and snowy, oh, ways choked with snow,
Unto my darling there's no way to go.

Molasses! Molasses!
It simmers so sweet.
Like a little quail my wife
Sits on her seat.
And I love her for this, and her praises I tell,
For she jaunts on so prettily, proudly and well."

[_Bows_.

FIRST GUEST. Oh, what a fine boy! Ah!

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Why, yes, my friend, he's still a child; but he does the best he can. He's young yet. Come here, Egórushka. [EGÓRUSHKA _comes_] Here's some gingerbread for you. [_Gives it to him_; EGÓRUSHKA _bows and goes out_] Yes, he's still a child; you can't expect much from him!

_The_ TRAINEE _leads the bear; the goat dances_.

OLD MAN. [_Sings_]

"We had a little billy-goat,
And he was clever, too;
He carried in the water,
And set the mush to brew.

He fed Grandpa and Grandma;
But when he went one day
To the dark forest seven wolves
In waiting for him lay.

And one of them was hungry,
And many and many a year
Had he roamed, forever asking
For goat's meat far and near."

TRAINER. [_To the bear_] Ask for wine, in honor of the goat. [_Bear bows_.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Arinushka, bring some refreshments for the mummers.

ARÍNA _brings them something to drink; they drink and bow_.

TRAINER. Now, then, amuse the honorable company. Show how the fair young darlings, the fair young girls, pale and rosy ones, glance at the young men, and watch their suitors. [_Bear shows off_] And how the old woman goes to work, bending, shrivelled; old age has overcome her, the years have broken her down. [_Bear shows off_] Well, now bow to the honorable company.[1]

[Footnote 1: Ostróvsky is of course reproducing actual Christmas customs. Count Ilya Tolstoy, in his _Reminiscences of Tolstoy_, tells how his father played the part of the bear at the family Christmas party.]

_They go out; the_ OLD MAN _plays the guitar; the other mummers dance; all watch them_. GÚSLIN _and_ MÍTYA _stand near_ LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA; MÍTYA _whispers something to her, and kisses her_. RAZLYULYÁYEV _comes up_.

RAZLYULYÁYEV. What are you doing?

MÍTYA. What's that to you?

RAZLYULYÁYEV. I'll tell Pelagéya Egórovna; just see if I don't!

MÍTYA. You just dare to tell!

GÚSLIN. [_Approaching him_] Look out for me! You see we'll go away from here together; it'll be dark and the alley is lonely--just remember that!

RAZLYULYÁYEV. What are you meddling with me for? What's the use? I want to marry her, and I'm going to make proposals. What are you up to! Yes, I mean to marry her!

MÍTYA. We'll see about that.

RAZLYULYÁYEV. Do you think they'll marry her to you? Not much! Not if I know it--I've got lots of money!

ARÍNA. What a racket! Stop! Some one seems to be knocking. [_All listen_] That's true! They are knocking.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Go and open the door.

ARÍNA. [_Goes out, then returns_] He's come back himself! _All rise._

SCENE VII

_The same with_ GORDÉY KÁRPYCH _and_ KÓRSHUNOV

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. [_To the mummers_] What's this rabble!--Get out! [_To his wife_] Wife! Pelagéya Egórovna! Greet my guest. [_Speaks in a low voice_] You've ruined me!

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. You are welcome, Afrikán Savvich, you are welcome.

KÓRSHUNOV. Good evening, Pelagéya Egórovna. He, he, he! It's very cheerful here! We've struck it just at the right time.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Yes, here I am with the girls. Yes, I'm always with the girls. It's holiday time; I want to give my daughter some fun.

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. You are welcome, Afrikán Savvich; make yourself at home. [AFRIKÁN SÁVVICH _seats himself in the armchair at the table. To his wife_] Turn the hussies out.

KÓRSHUNOV. Why turn them out! Who's going to turn the girls out. He, he, he! They'll sing a song, and we'll listen and watch them, and we'll give them some money, but not turn them out.

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. As you wish, Afrikán Savvich! Only I am abashed before you! But don't conclude from this that we are all uneducated--this is all the wife; nothing can knock anything into her head. [_To his wife_] How many times have I told you: if you want to have a party in the evening, call in the musicians, and have things in good form. You can't say I deny you anything.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Well, what's the use of musicians--for us old women? _You_ can amuse yourself with them!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. There, that's the idea of life she has! It makes you laugh to hear her.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. What do you mean? _Idea, idea_! It would be better for you to give your guest something to eat. Would you like something, Afrikán Savvich? Some wine with us old women? [_Pours out Madeira_.

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. [_Severely_] Wife! Have you really gone out of your mind! Hasn't Afrikán Savvich ever seen Madeira before! Order champagne--a half dozen--and be quick about it! Then order lighted candles in the reception-room where the new furniture is. That will give quite another effect.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. I will do it myself at once. [_Rises_ Arinushka, come on. Excuse me, my dear neighbors.

FIRST GUEST. We will come with you, my dear; it's time we were going home.

SECOND GUEST. It's time, it's time! The nights are dark, and the dogs in the lanes are fierce.

FIRST GUEST. Yes, fierce; very fierce! [_They bow and go out_.

SCENE VIII

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH, KÓRSHUNOV, LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA, ANNA IVÁNOVNA, MÁSHA, LÍZA, _girls_, MÍTYA, GÚSLIN, _and_ RAZLYULYÁYEV.

KÓRSHUNOV. Let's join the young ladies. Where did you pick up such beauties--he, he! [_Walks towards_ LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA] Good evening, Lyubóv Gordéyevna, my beauty. [LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA _bows_] May I join your company?

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. We don't drive any one away.

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Be seated; you'll be our guest.

KÓRSHUNOV. You're pretty chilly to the old man! It's Christmas time now, and I suppose we may exchange kisses.

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Why be so affectionate?

KÓRSHUNOV. Gordéy Kárpych, may I kiss your daughter? And I must confess--he, he--I'm fond of this sort of thing. Yes, well, who doesn't like it! He, he!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. You're welcome to do so; don't stand on ceremony.

KÓRSHUNOV. Will you give me a kiss, young lady?

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. If my father wants me to. [_They exchange kisses_.

KÓRSHUNOV. Well now, every one of them, right down the line.

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. I suppose so! I'm not proud.

MÁSHA. Oh, how embarrassing!

LÍZA. Well, there's nothing to be said; I must say it's a treat!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. [_Going up to_ MÍTYA] Why are you here? Is this your place? "The crow has flown into the lofty palace!"

MÍTYA, GÚSLIN _and_ RAZLYULYÁYEV _go out_.

SCENE IX

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH, KÓRSHUNOV, LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA, ANNA IVÁNOVNA, MÁSHA, LÍZA _and girls_.

KÓRSHUNOV. [_Seats himself near_ LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA] I'm not like you, Lyubóv Gordéyevna; you didn't even want to kiss me, he, he, he! And I've brought you a little present.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. You needn't have taken the trouble.

KÓRSHUNOV. Here I've brought you some diamonds, he, he! [_Gives them to her_.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Oh, they're earrings! I thank you humbly.

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. Show them to us.

MÁSHA. But they are charming!

LÍZA. And in such good taste!

KÓRSHUNOV. Give me your hand. [_Takes it and kisses it_] You see, I like you very much, he, he, he! I like you very much; well, but you don't like me, I suppose?

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Why shouldn't I like you?

KÓRSHUNOV. Why? You like some one else, that's why. But you will come to love me! I'm a good man--a jolly man, he, he, he!

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. I don't know what you are talking about.

KÓRSHUNOV. I say, you will come to love me. Why not? I'm not old yet. [_Looks at her_] Am I an old man? He, he, he! Well, well, there's no harm in that. To make up for it you shall wear cloth of gold. I haven't any money! I'm a poor man. I've only got about five hundred thousand, he, he, he! In silver! [_Takes her hand_.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. [_Rising_] I don't need your money.

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. Lyubóv, where are you going?

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. To mother!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. Wait! She'll come here.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA _sits down._

KÓRSHUNOV. You don't want to sit by the old man? Give me your hand, young lady; I will kiss it.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. [_Gives her hand_] Oh, good heavens!

KÓRSHUNOV. What a hand! He, he, he! Like velvet! [_Strokes her hand, and then puts on a diamond ring._

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. [_Freeing her hand_] Oh, let me go! I don't want it; I don't want it!

KÓRSHUNOV. That's all right; it's no loss to me--it won't ruin me.

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. But I don't want it. Give it to whomever you like. [_Takes it off and returns it._

KÓRSHUNOV. I gave it to you, and I won't take it back! He, he, he!

_Enter_ PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA, _and after her,_ ARÍNA _and_ EGÓRUSHKA _with wine and glasses._

SCENE X

_The same with_ PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA, ARÍNA, _and_ EGÓRUSHKA

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. Come now and have a drink.

KÓRSHUNOV. All right, Gordéy Kárpych, give me something to drink. And you girls, sing a song in my honor--I love to have respect shown me.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Girls, sing a song for him.

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. [_Uncorks the bottle, pours out champagne, and offers it to him_] To our dear friend Afrikán Savvich! Make a bow, wife!

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. If you please, Afrikán Savvich, I humbly beg you.

KÓRSHUNOV _takes the glass._

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. [_Takes the glass_] Wife, drink!

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Oh, somehow I don't like this kind of wine! Well, yes! I'll take just a glass.

GIRLS. [_Sing_] "Ah, who is he, our bachelor,
And who is still unwed?
Afrikán's our bachelor
And Savvich still unwed.
He jumped on the horse,
The horse skips to and fro;
He rides through the meadows,
And green the meadows grow,
And flowers blow."

KÓRSHUNOV. [_Seats himself near_ LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA] That's nice. I like that. Now, then, come here some one. [_A girl comes up, he pats her on the cheek_] Oh, you little bright eyes! You girls, I suppose, need a lot to set off your fair faces and rosy blushes; he, he, he! But I haven't any money! It will be on me, he, he, he! Hold out your apron! [_He tosses her some small change; the girl bows and goes out_] Now, then, Gordéy Kárpych, tell your wife why we came.

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. I told you, wife, long ago, that living in this town bored me, because you can't take a step here without seeing that the people are absolutely ignorant and uneducated. And so I want to move from this place to Moscow. But there will be a man there who is no stranger to us--our dear son-in-law, Afrikán Savvich.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Oh! Oh! What are you saying!

KÓRSHUNOV. Yes, we've shaken hands on it, Pelagéya Egórovna. What are you afraid of? I'm not going to eat her!

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Oh, Lord! [_Seizes her daughter_] She's my daughter! I won't give her up!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. Wife!

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. My dear Gordéy Kárpych! Don't trifle with a mother's heart! Stop! You've fairly staggered me!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. Wife, you know me! And you, Afrikán Savvich, don't be uneasy: with me saying is doing!

KÓRSHUNOV. You have promised--then keep your word. [_Rises, goes to the girls, and speaks to them in a low voice._

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. [_Goes to her father_] Father, I will never take a step against your will. But have pity on me, poor girl that I am! Don't ruin my young life!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. You're a fool, and don't understand your own happiness! You'll live in Moscow like a lady; you'll ride in a coach. In the first place, you'll live in the city--and not in a wilderness like this! In the second place, these are my orders!

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. I dare not disobey your command. Father! [_Bows down to his feet_] Don't make me unhappy for my whole life! Relent, father! Make me do whatever you like, only don't compel me to marry a man I don't love!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. I never take back my word. [_Rises._

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. As you wish, father! [_Bows and goes to her mother._

KÓRSHUNOV. There, that business is over! Now, then, girls--a marriage song!

GIRLS. [_Sing_] "The flowers in the garden will wither all about me,
The blue flower in the meadow will be faded and forlorn;
And so will my darling of the red cheeks without me;
So rise up early, mother, in the morn.
You must water all the flowers
In the dawn and evening hours
With water very often and with bitter tears in showers."

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Not that, not that! Sing another!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. Let's go into the reception-room, Afrikán Savvich. Wife, all of you, come there!

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Where can I hide myself!

GORDÉY KÁRPYCH. Arína, bring along the wine!

ARÍNA. Oh, wait, I can't attend to you now! My darling child! Girls, my dearies! Here's the song we'll sing. [_She sings._

"Thou art my own, my mother,
Who grievest day by day,
And at night to God dost pray.
Thou who art so downcast,
Look but once on her here,
Thy daughter who was so dear--
For the last time--the last."

LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. For the last time.

_At the end of this song_ GORDÉY KÁRPYCH _and_ KÓRSHUNOV _go out;_ LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA _remains in the embrace of her mother, surrounded by her friends._