ARKHÍP. Don't say such sinful things! You have to live and live! You see, Afónya, I have nothing to live for, yet I keep on living. God knows the reason of all this. What a man I am! I never see the fair sun or the bright moon, and likewise I shall never see the green meadows or the cool waters and all creatures of God. But hardest of all is that I cannot see the bright face of man.
AFÓNYA. It is a pity, grandfather, that you cannot see; but I'm tired of everything, nothing comforts me.
ARKHÍP. The reason you are not comforted is that your heart is not at peace. Look at God's world longer and more often, and less at men and women, and you will become lighter of heart; you will sleep at night and have pleasant dreams. Where are we sitting now, Afónya?
AFÓNYA. On the bank, grandfather, beside Prokófyevna's house.
ARKHÍP. Is the bridge at our right?
AFÓNYA. Yes, grandfather.
ARKHÍP. Is the sun at our left?
AFÓNYA. Yes, grandfather, but it's almost set.
ARKHÍP. In a cloud?
AFÓNYA. No, it is clear. The twilight is so brilliant. We'll have fine weather.
ARKHÍP. That's it, that's it. I feel it myself. The air is so light and the breeze so fresh that I do not want to leave. Beautiful, Afónya, beautiful is God's world. Now the dew will fall and fragrance will rise from every flower; and yonder the stars will come out; and above the stars, Afónya, is our merciful Creator. If we remembered more constantly that He is merciful, we ourselves should be more merciful.
AFÓNYA. I will try to subdue my heart, grandfather. [BABÁYEVcomes in] Let us go. Some strange gentleman is walking here; he would probably laugh at our talk.
ARKHÍP. [FollowingAFÓNYA] My soul magnifies God.They go out.
BABÁYEValone
BABÁYEV. When you are waiting for something pleasant the time seems to drag! I purposely came by the longest road so as not to arrive too early, but nevertheless I got here before they did. How I hate to wait! What a foolish situation! Women generally like to torment: it's their nature; they like to have someone wait for them. Of course, that doesn't apply to Tánya; I believe she's very, very glad that I have arrived. I speak of women of our own sort. I think they torment, because—how shall I express it—the idea is entirely original—in order to compensate themselves in advance for the rights which they lose later. That's the result of being in a lovely landscape face to face with nature! What brilliant thoughts come to one! If this thought were developed at leisure, in the country, it might form a small novel, even a comedy on the order of Alfred de Musset. But such things are not played in our country. They must be presented delicately, very delicately—here the principal thing is the—bouquet. I think some one is coming. Is it they? How shall we meet? Two years of separation mean much.
TATYÁNAandLUKÉRYAcome in.
BABÁYEV, TATYÁNA, and LUKÉRYA
TATYÁNA. [Extending her hand toBABÁYEV] How do you do, Valentin Pávlich!I was so happy when sister told me that you had returned.
BABÁYEV. So, do you still remember me?
TATYÁNA. Indeed I do! We frequently, that is, sister and I, very frequently speak of you. She tells me that you have forgotten us.
BABÁYEV. No, I have not forgotten you. There are memories, my darling Tatyána Danílovna, which are not readily forgotten. My acquaintance with you was of that sort. Isn't that so?
TATYÁNA. [Dropping her eyes] Yes, sir.
BABÁYEV. Let me assure you that as soon as I could tear myself away from St. Petersburg, and come to the country, I continually sought an occasion to visit this city and to find you without fail.
LUKÉRYA. Have you never found such an occasion before now? Don't tell me that!
BABÁYEV. I assure you.
LUKÉRYA. Much we believe you! Tánya, do not believe the gentlemen; they always deceive.
BABÁYEV. Why speak so to me?
LUKÉRYA. That doesn't apply just to you, but to all other fine young gentlemen.
TATYÁNA. Shall you remain long in this city?
BABÁYEV. Shall I remain long? At first I thought it would depend upon the clerks who have my affair in hand, but now I see that it will depend upon you, my darling Tatyána Danílovna.
TATYÁNA. That honors me entirely too much. No, tell me, shall you be here three or four days?
BABÁYEV. They promised to arrange my affairs in three days, but maybe I'll stay three or four days longer, if you wish me to.
TATYÁNA. Certainly, I do.
BABÁYEV. There is just one drawback, my darling Tatyána Danílovna: your city is dreadfully lonesome. I will remain on one condition, that I may see you as often as possible.
TATYÁNA. That's very simple. Call on us. We shall be delighted to have you come to tea to-morrow.
BABÁYEV. Yes, but it's impossible to call on you often, as gossip and talk spreads, and then there's your husband——
TATYÁNA. This doesn't concern him. You are my acquaintance; you call on me, not him.
LUKÉRYA. Then we on our side will observe the courtesies and will return your call. Besides, we often visit your landlady, so if it's pleasant for you to see us, you can call in there.
BABÁYEV. [Withdrawing to one side withTATYÁNA] Doesn't married life bore you?
TATYÁNA. [After a pause] I don't know; what can I say to that?
BABÁYEV. My darling Tatyána Danílovna, be perfectly frank with me. You know what kind feelings I've always had for you.
TATYÁNA. Why should I be so frank with you? What good can come of it? It's too late to mend things now.
BABÁYEV. If you can't mend things entirely, at least, darling Tatyána Danílovna, you can sweeten your existence for a time, so that you will not be entirely smothered by the vulgar life around you.
TATYÁNA. For a time, yes! Then life will be harder than ever. BABÁYEV. Do you know, I want to move to the country; then we could be near to one another. I am even ready to move to this town, if only you——
TATYÁNA. [Turning away] Please don't talk to me like that! I didn't expect to hear such things from you, Valentin Pávlich.
LUKÉRYA. [ToBABÁYEV] You're getting in pretty deep there. I hear everything you're saying.
BABÁYEV. Lukérya Danílovna, I think some one is coming. Take a look out on the bank there. I'm anxious that we should not be seen here together.
LUKÉRYA. Oh, you're a sly gentleman! [Goes away.
TATYÁNA. So you will have tea with us to-morrow, Valentin Pávlich?
BABÁYEV. I really don't know—very likely.
TATYÁNA. No, don't fail to come! [Pause] Well, how shall I invite you? [TakesBABÁYEVby the hand] Well, my darling! Well, my precious!
BABÁYEV. It seems to me that you have changed, Tatyána Danílovna.
TATYÁNA. I, changed! Honestly I haven't. Not a bit. Why are you so cruel to me?
BABÁYEV. Do you remember Zavetnoye, Tatyána Danílovna?
TATYÁNA. Why? I remember it all.
BABÁYEV. Do you remember the garden? Do you remember the linden walk? Do you remember how, after supper, while mother slept, we used to sit on the terrace? Do you recall the narrow ribbon?
TATYÁNA. [In a low voice] Which one?
BABÁYEV. With which you tied my hands.
TATYÁNA. [Embarrassed] Well, what of that? Yes, I remember absolutely everything.
BABÁYEV. Just that you, my precious, are now entirely different; you have met me so coldly.
TATYÁNA. Ah, Valentin Pávlich! Then I was a girl and could love any one I wished; now I am married. Just think!
BABÁYEV. Why, certainly. Yet I can't imagine you belonging to any one else. Do what you will, I can hardly control my desire to call you Tánya, as I used to.
TATYÁNA. Why control yourself? Call me Tánya.
BABÁYEV. But what's the use, my dear! You don't love me any more!
TATYÁNA. Who told you that? I love you as much, even more than before.
BABÁYEV. [Bending towards her] Is it possible, Tanechka, that that is the truth?
TATYÁNA. [Kissing him] Well, here's my evidence!Nowdo you believe? But, darling Valentin Pávlich, if you don't wish me unhappiness for the rest of my life, we must love one another as we are doing now; but you mustn't think of more than that. Otherwise, good-by to you—away from temptation!
BABÁYEV. Set your mind at rest, darling, about that.
TATYÁNA. No, you swear to me! Swear, so that I may not fear you.
BABÁYEV. How foolish you are!
TATYÁNA. Yes, I am foolish, certainly. If I should listen to the opinions of older people, then I am committing a great wrong. According to the old law, I must love no one other than my husband. But since I can't love him—and loved you before my marriage, and can't change my heart, so I—only God preserve you from—and I won't in any respect—because I wish to live right.
BABÁYEV. Calm yourself.
TATYÁNA. That's the way, my dear Valentin Pávlich. It means that we shall now have a very pleasant love-affair, without sinning against God, or feeling shame before men.
BABÁYEV. Yes, yes, that'll be splendid!
TATYÁNA. Now I'll give you a kiss because you're so clever! [Kisses him]So you will come to-morrow evening?
BABÁYEV. And then you'll visit me?
TATYÁNA. Be sure to come! Then we'll visit you. Now I'm not afraid of you.
BABÁYEV. How beautiful you are! You're even lovelier than you used to be.
TATYÁNA. Let that be a secret. Good-by. Come on, Lusha!
LUKÉRYA. [Approaching] Good-by! Good night, pleasant dreams—of plucking roses, of watering jasmine! [Going] But what a man you are! Oh, oh, oh! He's clever, I must say! I just looked and wondered. [They go out.
BABÁYEV. Now the novel is beginning; I wonder how it'll end!
A room inKRASNÓV's house; directly in front a door leading to a vestibule; to the right a window and a bed with chintz curtains; to the left a stove-couch and a door into the kitchen; in the foreground a plain board table and several chairs; along the back wall and window benches; along the left wall a cupboard with cups, a small mirror, and a wall clock.
TATYÁNAstands before the mirror putting on a kerchief; AFÓNYAis lying on the stove-couch; LUKÉRYAcomes in with a figured table-cloth.
LUKÉRYA. There, Tánya, I've borrowed a cloth from the neighbor to cover our table. Ours is awfully poor. [Lays the cloth on the table.
TATYÁNA. Have you started the samovar?
LUKÉRYA. Long ago; it'll boil soon. Well, you see it's just as I told you; that kerchief is much more becoming to you. But why did you stick the pin through it? [Adjusting it] There, that's much better.
AFÓNYA. Where are you dressing up to go to? Why are you prinking so at that mirror?
TATYÁNA. Nowhere; we're going to stay at home.
LUKÉRYA. What business is it of yours? Do you think we ought to be as slovenly as yourself?
AFÓNYA. But who are you fixing up for? For your husband? He loves you more than you deserve even without the fine clothes. Or is it for some one else?
LUKÉRYA. Hear him! A fool, a fool! yet he understands that she's dressing up for some one else.
TATYÁNA. Why should I dress for my husband? He knows me anyway. When I dress, of course it's for a stranger.
AFÓNYA. Who are you going to flirt with? Who are you going to charm? Have you no conscience?
LUKÉRYA. What's the use of arguing with a fool! All he has to do is to chatter. Lies on the stove-couch and plots trouble.
TATYÁNA. What kind of judge are you, anyway? My husband never says anything to me, and yet you dare to put in your opinion!
AFÓNYA. Yes, but he's blinded by you, blinded. You've given him some sort of love-charm.
LUKÉRYA. Keep still, seeing that God has made you a sick man. Tend to your own business; keep on coughing, there's no sin in that.
AFÓNYA. Fool—brother is a fool! He's ruined himself.
LUKÉRYA. Tánya, shouldn't I bring the samovar in here?
TATYÁNA. Yes, and I'll set the cups. [Puts cups on the table. LUKÉRYAgoes out] You'd better go into the kitchen.
AFÓNYA. I'm all right here.
TATYÁNA. Strangers are coming and you'll make us gloomy.
AFÓNYA. I won't go.
TATYÁNA. It's a true proverb: "There's no brewing beer with a fool." Our guest is no cheap shopkeeper like your brother. A gentleman is coming, do you hear? What are you fussing about?
AFÓNYA. What sort of a gentleman? Why is he coming?
TATYÁNA. Just the same kind of gentleman as all the rest. He's our acquaintance, a rich landowner; well, now get out!
AFÓNYA. He's a gentleman in his own house, but I'm one here. I'm not going to him, but he's coming here. I'm in my own house, and sick, so I won't consider anybody. Was it him you dressed up for?
TATYÁNA. That's my business, not yours.
LUKÉRYAbrings in the samovar.
LUKÉRYA. [Placing the samovar on the table] Lev Rodionych is coming with some people.
TATYÁNA. I guess some of his relatives; what a horrid nuisance!
AFÓNYA. Nuisance! Why did you ever intrude into our family?
EnterKRASNÓV, KÚRITSYN, ULYÁNA.
KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA, AFÓNYA, KÚRITSYN,andULYÁNA.
KRASNÓV. [To his wife] How are you? [Kisses her.
TATYÁNA. How affectionate!
KRASNÓV. Never mind. We have a perfect right to! Let me treat you. We've just received fresh grapes. [Gives her a bunch] Here I have brought you some company. The samovar is all ready—that's good.
ULYÁNA. How do you do, sister? You are so proud you never call on us! But we're common folks; so we picked ourselves up and came, uninvited.
KÚRITSYN. How do you do, sister? Why are you so contemptuous of your relatives? You might run over once in a while for tea; your feet are able to carry you!
KRASNÓV. How has she time to go visiting? She has so much to do at home.She's just beginning to get used to the household!
ULYÁNA. Yes, sister, you must get used to the household. That's our woman's duty. You didn't marry a millionaire, so you needn't put on airs.
KÚRITSYN. Yes, you'd better learn, and well.
ULYÁNA. [ApproachingAFÓNYA] Ah, Afónya, are you still sick? You ought to take something!
KÚRITSYN. [Also approachingAFÓNYA] You eat more—then you'll get well. If you don't want to, then force yourself to eat; that's what I tell you! [Speaks in a low voice toAFÓNYA.
TATYÁNA. [To her husband] What have you done! What sort of company have you brought?
LUKÉRYA. To be frank, you've spoiled everything. How embarrassing, how awfully embarrassing!
KRASNÓV. What, embarrassing? Is some lord coming? What's the odds! Nothing to get excited over! Let him see our relatives.
LUKÉRYA. Much he's interested!
KRASNÓV. I can't chase my sister away for him. So there's nothing more to be said about it. I haven't set eyes on him yet, I don't know what he's like; these, at any rate, are our own. And, besides, they'll not stay long. [To his wife] Be seated; pour the tea! Brother, sister, have a cup of tea.
All exceptingAFÓNYAseat themselves at the table.
KÚRITSYN. Brother, this is a holiday occasion, so it is customary before tea to—just a little. Don't you drink, yourself?
KRASNÓV. From the day I married Tatyána Danílovna I stopped all that.Tatyána Danílovna, treat brother and sister with some vodka.
TATYÁNA. [Takes out of the cupboard and places on the table decanter, glasses, and refreshments] Have some, sister! [ULYÁNAdrinks] Have some, brother!
KÚRITSYN. That's no invitation, you don't know how to do it.
KRASNÓV. Brother, don't be quite so particular! My wife doesn't know your common ways, and there's no use knowing them. Please, without ceremony.
KÚRITSYN. [After drinking] You are spoiling your wife, that's what I tell you. Freedom spoils even a good wife. You ought to take example from me, and teach her common sense; that would be lots better. Ask your sister how I trained her; we had a hot time of it.
ULYÁNA. Yes, you, Manuylo Kalinich, are a terrible barbarian, and a blood-sucker! You spend your whole life bossing your wife and showing your authority.
KÚRITSYN. What words are those? Who's talking? What's that you say? [Looking around] Is any stranger here? Seems to me, my people in my own house don't dare to speak that way!
ULYÁNA. [With a start] I just said that for instance, Manuylo Kalinich. Because, sister, women like us can't live without strict discipline. It's a true proverb: "If you beat your wife, the soup tastes better."
TATYÁNA. Every one to his own taste! You, sister, like such treatment, while I consider it the height of rudeness.
LUKÉRYA. Nowadays, such peasant's conduct is discarded everywhere; it's getting out of fashion.
KÚRITSYN. You lie! Such treatment of women can never get out of fashion, because you can't get along without it. Brother, listen to what point I've brought Ulyana. We used to have disputes among ourselves, among acquaintances or relatives, whose wife was more attentive; I'd bring 'em to my house, sit on the bench, and push my foot out, so—and say to wife, "What does my foot want?" and she understood because she'd been trained. Of course she at once fell at my feet.
ULYÁNA. Yes, that's so, that used to happen. I can say that without shame, to everybody.
KRASNÓV. There's nothing good in that, just swagger.
KÚRITSYN. Ah, brother! Beat your overcoat and it will be warmer; beat a wife—she'll be smarter.
TATYÁNA. Not every wife will allow herself to be beaten, and the one that allows it, isn't worth any other treatment.
ULYÁNA. Why are you giving yourself such airs all of a sudden, sister? Am I worse than you? You just wait awhile, you'll taste all that. We can clip your wings, too.
KRASNÓV. Yes, but be careful.
ULYÁNA. What are you saying? Married a beggar and you're putting on airs.Do you think that you've married the daughter of a distinguished landowner?
KRASNÓV. What I think—is my business, and you can't understand it with your wits. You'd better keep still.
LUKÉRYA. What an interesting conversation—worth while hearing!
ULYÁNA. It seems to me she doesn't come from nobles but from government clerks. Not a very great lady! Goats and government clerks are the devil's own kin.
KRASNÓV. I told you to keep still! I shouldn't have to tell you ten times.You ought to understand it at once.
KÚRITSYN. Leave them alone. I like it when the women start a row.
KRASNÓV. But I don't like it.
ULYÁNA. What do I care what you like! I'm not trying to please you. My, how stern you are! You'd better scold your own wife, not me; I'm not under your orders; you aren't my boss. I have a good husband who can boss me, not you. I'm not to blame because your wife wanders around highways and byways, and flirts with young gentlemen for hours.
KRASNÓV. [Jumping up] What's that!
TATYÁNA. I know nothing of highways and byways; I have told you, Lev Rodionych, that I met Valentin Pávlich on the bank, and even everything that we said.
LUKÉRYA. Yes, I was there with them.
ULYÁNA. Yes, you're the same sort.
KRASNÓV. You're a regular snake in the grass! And you call yourself a sister. What do you want? To make trouble between us? You're spiteful because I love my wife! You may rest assured that I wouldn't change her for anybody. For thirty years I've slaved for my family, labored till I sweated blood, and I thought of marriage only when I'd provided for the whole family. For thirty years I haven't known any pleasures. That's why I have to be thankful to my wife, who has beauty and education, for loving me, a peasant. Formerly I worked for you; now I will work for her forever. I'll perish working, but I'll give her every comfort. I should kiss her feet, because I very well understand that I and my whole household aren't worth her little finger. Do you think after this I will allow her to be abused! I respect her—and you all must respect her!
LUKÉRYA. Sister herself understands that she deserves all respect.
KRASNÓV. What's that you were saying, Ulyana? If you're right, then it's all up with me! See here! I have only one joy, one consolation, and I should have to give it up. Is that easy? Is it? I'm not made of stone that I can look at such wifely doings through my fingers! Your foolish words have entered my ears and wrenched my heart. If I believed you, then—God keep me from it—I should soon do some violence! One can't vouch for himself as to what may happen. Maybe the devil will jog my elbow. God save us! This is not a joking matter! If you wanted to hurt me, you should have taken a knife and thrust it into my side—that would have been easier for me. After such words it's better that I never see you again, you breaker-up of families. I'd rather disown all my people than endure your poison.
ULYÁNA. I'm not the cause of separation. It's she that's breaking up families.
KÚRITSYN. Well, brother! Evidently, if it's the wife's kin—open the door; but if it's the husband's kin—then shut the door. You visit us and we'll show you hospitality. Come, wife, we'd better go home!
ULYÁNA. Well, good-by, sister, but remember! And you, brother, just wait; we'll settle accounts somehow. [They go out.
KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA, and AFÓNYA
KRASNÓV. [Approaching his wife] Tatyána Danílovna, I hope you won't take that to heart, because they're a rough lot.
TATYÁNA. That's the kind of relatives you have! I lived better beyond comparison as a girl; at least I knew that no one dared to insult me.
LUKÉRYA. [Clearing the table] We didn't associate with the common people.
KRASNÓV. And I'll never let you be insulted. You saw I didn't spare my own sister, and drove her out of my house; but if it had been a stranger, he wouldn't have got off alive. You don't know my character yet; at times I'm afraid of myself.
TATYÁNA. What, do you become dreadfully furious?
KRASNÓV. Not that I'm furious, I'm hot-tempered. I'm beside myself, and don't see people at such times.
TATYÁNA. How terribly you talk! Why didn't you tell me about your character before? I wouldn't have married you.
KRASNÓV. There's nothing bad in a man's being hot-tempered. That means that he's eager in all things, even in his work, and he can love better, because he has more feeling than others.
TATYÁNA. Now I shall be afraid of you.
KRASNÓV. I don't want you to fear me. But I should like to know when you are going to love me?
TATYÁNA. What sort of love do you want to have from me?
KRASNÓV. You know yourself what sort; but maybe you don't feel it. What's to be done? We'll wait, perhaps it'll come later. Everything can happen in this world! There have been cases where love has come the fifth or sixth year after marriage. And what love! Better than if it came at first.
TATYÁNA. Keep on waiting.
LUKÉRYA. You're very hot in your love; but we're of entirely different bringing up.
KRASNÓV. You speak of bringing up? I'll tell you this, that if I were younger, I'd take up and study for Tatyána Danílovna. I know, myself, what I lack, but now it's too late. I've a soul but no training. If I were trained——
LUKÉRYA. [Glancing towards the window] He's coming, Tánya; he's coming! [Both run out of the room.
KRASNÓV. Where so suddenly? What are you running after?
LUKÉRYA. What do you mean? Recollect yourself. We must be courteous and go to meet him. [They go out.
AFÓNYA. Brother! You drove sister away. Whether right or not, let God judge you! But I tell you, you'd better watch the gentleman.
KRASNÓV. What the deuce have you got to do with this? You hiss like a snake. You want to wound me. Get out of here! Go, I tell you, or I'll kill you.
AFÓNYA. Well, kill! My life isn't very sweet to me, and I haven't long to live, anyway. But don't be blind! Don't be blind! [Goes out.
KRASNÓV. What are they doing to me? Must I really be on my guard, or are they just frightening me? Where then is love! Is it possible, Lord, that I have taken unto me not a joy but a torture! Rouse yourself, Lev Rodionych, rouse yourself. Hearken not to the fiend. You have one joy—he's seizing it, and draining your heart. You will ruin your whole life! You will perish for no cause. All those are slanderous words. They're spiteful because my wife is good, and we get along together—so they begin to stir up trouble. That's clearly seen. It's so in every family. The best way is to drop it and not think about it. The gentleman will have to be gotten rid of; I must see that he never looks our way any more. "Come oftener," I'll tell him, "we like it better when you aren't here." So there'll be less talk and my heart will be calmer.
EnterBABÁYEV, TATYÁNA,andLUKÉRYA.
BABÁYEV, KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA, and LUKÉRYA
BABÁYEV. So this is where you live! Is this your own little house?
TATYÁNA. Our own. This is my husband.
BABÁYEV. I'm delighted. I've known your wife a long while.
KRASNÓV. That's your affair.
BABÁYEV. You're in business?
KRASNÓV. That's my affair.
TATYÁNA. Won't you be seated? [BABÁYEVandKRASNÓVtake seats]Shouldn't you like some tea?
BABÁYEV. No, thank you; I don't care for tea now.
LUKÉRYA. Ah, Tánya, we've forgotten that now in St. Petersburg they have different tastes. [To BABÁYEV] We can have coffee immediately.
BABÁYEV. No, please do not trouble yourself; I've already had some. Let us rather sit and talk. Are you happy here? Have you any amusements here?
TATYÁNA. No. What sort of amusements can one have here?
BABÁYEV. How do you spend your time? Is it possible you are always at home?
TATYÁNA. Mostly.
KRASNÓV. And that is proper among such as us. Our Russian way is: husband and dog in the yard, and wife and cat in the house.
LUKÉRYA. [In a low voice to KRASNÓV] Can't you speak more politely?
KRASNÓV. I know my business.
BABÁYEV. So you're a housekeeper. I should think it must have been hard for you to get used to your new duties.
TATYÁNA. [Glancing at her husband] Yes; of course I can't say—of course—at first——
BABÁYEV. [ToLUKÉRYA] I'm asking, but I don't really know myself what these duties consist of.
LUKÉRYA. But considering your noble birth, that's beneath your knowledge.
KRASNÓV. There's nothing vulgar about it.
BABÁYEV. Really, what is there vulgar in it?
LUKÉRYA. The words are low and even quite coarse, and they aren't usually spoken before people of good breeding.
BABÁYEV. Well, imagine that I'm a man of no breeding. What are the words, tell me?
LUKÉRYA. You're embarrassing Tánya and me. But if you're interested to hear those words, all right! The kitchen and other common things belong to the household: the frying-pan, the handle, the oven fork. Isn't that low?
KRASNÓV. Whether the oven fork is high or low, if you put the soup in the stove you've got to get it out.
TATYÁNA. You might spare your wife before guests.
KRASNÓV. I haven't insulted you a hair's breadth either before guests or without guests. When you're asked what sort of a housekeeper you are for your husband, right before him, then I should think you'd answer, that you're a good housekeeper, and aren't ashamed of your position, because among such as us that is the first duty.
LUKÉRYA. [In a low voice toKRASNÓV] You're disturbing our conversation with our guest.
BABÁYEV. [In a low voice toTATYÁNA] Is he always like this?
TATYÁNA. [In a low voice] I don't know what's the matter with him.
BABÁYEV. [In a low voice] You see for yourself that I've no business here. You'd better come to me to-day, and I'll go home now. [Aloud] Well, good-by. I hope this isn't the last time we meet.
LUKÉRYA. Certainly, certainly.
TATYÁNA. We are most grateful for your visit!
KRASNÓV. [Bowing] Good-by to you! Are you going away from here soon?
BABÁYEV. I don't know. Whenever my affairs are settled.
KRASNÓV. But when, do you think?
BABÁYEV. They tell me, at court, the day after to-morrow.
KRASNÓV. So, when that's over you're going directly?
BABÁYEV. I think so. What is there to do here?
KRASNÓV. Yes, there's nothing to do here. My regards to you! [BABÁYEV, TATYÁNA,andLUKÉRYAgo out] An unbidden guest is worse than a Tatar. What do we want with him? What use is he to us? I won't have his help; we aren't beggars. Well, be off with you! Go to St. Petersburg, and good luck to you.
EnterTATYÁNAandLUKÉRYA.
KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA,andLUKÉRYA
TATYÁNA. What are you doing? Why did you go and insult me so?
KRASNÓV. There's no insult! Now, look here! We haven't quarrelled once since our wedding, and I hope that we may never do so, but may always live in love.
LUKÉRYA. Fine love, I must say!
[KRASNÓVlooks at her sharply.
TATYÁNA. Where is your love? Now we see it very plainly. I must serve your relatives and friends like a cook; but when our friend came, a gentleman, then you almost drove him away.
LUKÉRYA. You did drive him away, only in a roundabout fashion.
TATYÁNA. You'd better not speak of your love. What do I want with your love when you disgrace me at every step.
KRASNÓV. I don't understand the reason for this argument! The whole affair isn't worth discussing. We probably won't ever see him again, and we have no need of him; he went with what he came. We have to live our life together; it isn't worth our having trouble over him.
TATYÁNA. Ah, Lusha, what a disgrace! I wonder what he'll think of us now?
LUKÉRYA. Yes. He'll soon go back to St. Petersburg; a fine opinion of us he'll take away with him!
KRASNÓV. I tell you again, that you should dismiss him and his opinions from your mind. The whole affair isn't worth a kopek. I think that whether he's alive or no, it's all the same to us.
TATYÁNA. It may be all the same for you, but not so for us. Sister and I have promised to visit him and we want to go to-day.
KRASNÓV. There's no need.
TATYÁNA. How, no need? I tell you that I want to see him.
KRASNÓV. You want to, but I'm not anxious. Ought you to consider my wishes or not?
TATYÁNA. You seem to have assumed authority all of a sudden. You certainly don't imagine that we'll obey you.—No, indeed,we won't.
KRASNÓV. [Striking the table] What do you mean by "no, indeed"? No, if I tell you something, then that has to go. I'm talking sense and what's good for you, and that's why I give you strict orders. [Again strikes the table.
TATYÁNA. [Crying] What tyranny! What torture!
LUKÉRYA. [With a laugh] Oh, what a fearful, oh, what a terrible man, ha, ha, ha!
KRASNÓV. What are you cackling about? I'll fire you out so fast that your skirts will squeak on the gate.
TATYÁNA. Well, do what you like, even kill us, but we'll go. We don't want to show him we're boors. We surely have to thank him for remembering us, and wish him a pleasant journey.
KRASNÓV. Tatyána Danílovna, please understand what you are told.
TATYÁNA. I hope you aren't going to fight? That'll be just like you. That's what's to be expected.
KRASNÓV. You're mistaken. You'll never see me do that. I love you so much that this time I'll even respect your caprices. Go along, but never set your foot there again. Only one more thing, Tatyána Danílovna: you see this clock! [Points to the wall clock] Look at the clock when you leave, and be back in half an hour! [Pointing to the floor] On this very spot. Understand?
TATYÁNA. Come, Lusha, let's dress. [Both go out.
KRASNÓV. I think everything will be all right now. They were a little spoiled; in that case sternness will do no harm. If I hold on she'll come to love me. Then when the gentleman is gone, I can humor her again; then our misunderstanding will be forgotten. What wouldn't I give for the half-hour they're with the gentleman? But what's to be done? I can't cut her off sharp—that'd entirely turn her away from me. Whatever I try to think of, horrid things come into my head. But he certainly isn't a bandit. And then my wife, a little while ago—I'm just an enemy to myself! There surely can't be anything bad; but I think of all sorts of nonsense! I'd better go and have a chat with my friends at the tavern. What did he whisper to her just now? Well, they're old acquaintances; just something! [Takes his cap] Tatyána Danílovna! I pined for you until I married you; and now that I have married you, all my heart aches. Don't ruin me, poor lad that I am; it will be a sin for you! [Goes out.
Same room as in ACT I
KARP and PROKÓFYEVNA come in
PROKÓFYEVNA. Is he asleep?
KARP. Don't know. I guess not; he hasn't that habit. It isn't time yet, anyway. What do you think? In St. Petersburg it isn't dinner-time yet, it's still morning.
PROKÓFYEVNA. What's that, good heavens!
KARP. Why, at times in the winter, when it's already dusk and the lights are lit everywhere, it's still considered morning.
PROKÓFYEVNA. What's the wonder! It's a big city, the capital, not like this. I just came in to see if anything was needed. [Glancing out of the window] I believe some one is coming here. I'll go and meet them. [Goes out.
KARP. One is bored to extinction here. If he'd grease the palms of the principal men at the court, then they'd have done it in a jiffy. At least we'd now be home, at business. I wonder how it is he isn't bored! I wonder if he hasn't found some prey here! He surely doesn't go about town for nothing! I know his ways: he walks and walks past the windows, and casts his eye around for some brunette.
PROKÓFYEVNAcomes in.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Go and tell him that he is wanted, my dear sir.
KARP. Why is he wanted?
PROKÓFYEVNA. You tell him; he knows why.
KARP. [Through the door] Please, sir, you have visitors.
BABÁYEV. [From the door] Who?
PROKÓFYEVNA. Come out, sir, for a minute; you're wanted!
BABÁYEVenters.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Listen! Tatyána Danílovna, the wife of the shopkeeper, has come with her sister, and wants to know if they may come in.
BABÁYEV. Ask them in. I'll tell you what! Listen, landlady! Please avoid gossip! It's possible that she'll come again, so you'll please say that she comes to see you. If any one asks you, you know; the city is small, and every one knows every one else, and every one watches every one else, where each goes, and what each does.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Oh, sir! What's that to me! I looked but I didn't see. You're a stranger, not of this place.
BABÁYEV. Ask them in! You and I, dear landlady, are old friends. [Pats her on the shoulder.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Indeed we are, sir, friends! [Goes out.
KARP. [With an impatient wave of his hand] Sins! [Goes out.
TATYÁNAandLUKÉRYAcome in.
LUKÉRYA. How do you do, again! Were you looking for us?
BABÁYEV. To be frank, I didn't expect you so soon. Be seated; why are you standing? [They all sit down.
LUKÉRYA. We fairly ran over here. We had such a time getting away.
TATYÁNA. That's enough, Lusha; stop!
LUKÉRYA. There's no use concealing matters! You can't do it. Valentin Pávlich has seen our local gentry to-day, himself. You should see what a rumpus we had after you left!
TATYÁNA. Ah, Lusha, those things happen in every family; there's no need telling every one! It's no one's affair how we live.
LUKÉRYA. Now you understand, Valentin Pávlich, what a peasant is when he assumes importance?
TATYÁNA. It's well for you to talk, since you aren't concerned. You might spare me! He's my husband, and I have to live with him till the brink of the grave.
BABÁYEV. You weren't careful in your marriage, Tatyána Danílovna; you weren't careful.
TATYÁNA. How queer you are! What are you reproaching me for? Where were you when we had nothing to eat? But now there is no going back. All that remains for me to do is to cry all the rest of my life. [Cries.
BABÁYEV. Why are you crying now?
TATYÁNA. What have I to rejoice over? You? I might be happy if I had freedom. Understand this: on your account I quarrelled with my husband; you'll be going away to-day or to-morrow, while I have to remain with him. You only made matters worse by coming; until you came he didn't seem so bad, and suddenly he has changed entirely. Before he saw you he fulfilled my every wish, he licked my hands like a dog; but now he has begun to look askance at me and to scold. How can I endure torment all my life with the man I loathe! [Cries.
BABÁYEV. Now, please stop! Why do you grieve! [ToLUKÉRYA] Listen,Lukérya Danílovna! You go to the landlady, I can calm her better alone.
LUKÉRYA. All right, but don't be too sly! [Goes out.
BABÁYEVandTATYÁNA
BABÁYEV. [Draws nearer and puts one arm aroundTATYÁNA] Darling, Tanechka, now stop! Why do you weep so! Let's think, together, how we can help your grief.
TATYÁNA. There's no use thinking! There's no way.
BABÁYEV. Is that so? But what if I take you off to the village?
TATYÁNA. Which one? Where?
BABÁYEV. To my own village. There everything is the same as when mother lived: the same lanes, ponds, and arbors; everything is familiar to you, and will remind you of the past. There you'd be my housekeeper.
TATYÁNA. [Freeing herself from his arm] What ideas you do get, my dear sir! How could you get such a foolish notion into your head! Do you think my husband would allow such a thing! Why, he'd find me, at the bottom of the sea!
BABÁYEV. For a time we'll be able to hide you so that he won't find you; and meanwhile we can smooth it over with him.
TATYÁNA. What! What! That's a bright idea! Stop talking such nonsense!You'd better advise me how to live with my husband the rest of my life.
BABÁYEV. Why so! Much I care for that!
TATYÁNA. So, you don't love me a little bit! You're just making believe!Yes, that's it!
BABÁYEV. Tánya, isn't it a sin for you to talk so? Now, tell me, isn't it?
TATYÁNA. What?
BABÁYEV. Isn't it a sin to suspect me?
TATYÁNA. Oh, you! One can't tell whether you're making believe or not.
BABÁYEV. Why should you tell, my angel! Don't worry about me! Just ask your own heart what it tells you! [Embraces her.
TATYÁNA. But what does yours tell you?
BABÁYEV. Yes, but, Tánya, you don't believe me; you say that I'm making believe, and yet you are asking questions. But how could I deceive you?
TATYÁNA. You aren't a bit interested! You're just talking.
BABÁYEV. Don't be afraid; I'll not deceive! Why should I deceive you? [Leans towards her; she listens with downcast eyes] I'll tell you what, Tánya! My heart tells me that I have never loved any one as I do you. It's all the same whether you believe me or not. But I will prove that it is the truth, and you yourself will agree with me. Why, I don't tell you that I've never seen women more beautiful than you, or cleverer. Then you might tell me to my face that I lied. No, I have seen more beautiful women than you, and cleverer; but I have never seen such a darling, charming, artless little woman as you.
TATYÁNA. [Sighing] Artless—Ah, you speak the truth.
BABÁYEV. Well, I've told you what I feel. Why don't you tell me?
TATYÁNA. What should I say? I don't know how. I might say more than you.But why say anything—you know yourself.
BABÁYEV. That is, possibly, I guess, but——
TATYÁNA. Why "but"? There's nothing to be said!
BABÁYEV. Yes, there is. I guess the secret but I get no good from it. [Pause] Tell me yourself that you love me! Well, how about it, Tánya?
TATYÁNA. What do you want?
BABÁYEV. Do you love me? [Pause] Do you love me?
TATYÁNA. [Dropping her eyes] Well, yes.
BABÁYEV. Very much? [Pause] Why are you silent? Do you love me very much?
TATYÁNA. Yes.
BABÁYEV. Will you go to the village with me?
TATYÁNA. Ah, stop urging me!
BABÁYEV. Well, you needn't go to the village then. I know what we'll do:I'll rent a lodging here in the city, and will come here every other week.Do you agree to that?
TATYÁNA. Yes.
BABÁYEV. Now you see, my darling Tanechka, I'm ready to do anything for you.
TATYÁNA. I see.
BABÁYEV. And you? [Pause] Why are you silent?
TATYÁNA. But our compact?
BABÁYEV. What compact?
TATYÁNA. Yesterday's. You remember, on the bank.
BABÁYEV. What's there to remember? There wasn't any compact.
TATYÁNA. Shameless, you're shameless! Can you forget so soon!
BABÁYEV. I don't want to know of any compacts. [Embraces and kisses her.
TATYÁNA. [Rising] Oh! Stop, please!
BABÁYEV. Why "stop"? What do you mean by "stop"?
TATYÁNA. I mean, stop.
BABÁYEV. What whims!
TATYÁNA. No whims at all, only please move a little further off.
BABÁYEV. If you're going to be so whimsical, then I'll go away. I'll drop the business for which I came and will go away immediately.
TATYÁNA. Very well, go.
BABÁYEV. I'm not joking. Karp! [KARPcomes in] Pack up and then go order horses.
KARP. Yes, sir.
TATYÁNA. So that's the way? Well, good luck to you! Good-by! [Runs out.
KARP. Well, sir, do you want me to pack up?
BABÁYEV. Pack up, for where? You make me tired, man! [Goes to the window]I wonder if they've gone home?
KARP. They won't leave.
BABÁYEV. That's none of your business! Get out!
KARPgoes out; LUKÉRYAcomes in.
BABÁYEV and LUKÉRYA
LUKÉRYA. Sister has asked me to tell you to put off your going. An acquaintance is visiting the landlady; so you'll understand that it's awkward for her to come to you. But when she goes away sister will come to you. She has something to talk over with you.
BABÁYEV. You're very kind, Lukérya Danílovna! LUKÉRYA. I can't believe my ears! Is it possible that I hear such compliments from you! [Courtesies.
Same room as inACT II
TATYÁNAis lying on the bed; LUKÉRYAcomes in
LUKÉRYA. Tánya, are you asleep?
TATYÁNA. No.
LUKÉRYA. Then you'd better get up! What are you lying around for all day?You've been in bed all the morning, and still not up.
TATYÁNA. What's the use of getting up? What's there to do?
LUKÉRYA. If you were only asleep—but to lie in bed and cry just rends your heart. Better get up and let's talk it over!
TATYÁNA. [Getting up] Oh, what an unhappy, gloomy day this is! [Sits down] How unfortunate I am! What have I done to myself? Why did I marry? I've drowned my happiness, simply drowned it!
LUKÉRYA. Who could have told? As a suitor he was as quiet as water and as meek as the grass; now I don't know what has happened to him. Why, yesterday I thought he was joking when he told us to be back in a half-hour.
TATYÁNA. I did, too. If you only had seen how he pounced on me, and how terrible he's become. He looked daggers all the morning, left without saying good-by, and now he hasn't even come back for dinner.
LUKÉRYA. What did he say to you when you were left alone yesterday?
TATYÁNA. He scolded and abused, got all wrought up, and wept himself; what didn't he do! "For all my love for you," he said, "I ask you only one thing in return: soothe me, give me back my peace of mind, because I am jealous."
LUKÉRYA. What an affliction!
TATYÁNA. He said he wasn't jealous of any one but this gentleman.
LUKÉRYA. The idea of his being jealous of every one! That would be a great idea!
TATYÁNA. "When that man leaves," he said, "then you may do anything you like, and go anywhere, but because you didn't heed my command, don't dare cross the threshold until he has left the city for good."
LUKÉRYA. What did you say to that?
TATYÁNA. He kept shouting but I kept still through it all; but it hurts me because he lords it over me so. At first he was sly as a fox, but now he has started to order me about, and talk to me in his vulgar, peasant's way. He doesn't care that he has insulted me, but I've been crying all day. I couldn't love him if he killed me. If he gave me freedom, then I might have some affection for him; but now I'll do everything he doesn't want me to, just for meanness; even if I had wronged him, I wouldn't regret it. I must get even with him some way. I can't fight with him; I haven't the strength for that.
LUKÉRYA. Certainly. He ought to be satisfied that you married him; and now he's got the notion of watching your deportment.
TATYÁNA. Since yesterday I've begun to fear him so. You won't believe me; why, I shudder when he looks at me.
LUKÉRYA. What do you think you'll do now?
TATYÁNA. What's the use of thinking? My head's all in a muddle. It's bad, no matter how you look at it. I sold my very youth to one I cannot love, just for a piece of bread, and from one day to another he becomes more repulsive to me.
LUKÉRYA. After such actions on his part, it's no wonder he's repulsive. Especially when you compare him with others. The other man is a born gentleman in every sense of the word.
TATYÁNA. Now what shall I do? If I could break off all connection withValentin Pávlich, I should be very glad. But I see I should have thoughtof that before, and attended to the matter earlier; but now it's too late.It's beyond my strength.
LUKÉRYA. But he loves you very much, Tánya.
TATYÁNA. Is that so? Oh, bother him. That's just it; at first I haven't enough sense, then I have to cry over it. My mother used to say to me: "Be careful, daughter, your lack of common sense will be your ruin."
LUKÉRYA. You want to see him, I suppose? I think he's waiting.
TATYÁNA. Well, of course. If it depended on me, I'd fly to him.
LUKÉRYA. We'll have to rack our brains how we may work that.
TATYÁNA. No matter how I rack my brain, I can't think of anything.
LUKÉRYA. I know what, Tánya! You'll have to fool your husband.
TATYÁNA. How?
LUKÉRYA. We women couldn't live without cunning, because we're the weaker sex, and abused on all sides.
TATYÁNA. But what cunning? Tell me!
LUKÉRYA. Now that you and your husband live like cats and dogs, he can't help getting the notion into his noddle that you don't love him, but do love another.
TATYÁNA. How shall I manage?
LUKÉRYA. You'll have to change your tactics. Be very submissive; peasants like that. Make believe that you're in love with him; give him all sorts of humbug and he'll prick up his ears at it. Flatter him with all sorts of flatteries—that'll be a new thing for him.
TATYÁNA. I'll have to say what I don't feel.
LUKÉRYA. Where's the harm in that? How does he know what's in your heart? He doesn't need to understand that your action is make-believe, and not sincere. You'll see, after such actions, he'll believe in you so much that even though you made love before his very eyes, he wouldn't notice it.
TATYÁNA. One can't make such a sudden change in oneself.
LUKÉRYA. It certainly must be sudden. What's there to wait for?
TATYÁNA. He's angry with me now; how can I approach him? I can't beg his pardon!
LUKÉRYA. Why pardon? [She thinks] Do it this way: you tell grandfather Arkhíp that you'd like to make up with your husband, so that you'd have no misunderstandings, that you love your husband, and that you feel his displeasure very much.
TATYÁNA. Well, I'll try.
LUKÉRYA. It's all the same to me! I'm talking for your own good.
TATYÁNA. Go and bring grandfather; he's sitting in the garden. [LUKÉRYAgoes out] That's what it is for a woman to have wits! Even if she takes a fancy to a man she won't let anybody guess it. She'll so fool her husband that he'll just dote on her. But without wit one is lost.
LUKÉRYAcomes in leadingARKHÍP.
ARKHÍP. Do you need me? What do you want me for? Tatyána, are you here?
TATYÁNA. Yes, grandfather.
ARKHÍP. Lukérya is leading me, and she says: "Grandfather Arkhíp, we need you!" What business can you have of me in my old age?
LUKÉRYA. You see, grandfather, sister is displeased with her husband.
ARKHÍP. Well, what of that? Who is the judge between husband and wife? Let them live as they wish.
TATYÁNA. What happiness is there in living so? It is better to live in harmony.
ARKHÍP. Then what's the matter? Live in harmony! Who's preventing you?
LUKÉRYA. You see, he has a very crude manner, and we're not used to it.
ARKHÍP. Wait, don't put in your word. She has a tongue of her own. You tell me, Tatyána.
TATYÁNA. My husband is now angry with me and doesn't even look at me; he thinks I don't love him, and in that he's mistaken.
LUKÉRYA. [Motioning toTATYÁNAto talk] She's afraid of his temper.
TATYÁNA. I love him as my duty requires. If he thinks badly of me, I don't deserve it. Does he think I could betray him for any one else? I would never do such a thing in my life.
LUKÉRYA. And such a splendid man! Doesn't she realize it?
TATYÁNA. If I had wronged him in any way, then he might scold, and be done with it. But if he'll only be kind to me, then I'll show him all respect. I'll indulge him as he never dared hope.
LUKÉRYA. How many times she's told me: "I love my husband very much, very, very much."
ARKHÍP. What do you keep backing each other up for? Have you been plotting together?
LUKÉRYA. Why should I be silent? Is it pleasant for me to see that my sister, whom I adore, lives in such discord with her husband? [Signals toTATYÁNA.
TATYÁNA. Grandfather Arkhíp, I want to ask you to have a talk with my husband——-
ARKHÍP. Wait! Wait! Give me time—don't take me off my feet! You say that your husband is angry with you? Then you're to blame?
TATYÁNA. Much I am to blame!
ARKHÍP. Much or little, you're certainly to blame. You don't want to humble yourself; you're ashamed to—so you ask me. Is that so?
TATYÁNA. Yes, grandfather Arkhíp.
ARKHÍP. Are you speaking sincerely, or just words?
TATYÁNA. Sincerely, grandfather.
ARKHÍP. But what's that to me! It's not my business. If you lie, then you'll answer to God! But I will speak to him. Why not? If you stop quarrelling, then it will be pleasant for all of us.
LUKÉRYA. You talk to him to-day.
ARKHÍP. I'll talk to him when he comes home.EnterAFÓNYA.