TATYÃNA, LUKÉRYA, ARKHÃP, and AFÓNYA
ARKHÃP. Who came in?
AFÓNYA. I, Grandfather ArkhÃp.
ARKHÃP. To-day we have a holiday, Afónya. Tatyána wishes to make peace with her husband, and to submit to him.
AFÓNYA. Submit? Submit? Don't believe her, Grandfather ArkhÃp, she's fooling you.
ARKHÃP. That's enough from you!
TATYÃNA. Why should I fool you? What's the use?
AFÓNYA. You came to your senses when brother frightened you a little. You ought to have done it long ago. If you're in earnest, then drop your proud ways. You ought to bow down to your husband's feet, right to his feet. And to all of us, to all. You have wronged all of us.
LUKÉRYA. [In a low voice] That would be entirely too much honor.
TATYÃNA. Why should I bow down to my husband?
AFÓNYA. For everything that he's done for you. I saw myself how he kneeled before you! It's a shame! [Covers his face with his hands.
LUKÉRYA. What of it, if he wanted to?
AFÓNYA. He's no worse than you, yet he bowed down to you; now you bow down to him. Make up to him for his humiliation. It won't hurt you! And bow down to all of us, even to our brother-in-law and sister.
TATYÃNA. Bowing down to my husband has some sense in it, but why should I to you?
AFÓNYA. Because brother insulted all of us on your account. On account of you our family has been broken up. You're dearer to him than anybody, dearer than all his own.
ARKHÃP. Calm yourself! Try to control this fit of anger! We want to make peace, and you are starting a quarrel again.
LUKÉRYA. He's not even her husband, yet what awful things he says! If you gave him his way, he would make our life unbearable.
ARKHÃP. [PattingAFÓNYAon the head] What do you expect of him? He's a sick man.
KRASNÓVcomes in.
KRASNÓV, TATYÃNA, LUKÉRYA, ARKHÃP,andAFÓNYA
LUKÉRYA. [In a low voice toARKHÃP] Lev Rodionych is here.
ARKHÃP. Lev, you haven't had any dinner to-day.
KRASNÓV. I had no time.
TATYÃNA. If you wish, we'll serve you now.
KRASNÓV. [Sitting down to the table] Certainly. I can't get along without eating!
TATYÃNA. Set the table, sister! [Goes to the kitchen. LUKÉRYAsets the table.
ARKHÃP. Lev, are you going back to the shop?
KRASNÓV. No, I'm all through there.
ARKHÃP. Will you stay at home?
KRASNÓV. I'll be here for an hour, then I have to go across the river to make a collection.
TATYÃNAbrings a plate of cabbage soup, puts it on the table, and goes out withLUKÉRYA. KRASNÓV,after eating several spoonfuls, is lost in thought.
ARKHÃP. Lev! I can't see you, but it seems as if you weren't happy.
KRASNÓV. What's there to be happy about?
ARKHÃP. Why are you so sad? What's your sorrow?
KRASNÓV. It's my sorrow, grandfather, mine. My very own. It's for me to judge of it.
ARKHÃP. Well, as you choose! It's your sorrow, and for you to bear. [Pause] If I say anything, you know I'm not your enemy; if you scold me, there's no harm in it. I've lived longer than you, and I've seen more sorrow; maybe what I say will be good for you.
KRASNÓV. It isn't the kind of affair, grandfather, that needs advice! You can't tell me anything.
ARKHÃP. You're foolish, foolish! How do you know? Are you wiser than the rest of us?
KRASNÓV. Please stop. I can't discuss with you. What do you want?Strikes the spoon against the bowl angrily. LUKÉRYAenters, places a bowl of mush on the table, and goes out.
ARKHÃP. Your wife is wiser than you, really wiser.
KRASNÓV. If she were wise she'd obey her husband.
ARKHÃP. Not necessarily! One can't be on one's guard every minute! Don't you hold anger for every little thing. One wrong—is no wrong; and two wrongs—a half wrong; it takes three wrongs to make a whole wrong.
KRASNÓV. What wrongs! All wrongs aren't the same. For some wrongs strangling would be mild.
ARKHÃP. What makes you so fierce? Nowadays, they don't hang a man even for highway robbery.
KRASNÓV. I can't even eat my food.
ARKHÃP. You have a terrible temper! I began to talk about your wife; that wasn't just for the sake of saying something. She came to her senses before you did. [KRASNÓVlistens] "Grandfather ArkhÃp," says she, "put in a word for me to my husband! I love him," says she, "but I'm afraid of his temper. He seems to think me bad without any reason. I wouldn't exchange him for any one," says she. "I'd try to please him in every way, just so he forgives me and doesn't get angry."
KRASNÓV. Is that true?
ARKHÃP. Have you gone absolutely crazy? Do you think I'd turn liar in my old age? She'd have told you herself; she wants to bow down to you but, you see, she's ashamed, and then she's afraid.
KRASNÓV. [Rising] Grandfather ArkhÃp, understand me! You know how I love her, there's no need telling! Until this happened, we lived together very comfortably; you all saw how I simply doted on her. Now that this gentleman has come I see that he talks in too free and easy a way with her; and that made me angry. Would you believe me, I didn't know what I was doing or saying. When she went to him, I waited half an hour—she didn't return; I waited an hour—she didn't return; I became furious; my very teeth began to chatter. Here I was imagining all sorts of things! Maybe I'm doing her wrong, am unjust to her; maybe she meant nothing; but what was there to do? I'm consumed with a fire, absolutely consumed, I wronged her, I admit; but was it easy for me? If you'd told me that she'd just died—I don't know what I'd do with myself, but it would be easier; then no one could take her from me. [Weeps] Some want money or reputation, but I need nothing except her love. Give me the choice: Here, Krasnóv, you can have gold-mines and royal castles, if you'll only give up your wife; or here, you can have a roofless mud hut, all sorts of hard work, but you may live with your wife. I won't utter a sound. I'll carry water on my back, just to be with her always. So listen, grandfather! Is it strange that with my hot temper I hurt her? If there's no love, then there's no anger. But you tell me that she herself wants to bow down to me! Such happiness can't come to me even in a dream. Certainly that is a load off my shoulders. It seems as though I'd just been born into the world! Thank you, grandfather ArkhÃp! I was a dead man and you brought me to life again! I had such thoughts in my head that I can't make up for them by praying all my life. The devil was surely near me. Not only did he whisper in my ear, but—it's a sin to say it—[in a low voice] he might have made me raise my arm.
ARKHÃP. What! At whom?
KRASNÓV. Well, what's past is past. God preserve me from such torment in the future! I wouldn't wish such for my enemy.
ARKHÃP. You'd better calm your heart!
KRASNÓV. Ah, grandfather! I'd be glad to, but one can't restrain oneself. All at once your eyes become clouded, your head whirls, it seems as if some one were gripping your heart with his hand and you can think only of misfortune and sin. You walk about as if half crazed, and see nothing all around you. But now when your anger has calmed down, then you're at ease, as if nothing had happened. [LUKÉRYAcomes in and takes the bowl from the table] Where's Tatyána DanÃlovna?
LUKÉRYA. She's there, in the kitchen.
KRASNÓV. Why in the kitchen? What is she doing there? The kitchen is no place for her to sit in! Call her in here.
LUKÉRYAgoes out.
AFÓNYA. [In a low voice toARKHÃP] Grandfather, will she bow down to brother's feet or not? If not, then I'll leave.
ARKHÃP. As they please, that's not our business!
EnterTATYÃNA and LUKÉRYA.
KRASNÓV, TATYÃNA, LUKÉRYA, ARKHÃP,andAFÓNYA
TATYÃNA. Did you call me?
KRASNÓV. Yes, because the kitchen is no fit place for you to sit in.
ARKHÃP. I have spoken to him, Tatyána; now do as you like yourself.
TATYÃNA. Lev Rodionych! If I've done you any wrong whatever, please pardon me. If you wish it, I'll bow down to your feet.
KRASNÓV. No, why should you? I can feel it without your doing that. I could never allow you to do that—to bow down before me! What kind of man would I be then?
TATYÃNA. I'm willing to do anything, only do not be angry with me.
KRASNÓV. I need nothing but your word. You gave your word—that's enough; it's my duty to believe you.
TATYÃNA. Then you're not angry with me?
KRASNÓV. Not at all! I'm not a man of polished manners; in my excitement I stormed—but don't take it ill of me; I did it because I was fond of you.
LUKÉRYA. Oh, stop! Who could take it ill of you?
TATYÃNA. I've already forgotten it. Your words didn't hurt me so much as that you didn't even look at me to-day.
ARKHÃP. Well, now they've made up! What's the use of thrashing over old scandals! Now kiss, as you should. Now everything will go on as it ought.
TATYÃNA. We won't fuss over that, grandfather. I'll be very glad to. I wanted to long ago, but I didn't know how it would please Lev Rodionych.
KRASNÓV. If it's a pleasure to you, it's a double one for me! [They kiss each other.
LUKÉRYA. I've always marvelled, Lev Rodionych, to see how sister loves you.
KRASNÓV. What's there to marvel at?
LUKÉRYA. I know her, Lev Rodionych, better than you do. She's of a quiet temperament and can't tell you everything; but you just ought to know what her real feelings are.
KRASNÓV. That makes it more pleasant still.
LUKÉRYA. She would have liked to tell you how much she loved you; but she's so timid that she can't.
KRASNÓV. [To his wife] Why are you timid with me? I'm only an ordinary man.
LUKÉRYA. We are so naturally.
KRASNÓV. [To his wife] Then be kind enough not to be afraid of me in the future. That would trouble my conscience. Am I a bogie?
TATYÃNA. I'll not be afraid of you any more, Lev Rodionych; I'll love you.
LUKÉRYA. Other women would make you all sorts of promises that they didn't mean a bit, but my sister—she's different.
KRASNÓV. Now I can understand you. There were times when I didn't know just how to approach you—whether you'd be pleased or not!
TATYÃNA. You always please me.
AFÓNYA. Come, Grandfather ArkhÃp, let's go out on the street!
ARKHÃP. As you wish; come on! Now, thank God, we again have peace and love. It's good when there's agreement in the house! It's good, children, good! [Going out] The demon has vanished under the earth, and God walks on the earth! [Goes out.
LUKÉRYA. I just looked in here and now I must go somewhere else. [Goes out.
KRASNÓV and TATYÃNA
KRASNÓV. [Sitting down on the bench] Ah, Tatyána DanÃlovna, if God would only grant that we might live our entire lives in such harmony as now!
TATYÃNA. [Sitting down beside him] We will.
KRASNÓV. If you were always so kind, you could fairly twist me round your finger. You can do anything with me by kindness, Tatyána DanÃlovna.
TATYÃNA. [Placing her hand on his shoulder] I don't need anything from you; I'm satisfied with everything. But don't think ill of me. Why were you so jealous?
KRASNÓV. [Embracing her] So you were offended! [Looking at her lovingly] You're my dear! Whatever is dear to one he guards. Why, you're dearer to me than everything in the world! What a wife you are! Who else has such a one? You're the envy of the whole city—don't I see that? Who would want to lose such a wife? In the first place, it's just like tearing a piece out of his heart; and secondly with their taunts and reproaches they would give me no peace, drive me wild. I must tell you, I love you more than my soul, and I had no intention of abusing you, but—how can I explain it?—I can't help having notions.
TATYÃNA. Don't have them.
KRASNÓV. That's all over now.
TATYÃNA. [Kindly] Don't you insult me by watching me!
KRASNÓV. I tell you that's all past! Give me a good hard kiss! [They kiss each other] That's right! Now tell me why you love me? How can you be so attached to me?
TATYÃNA. I just love you, that's all.
KRASNÓV. No, do tell me! It does me good to hear it from you. I want to know what there is in me that could make such a beauty fall in love with me. Did I please you by my wit or by something else?
TATYÃNA. By everything. Who could say anything bad of you? Everybody knows you're a good man.
KRASNÓV. And what else?
TATYÃNA. You're very kind, and you don't begrudge me anything.
KRASNÓV. That's the talk! [Embraces her fervently and kisses her] Well, love me still more and then I'll be still kinder. What are you frowning at? Did I muss you a little?
TATYÃNA. You're holding me too tight.
KRASNÓV. Oh, for the Lord's sake! I just can't help it! I squeeze you the way I love you. It's right from the heart, no humbug. I don't suppose you're made of sugar; you won't fall to pieces.
TATYÃNA. That's all right.
KRASNÓV. I know you didn't mean anything. What's there to complain of! No need to get angry at such treatment! Isn't that so?
TATYÃNA. You know yourself, why ask!
KRASNÓV. Such is life with a good woman! Peaches and cream! Simply lovely! Nothing on earth is better! What is the reason that you're so precious to us men?
TATYÃNA. I don't know.
KRASNÓV. It's the work of Providence—truly, of Providence! It's beyond our understanding! We know one thing, that—if you're attached to your wife, that's enough. If you're once attached, then that's all. Now that we're friends, the house might burn down over my head. [Kisses her] To-day I'll go and collect some money, and to-morrow I'll buy you a new outfit.
TATYÃNA. What for? You don't need to.
KRASNÓV. If I say I'll buy it, then that's my affair. So I do need to buy it. You attend to your business; comfort your husband! And I'll attend to mine. [Looking at his watch] Oh, there's lots of time! I'd better go! I wish I didn't have to leave you.
TATYÃNA. Don't go!
KRASNÓV. Don't you really want me to go? Don't act spoiled! Business before pleasure! If I don't make the collection to-day, I can't get my money for a whole week. It's so far to go, too! I wish he'd—Why, it's on the other side of the river! It'll take an hour; confound him! [Takes his cap] So you don't want me to go?
TATYÃNA. Of course not!
KRASNÓV. Oh, what a woman you are! [Embraces her] I know your kind, and very well too! You just wait for me an hour, you'll live through it! [Kisses her] Good-by! Otherwise I'd really be bound to stay with you. You women were created for man's temptation in this world! [Starts off.
TATYÃNA. Come back soon!
KRASNÓV. I'll be back 'fore you can count ten! Speaking seriously, I can't return within an hour. [He goes out.
TATYÃNAalone
TATYÃNA. [As soon as her husband goes] Well, good-by! At last he's gone! I'm unfortunate, unfortunate! They say one ought to love one's husband; but how can I love him? He's vulgar, uneducated—and he fondles me as a bear would! Sits there—and swaggers like a peasant; and I have to pretend to love him, to humor him; how disgusting! I'd give anything on earth not to have to do that. But how can I help it! I have to submit to one I don't love! [Silence] I wonder where everybody is? Here I am all alone! Such loneliness! [Sits down at the window] Even the streets are deserted, and there's no one to look at. Where's my sister? [Sings softly.
"O, mother I'm sad!Sad, my lady!My heart is cast down,Cast down and aching;My beloved knows notHow my heart is bleeding."
TATYÃNAandLUKÉRYA
LUKÉRYA. What, is he gone?
TATYÃNA. Yes.
LUKÉRYA. Far?
TATYÃNA. Across the river.
LUKÉRYA. Will he be long?
TATYÃNA. He said, not sooner than an hour.
LUKÉRYA. Now you might run over. I was just there—he's waiting. He leaves to-day.
TATYÃNA. Surely not to-day? How can that be, Lusha, my dear? He didn't tell me. If I could only see him!
LUKÉRYA. Take my kerchief and cover yourself all up with it. It's so dark outside that no one will know you.
TATYÃNA. You think it'll be all right?
LUKÉRYA. If you're afraid of the wolf don't go into the woods. It isn't far, you can run over in a minute. But don't stay too long!
TATYÃNA. No, no, of course I shan't. [Puts the kerchief on.
LUKÉRYA. You'd better be watching out! God forbid that Lev Rodionych should return first. What should I do then! Shall I say that you went for some thread to a neighbor? It'll be lucky if he believes it. What did you say to him when you were alone?
TATYÃNA. What did I say—I don't know; and what I'm doing now—I can't understand.
LUKÉRYA. Well, run along! run along!
TATYÃNAgoes out.
LUKÉRYAand laterAFÓNYA
LUKÉRYA. [At the window] Just look at her! She's flying like an arrow. Who'd scheme for her if I didn't? She's a pretty girl, only she hasn't any sense, and that's bad. She has to be taught everything; she has to be looked after as though she were a small child. If I hadn't advised her to make up with her husband, what would have happened? Quarrel and abuse. She probably wouldn't have wanted to give in; then there'd have been a continual squabble in the house and scandal among the neighbors. But now she can do as she likes; everything will be smoothed over.EnterAFÓNYA.
AFÓNYA. Where is Tatyána? Where is she, where is she?
LUKÉRYA. What do you want her for?
AFÓNYA. I need her. Tell me, where? Tell me, where?
LUKÉRYA. Probably in the garden.
AFÓNYA. Why are you fooling me? For once in your life tell the truth! Has she gone? Speak, has she gone?
LUKÉRYA. Maybe she has gone.
AFÓNYA. Did she just slip out of the gate?
LUKÉRYA. Probably it was she. Wasn't it for thread she went? She's been wanting to run over to the neighbor's for some time.
AFÓNYA. For thread?
LUKÉRYA. Well, yes, for thread.
AFÓNYA. You lie, lie!
LUKÉRYA. Leave me alone! Why are you worrying me? Why did you leave grandfather?
AFÓNYA. That's none of your business. I know where she went. You're devils. You've deceived brother. I saw it long ago in your eyes; in your eyes flames flickered, devilish flames!
LUKÉRYA. My, but you're a malicious imp!
AFÓNYA. You just wait, just wait! You'll get sick of deceiving us; I'll show you up.
LUKÉRYA. Don't threaten! We're not afraid of you.
AFÓNYA. [With tears] Heavens! My God! What's all this? What a man it is they're deceiving before his very eyes! [Runs out.
A street beforePROKÓFYEVNA's house. Twilight
ULYÃNAandPROKÓFYEVNAcome out of the gate
PROKÓFYEVNA. What is it, Ulyana! What is it! How is it possible! Don't think of such a thing! You just imagined it. Believe me, you just imagined it.
ULYÃNA. Say what you like about imagining! Thank Heaven, I'm not blind yet. Not to recognize her! Why, I'd pick her out of a thousand by her dress. We have only one style for our clothes; on holidays we don't wear the clothes she does on week-days. You and I were just coming out of the door, and she was just going in to see him.
PROKÓFYEVNA. I tell you it's a mistake. It's true, she isn't without faults. There's a woman here who comes to him, and looks like her, but it isn't she. What's that to me! Wouldn't I tell you? But if it isn't true, then why talk nonsense?
ULYÃNA. You're just helping them out.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Don't tell wrong stories, Ulyana; don't tell wrong stories!
ULYÃNA. But where's the wrong, Prokófyevna! She's equal to it; because I know her. It's too bad brother has given her so much freedom. I wouldn't have thought of saying such a thing of another, but it isn't a sin to say it of her. If not to-day then to-morrow she'll begin to raise trouble that will never come to an end. She'll hoodwink brother. If you only knew how she's insulted me.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Is that so?
ULYÃNA. May I die in my tracks if she didn't! She's changed brother so that now he fairly growls at me. "I won't have anything to do with you," says he. That's the sort she is! Just you wait, my dear! I'm not like some.
PROKÓFYEVNA. That's enough for you! What's the good of your mixing in!She's the mistress in her house, and you are in yours.
ULYÃNA. To the deuce with her! I've nothing to do with her. But it hurts me, Prokófyevna, that she upsets brother, and estranges him from his whole family.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Well, that's your business; you'll settle accounts somehow.Are you going home now?
ULYÃNA. Yes, my dear; it's supper-time. My boss is probably storming and pacing the floor by now. Come and see us!
PROKÓFYEVNA. Good-by.
They kiss each other. PROKÓFYEVNA goes out through the gate.
ULYÃNA and later AFÓNYA
ULYÃNA. Who knows whether Prokófyevna was lying or not. You can't believe her; she's a rogue. I'd give a lot to find out for certain if she's now with the gentleman or not. Will it hurt to wait? If she stays long, my husband will make such a fuss that I won't forget it for a month of Sundays. You're lucky that I'm in a hurry, or I'd watch out for you. [Goes out. She meets AFÓNYA] Afónya, where are you going?
AFÓNYA. Go away, leave me alone! Leave me alone!
ULYÃNA. Is Tatyána at home?
AFÓNYA. No, she's gone.
ULYÃNA. Then she's here at the gentleman's; I just saw her.
AFÓNYA. At the gentleman's? Heavens! Have people no sense of shame!
ULYÃNA. I've got to run home; I'll tell my husband, then I'll call at your house. [Going away] Wait, brother, wait! I'll get even with you for your insults! [Goes out.
AFÓNYA. Heavens! I haven't any strength! How is one to live in such a world? This is a punishment for our sins! Left her husband for a stranger! She was sitting in a corner starving; we took care of her, gave her fine clothes bought with hard-earned money! Brother denies himself, denies his family, and gives her cash to buy rags, and now she and a stranger are cursing us for the shelter we gave her. It makes me sick! Why don't I die! I'm shedding tears of blood. We've warmed a viper in our bosom. [Leans against the fence] I'll wait, I'll wait. I'll tell her everything, everything that's seething in my heart.
BABÃYEVandTATYÃNAcome out of the gate; AFÓNYAhides behind a corner.
AFÓNYA, BABÃYEV,andTATYÃNA
BABÃYEV. What are you afraid of? There's not a soul on the street. Why are you in such a hurry? It isn't half an hour since you came.
TATYÃNA. No, no! Somehow I feel uneasy.
BABÃYEV. I don't understand why you are so afraid. Well, your husband will scold and that's all.
TATYÃNA. I was late the time before; how terribly he acted; I thought he'd kill me. He makes me afraid, frightfully afraid! [Silence] Shall you return soon?
BABÃYEV. In a week, in ten days at most.
TATYÃNA. Oh, how has this come about! Oh, if we had what we wanted: you'd go to the country—and I'd go there too; you'd go to St. Petersburg—and I'd follow you.
BABÃYEV. I asked you to come with me.
TATYÃNA. It's all right for you. You're a free man, while I'm no better than a captive. That's my trouble. I've thought more than once how I could run away to you.
BABÃYEV. That's good.
TATYÃNA. Just think how unfortunate my life is: in order to have a little pleasure I have to deceive my husband. It's all deceit and deceit! But what's the use of deceiving? It disgusts me; it's not in my character. If my husband guessed that I didn't love him, then he'd kill me with scolding and reproaches. I very well understand that I can't be a real wife to him, and that I'm not wanted by his family; and they'd rather I were anywhere else; but who can I explain that to, who'd understand it! Just see how rough and stern they are, and I'm not used to sternness. What a life, when there's no freedom!
BABÃYEV. Tánya, I'll tell you what to do! Tell him outright that you don't want to live with him. You and your sister rent a house, and I'll send you the money.
TATYÃNA. That's impossible. Not to be thought of! Do you think he'd let me go? He doesn't care if I die—so long as I'm with him—before his eyes. It would be better for me to leave quietly.
BABÃYEV. Very well, leave quietly.
TATYÃNA. Really, I don't know. We're all brave when it's a matter of words, but when it comes to action, then you lose your reason, especially such as I. Do as you wish. I'll do as you advise me. If you love me, you won't want to cause my ruin.
BABÃYEV. Of course not.
TATYÃNA. They're right when they say that all women are insane; I married of my own accord—nobody forced me—so now I ought to live according to my vows; but I'm drawn to you, and want to escape from my home. It's all your fault, Valentin Pávlich; home has become disgusting to me because of you. If it weren't for you, I'd manage to live somehow with my husband; at least I shouldn't know this sorrow.
BABÃYEV. A fine life! You have much to regret!
TATYÃNA. But is my life agreeable now? Of course I ought not to blame you much, because I'm entirely to blame myself. You have nothing to worry about! Yours is a man's affair, and no one will condemn you; but we have to suffer for every single thing. But what's to be done! It's too late to argue who's in the right and who's to blame; but I guess this affair had to happen. But don't you deceive me; come back!
BABÃYEV. Oh, stop; what do you mean! Certainly I'll come back.
TATYÃNA. [Kissing him] Good-by! It's time for me to go! My, how I'm shivering! My legs fairly totter under me.
BABÃYEV. Calm yourself a little. Come, I'll walk along the bank with you; you'll get home in time. [They go out.
AFÓNYA. So this, brother Lev, is what you deserted us for! Just look, and enjoy it! You act like a wild beast to those who love you with their whole soul. I'm burning up like a candle, I'm wasting away because of love and pity for you, and yet I haven't once heard a kind word from you. You doted on your wife, and see what she's up to, the wretch! No, there's no truth in the world, none. [Goes out.
Same room as inACT III
LUKÉRYAenters with a candle and places it on a table; laterAFÓNYAcomes in.
LUKÉRYA. Why doesn't Tánya return! It's high time, She's insane! She's just glad that she got out of here; she doesn't realize that suddenly, when you least expect it, her husband may return. Here I am on pins and needles. When I hear any one at the door my heart almost stops. Every minute seems a year. Afónya torments me too. I wonder where he went. Isn't he spying on her? Of course I can find ten replies to every word he says; yet he may rouse suspicion. Ah, some one is coming! Is it possible that it's Lev! Heaven forbid! I do believe I'll die. [AFÓNYAcomes in, and, groaning, lies down on the stove-couch] Where have you been?
AFÓNYA. Never you mind.
LUKÉRYA. Speak, it won't hurt your voice.
AFÓNYA. I don't want to talk to you.
LUKÉRYA. [Caressingly] Don't you feel well, Afónya?
AFÓNYA. Oh, Heavens! don't touch me, don't touch! You can't fool me.
LUKÉRYA. I don't in the least wish to fool you.
AFÓNYA. You fooled brother, but you can't fool me. No, no! LUKÉRYA. I don't understand a bit what you're talking about.
AFÓNYA. Oh, I'm exhausted! Go away: out of my sight. Don't torment me.
LUKÉRYA. You feel worse because you don't appreciate kindness.
AFÓNYA. I don't need it! I don't need anything.
LUKÉRYA. Well, then just lie on your couch. Do you think I want anything from you? I only spoke out of sympathy. [Silence] What a senseless girl; how senseless! I'm all a-tremble.
KRASNÓV comes in.
The same and KRASNÓV
KRASNÓV. Well, here I am. What a trick I've played! The joke's on Tatyána DanÃlovna. "Expect me in an hour," I said, and here I am in half an hour, so she'd be surprised. I was invited to tea, but I didn't stay. "Do you think I want tea," I said, "when I have a young wife at home who's waiting for me!" But where is she?
LUKÉRYA. I don't know. Somewhere around. Isn't she in the garden?
KRASNÓV. Send her in right away, I want to give her a present for her kindness to-day.
LUKÉRYA. Right away, right away. [Goes out]
KRASNÓV. [Paces up and dawn in silence; then speaks to himself] Fifty-seven rubles, six and three, nine to Peter Ananyev. [Pause] Has she disappeared? [Paces up and down in silence] Afónya, do you know where my wife went?
AFÓNYA. Don't know. Oh, I feel sick.
KRASNÓV. What's she dallying around for? [Goes to the door] Tatyána DanÃlovna! Lukérya DanÃlovna! They don't even answer. What does that mean now? Afanásy, where's my wife?
AFÓNYA. Are you lonesome without her? She'll come, don't be afraid. No matter where she's strolling, she'll come home.
KRASNÓV. [At the door] Tatyána DanÃlovna!
ULYÃNAcomes in.
The same andULYÃNA
KRASNÓV. Who's that? Is that you, Ulyana?
ULYÃNA. Yes, brother.
KRASNÓV. What do you want?
ULYÃNA. Just to call on you, brother, as a relative should.
KRASNÓV. I'm in no great need of your calls.
ULYÃNA. My feelings, brother, are different from yours; I can't help remembering my kindred. Where's your bride?
KRASNÓV. She seems to have gotten lost somewhere here. I keep calling her, but can't raise her.
ULYÃNA. Maybe she's far away from here, so she can't hear your call
KRASNÓV. What do you mean by "far"? I tell you she's at home.
ULYÃNA. Who said that? Wasn't it her sister, Lukérya DanÃlovna?
KRASNÓV. Yes, maybe it was she.
ULYÃNA. And you believed her. Oh, you're simple, simple!
KRASNÓV. Go away, sister! Keep out of trouble!
ULYÃNA. Come to your senses; what are you shouting for? I saw with my own eyes how she went to the gentleman.
KRASNÓV. So that's the kind of family I have! My luck sticks in their throats. You're a barbarian, you jealous woman. To kill you would be small penalty for your cursed tongue! [Raises his arm to strike her.
AFÓNYA. [Getting up from the couch] Quieter, you; quieter! What are you making a row for?
KRASNÓV. I'll hang you both on the same poplar!
AFÓNYA. [Shielding his sister] Don't touch her, don't lay a finger on her! She's telling the truth, the absolute truth.
KRASNÓV. You lie, you're jealous, both of you! It isn't an hour, I tell you; it isn't an hour since we sat here, kissing and embracing, looking into each other's eyes and couldn't get enough of it.
ULYÃNA. Heavens, he's out of his head! You've lost your mind! Go and see for yourself if you don't believe us.
KRASNÓV. [At the door] Lukérya DanÃlovna!
ULYÃNA. Call, call; she ran over there, too.EnterKÚRITSYN.
The same andKÚRITSYN
KÚRITSYN. What are you yelling for, are you teaching your wife? That's good for her, so she won't run away from home.
KRASNÓV. But where is she? Where is she? Spare me; you're tearing me to pieces.
KÚRITSYN. She'll come back; she doesn't spend the night there.
ULYÃNA. You'd better calm yourself, brother; sit down.
KÚRITSYN. We'll all wait for her, the lady.
KRASNÓV. She petted me, fondled me, pressed me close to her heart.
TATYÃNAenters quietly and looks around.
The same andTATYÃNA
KRASNÓV. Where have you been? Have you had a good time? Speak, don't hide it! Why are you silent? Speak! You see: everybody has come to view my shame.
ULYÃNA. Why don't you talk, you shameless creature! You think you can get out of it by silence? We saw how you went over there and came back.
KÚRITSYN. Trample on her, brother, trample on her hard; she'll talk.
KRASNÓV. Don't torment me! Tell me, what am I to think of you? What? Are these people lying? Then I'll turn 'em out, head over heels! Or maybe they're telling the truth? Deliver me from my sinful thoughts! Tell me, which of you is my enemy? Were you there?
TATYÃNA. What's the use of lying, since you've all seen me. I was there.
KRASNÓV. [Beside himself] There, good people, there—that's how it is!What shall I do now? What can I—pardon me, a sinner, for doing you wrong!How other men's wives behave, I don't know; but this is the way in ourfamily.
ULYÃNA. Now we'll watch your pride. How will you show yourself among people now, shameless woman? You've disgraced our brother, disgraced him!
AFÓNYA. Viper, viper!
KÚRITSYN. What's the use of looking at her! She ought to pay the penalty right off.
ARKHÃP comes in.
The same andARKHÃP
ARKHÃP. What punishment has God sent us? Why so much noise? Is there a fire? You know I can't see.
ULYÃNA. The sweet bride has been up to mischief! If I were in brother's place, I'd take her and crush her.
KRASNÓV. Away, away! Don't, don't anybody lay a finger on her! I'm her husband, so I'm her judge. Now tell me, why did you do it? Why did you go astray? Were you drawn into the net of sin? Perhaps you didn't dream of such a thing of your own accord. Perhaps you didn't expect it? Or did you rush into sin of your own free will? How about you now? Do you repent or not? Or maybe you think that was the right thing to do? Speak! Why are you silent? Are you abashed before people, or are you happy? Are you ashamed, or are you glad of what you've done? Are you made of stone? Roll at every one's feet, crucify yourself! Or will you tell me outright that you did it to spite me! I want to know what to do with you—spare you, or kill you. Did you love me at least a little bit; is there any reason for my sparing you? Or did you cheat me all the time? Did I only dream of happy days?
TATYÃNA. [With tears] I'm guilty, Lev Rodionych. I deceived you. I never loved you, and don't love you now. You'd better leave me, rather than have both of us suffer. Better that we part!
KRASNÓV. How part? Where shall we go? No, you lie! Whom shall I punish for my shame? You say you don't love me, and never did, while I went around town and boasted that a beautiful lady loved me. How shall I take revenge for this insult? Go in the kitchen! You can't be a wife, so be a cook! You couldn't walk hand in hand with your husband, so fetch water for him. You have aged me in a day, and now I'll make sport of your beauty! Every day that the fair sun rises, you'll get nothing from me but slaps and curses all your life; maybe some time when I'm angry, I'll kill you like a dog. Some one give me a knife!
TATYÃNAruns out.
AFÓNYA. Brother! brother! She's going, she's going away.
KRASNÓV. She won't escape me!
AFÓNYA. She's going to the gentleman. I heard them planning to go away to the country.
KRASNÓV. Who'll take her from me, if I won't give her up? Who in the whole world is strong enough to take her from me? If they take her they'll have to tear my arms off.
AFÓNYA. [Looking out of the door] Brother, she's getting ready! She's leaving, brother!
KRASNÓV. [Pushing him aside] Stand aside! A woman leaves her husband only for the grave, for nowhere else! [Goes out. The cry ofTATYÃNAis heard: "Let me go!"He comes back] Bind me! I've killed her.
AFÓNYA. Serves her right.
ULYÃNA. Ah, my dear! What will happen to you now?
ARKHÃP. Where is he? Where is he? [AFÓNYAleads him] What have you done? Who gave you the right? Is she guilty only towards you? First of all, she is guilty before God; and you, a proud and willful man, have taken it upon yourself to judge? You couldn't wait for the merciful judgment of God; so now go to the judgment of man, yourself! Bind him!
KÚRITSYN. He didn't expect it, he didn't foresee it, but he fell into sorrow! Sorrow walks not through the woods, but among men.