ARKHiP. In a cloud?

AFoNYA. No, it is clear. The twilight is so brilliant. We'll have fine weather.

ARKHiP. 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, Afonya, beautiful is G.o.d'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, Afonya, is our merciful Creator. If we remembered more constantly that He is merciful, we ourselves should be more merciful.

AFoNYA. I will try to subdue my heart, grandfather. [BABaYEV _comes in_]

Let us go. Some strange gentleman is walking here; he would probably laugh at our talk.

ARKHiP. [_Following_ AFoNYA] My soul magnifies G.o.d. _They go out_.

SCENE II

BABaYEV _alone_

BABaYEV. 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 Tanya; 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 princ.i.p.al thing is the--bouquet. I think some one is coming. Is it they? How shall we meet? Two years of separation mean much.

TATYaNA _and_ LUKeRYA _come in_.

SCENE III

BABaYEV, TATYaNA, and LUKeRYA

TATYaNA. [_Extending her hand to_ BABaYEV] How do you do, Valentin Pavlich!

I was so happy when sister told me that you had returned.

BABaYEV. So, do you still remember me?

TATYaNA. Indeed I do! We frequently, that is, sister and I, very frequently speak of you. She tells me that you have forgotten us.

BABaYEV. No, I have not forgotten you. There are memories, my darling Tatyana Danilovna, which are not readily forgotten. My acquaintance with you was of that sort. Isn't that so?

TATYaNA. [_Dropping her eyes_] Yes, sir.

BABaYEV. Let me a.s.sure 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.

LUKeRYA. Have you never found such an occasion before now? Don't tell me that!

BABaYEV. I a.s.sure you.

LUKeRYA. Much we believe you! Tanya, do not believe the gentlemen; they always deceive.

BABaYEV. Why speak so to me?

LUKeRYA. That doesn't apply just to you, but to all other fine young gentlemen.

TATYaNA. Shall you remain long in this city?

BABaYEV. 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 Tatyana Danilovna.

TATYaNA. That honors me entirely too much. No, tell me, shall you be here three or four days?

BABaYEV. They promised to arrange my affairs in three days, but maybe I'll stay three or four days longer, if you wish me to.

TATYaNA. Certainly, I do.

BABaYEV. There is just one drawback, my darling Tatyana Danilovna: your city is dreadfully lonesome. I will remain on one condition, that I may see you as often as possible.

TATYaNA. That's very simple. Call on us. We shall be delighted to have you come to tea to-morrow.

BABaYEV. Yes, but it's impossible to call on you often, as gossip and talk spreads, and then there's your husband----

TATYaNA. This doesn't concern him. You are my acquaintance; you call on me, not him.

LUKeRYA. 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.

BABaYEV. [_Withdrawing to one side with_ TATYaNA] Doesn't married life bore you?

TATYaNA. [_After a pause_] I don't know; what can I say to that?

BABaYEV. My darling Tatyana Danilovna, be perfectly frank with me. You know what kind feelings I've always had for you.

TATYaNA. Why should I be so frank with you? What good can come of it? It's too late to mend things now.

BABaYEV. If you can't mend things entirely, at least, darling Tatyana Danilovna, you can sweeten your existence for a time, so that you will not be entirely smothered by the vulgar life around you.

TATYaNA. For a time, yes! Then life will be harder than ever. BABaYEV.

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----

TATYaNA. [_Turning away_] Please don't talk to me like that! I didn't expect to hear such things from you, Valentin Pavlich.

LUKeRYA. [_To_ BABaYEV] You're getting in pretty deep there. I hear everything you're saying.

BABaYEV. Lukerya Danilovna, 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.

LUKeRYA. Oh, you're a sly gentleman! [_Goes away_.

TATYaNA. So you will have tea with us to-morrow, Valentin Pavlich?

BABaYEV. I really don't know--very likely.

TATYaNA. No, don't fail to come! [_Pause_] Well, how shall I invite you?