TaNYA. Now, really, what are you bothering for? I'll give you such a kiss!

[Raises her hand to strike.

VASiLY LEONiDITCH (off the scene, rings and then shouts). Gregory!

TaNYA. There now, go! Vasily Leoniditch is calling you.

GREGORY. He'll wait! He's only just opened his eyes! I say, why don't you love me?

TaNYA. What sort of loving have you imagined now? I don't love anybody.

GREGORY. That's a fib. You love Simon! You have found a nice one to love--a common, dirty-pawed peasant, a butler's a.s.sistant!

TaNYA. Never mind; such as he is, you are jealous of him!

VASiLY LEONiDITCH (off the scene). Gregory!

GREGORY. All in good time.... Jealous indeed! Of what? Why, you have only just begun to get licked into shape, and who are you tying yourself up with? Now, wouldn't it be altogether a different matter if you loved me?.... I say, Tanya....

TaNYA (angrily and severely). You'll get nothing from me, I tell you!

VASiLY LEONiDITCH (off the scene). Gregory!

GREGORY. You're mighty particular, ain't you?

VASiLY LEONiDITCH (off the scene, shouts persistently, monotonously, and with all his might) Gregory! Greg--ory! Gregory!

[TaNYA and GREGORY laugh.

GREGORY. You should have seen the girls that have been sweet on me.

[Bell rings.

TaNYA. Well then, go to them, and leave me alone!

GREGORY. You are a silly, now I think of it. I'm not Simon!

TaNYA. Simon means marriage, and not tomfoolery!

[Enter PORTER, carrying a large cardboard box.

PORTER. Good morning!

GREGORY. Good morning! Where are you from?

PORTER. From Bourdey's. I've brought a dress, and here's a note for the lady.

TaNYA (taking the note). Sit down, and I'll take it in.

[Exit.

[VASiLY LEONiDITCH looks out of the door in shirt-sleeves and slippers.

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. Gregory!

GREGORY. Yes, sir.

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. Gregory! Don't you hear me call?

GREGORY. I've only just come, sir.

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. Hot water, and a cup of tea.

GREGORY. Yes, sir; Simon will bring them directly.

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. And who is this? Ah, from Bourdier?

PORTER. Yes, sir.

[Exeunt VASiLY LEONiDITCH and GREGORY. Bell rings. TaNYA runs in at the sound of the bell and opens the front door.

TaNYA (to PORTER). Please wait a little. Porter. I am waiting.

[SAHaTOF enters at front door.

TaNYA. I beg your pardon, but the footman has just gone away. This way, sir. Allow me, please.

[Takes his fur cloak.

SAHaTOF (adjusting his clothes). Is Leonid Fyodoritch at home? Is he up?

[Bell rings.

TaNYA. Oh yes, sir. He's been up a long time.

[DOCTOR enters and looks around for the footman. Sees SAHaTOF and addresses him in an offhand manner.

DOCTOR. Ah, my respects to you!

SAHaTOF (looks fixedly at him). The Doctor, I believe?

DOCTOR. And I thought you were abroad! Dropped in to see Leonid Fyodoritch?

SAHaTOF. Yes. And you? Is any one ill?

DOCTOR (laughing). Not exactly ill but, you know.... It's awful with these ladies! Sits up at cards till three every morning, and pulls her waist into the shape of a wine-gla.s.s. And the lady is flabby and fat, and carries the weight of a good many years on her back.

SAHaTOF. Is this the way you state your diagnosis to Anna Pavlovna? I should hardly think it quite pleases her!