Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/294

. To-night I do.

(to Petríshchev). And do you believe?

. "I believe not, I believe not thy cunning vows." Well, if Elizaveta Leonídovna commands—

. Let us stay, Márya Konstantínovna! Ah, what? I will concoct something épûtant.

. No, don't make me laugh. I can't keep from laughing.

(aloud). I will stay!

(sternly). All I ask is that those who stay will not turn this into a joke. This is a serious matter.

. You hear? Well, we will stay. Vovó, sit down here, and don't you lose your courage!

. You are laughing, but wait and see!

. Well, what is it indeed? It will be a fine thing! Ah, what?

(trembling). Oh, I am afraid, I am afraid. Márya Konstantínovna, I am afraid! My little legs are trembling.

(laughing). Hush up! (All sit down.)

. Sit down, if you please! Semén, sit down!

. Yes, sir. (Sits down on the edge of the chair.)

. Sit down better!

. Sit down regularly, on the middle of the chair, at your ease. (Seats Semén.)

(raising his voice). I ask those who remain not to jest, but to take the matter seriously. There might be evil consequences. Vovó, do you hear? If you can't sit quietly, go out!

. Quiet! (Hides himself behind the back of Stout Lady.)