Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/134

 (fearfully): No, there’s no allusion to anybody! I’m not speaking of present company. I was speaking just in general—please! I know well that you married for love and the dowry’s nothing.


 * No, it isn’t nothing! Don’t forget yourself, sir, when you speak! Beside a thousand roubles in actual coin, we are giving three sets of furs, bedding and all the furniture. Just see if other people give dowries like that.


 * I don’t mean anything—the furniture is really beautiful and—and the furs certainly—but I mean they took offence that I made insinuations.


 * Don’t make insinuations! We respect you for your parents and we invited you to the wedding, but you say all sorts of things. And if you knew that Epaminondas was marrying for interest, why did you say nothing beforehand? (Weeps.) Perhaps—I have nourished her and cared for her and looked after her—I should have guarded better my emerald, my jewel, my daughter


 * You believe him? I most humbly thank you! I’m very grateful indeed to you.