Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/158

 girl, but there’s not time and—and I’m tired. To tell the truth, I’m not glad she’s coming. I’m glad, but it would have been better for me if she had stayed just another two days with her mother. She wants me to spend the whole evening with her to-day, and all the time there’s a little excursion arranged for after dinner. (Shudders.) That nervous shivering’s starting already. My nerves are so strained that I think the slightest little thing would start me crying. No, I must be strong; or I’m not Shipuchin! (Enter Tatiana Shipuchin, twenty-five years old, in a waterproof, carrying an expensive bag.)


 * Bah! Talk of the devil!


 * Darling! (Runs to her husband. A long kiss.)


 * Why, we were just talking about you. (Looks at his watch.)

(breathlessly): Lonely? Quite well? I haven’t been home yet—came straight here from the station. I must tell you, lots and lots—I can’t keep it—I won’t take off my waterproof—I shall only be a minute. (To Hirin.) Good morning, Mr. Hirin. (To Shipuchin.) Everything all right at home?