Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/159

 : Everything. Why, you’ve grown stouter in the last week and prettier. Well, how did it go off?


 * Excellently. Mama and Kate send you their love. Basil sends you a kiss. (Kisses him.) Aunt sends you a pot of jam, and they’re all angry that you don’t write. Zena sends you a kiss. (Kisses him.) Oh, if you only knew what happened! What do you think? It’s all strange to me, even to tell it. What do you think happened?—But I can see from your eyes that you’re not glad to see me.


 * Just the contrary, darling! (Kisses her. Hirin coughs angrily.)

(sighs): Oh, poor Kate, poor Kate! I’m so sorry, so sorry for her!


 * Darling, we have a jubilee to-day, and at any moment a deputation may come from the managers, and you’re not dressed.


 * Really, a jubilee! I congratulate you, gentlemen, I wish you—then there’ll be a meeting to-day and a dinner. I love that! Do you remember that fine address you wrote so long ago for the managers? Will they read it to you to-day? (Hirin coughs angrily.)