Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/66

 expected. (Pause.) Egórich, go and ask him into the hall. (Exit Servant.) What the I’m in my dressing-gown.—Here’s a surprise!


 * Whoever is it? (Looks at card.) Oh, it’s the man who was exiled?


 * Yes, who’d have thought of him? (To Witch.) My dear, go to the kitchen for a little while!


 * Interesting to know what he wants? Why ever has he come all this way? Why, isn’t he a famous writer now? (Exeunt Witch, Arab boy, and Maid.)


 * And a famous man of learning.


 * Well, he’s not got such a wonderful mind, so I heard.


 * But he’s got something. He preferred martyrdom for an idea to any kind of jobbery, and consequently


 * And you’ll receive this adventurer?


 * I want to be polite, and besides, he’s better than the others.


 * But how are we to behave with him?


 * To change would be obviously too great an honour for such a gentleman. The year 1808 will continue; guests have come—and I’ll put