Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/96

 : Quite possibly. Satiated with power, stung to the quick by the French, thirsting for popularity, taken with the difficulties of the problem—Begad, it’s so seductive to be a pioneer. (Picks up cards.) Still, I think I should have been a reactionary. I don’t know what would have been, and, what is, oh! better I didn’t! (Tears the pack of cards in half. Arab boy arranges swords for the dance.)


 * Ah! here’s the black boy.

(smiles): Young sulks!


 * What do you keep him for?


 * Isn’t he interesting?


 * In his eyes there is so much longing for the sultry sun and the sweet palms, that beside it our sorrows seem pale and unsubstantial.


 * Excellent!

(to Companion): Play us something.

(to Friend): But you like music?


 * He adores it. (To Friend.) Would you like to hear Mozart on the clavichord?


 * Perhaps the andante from the C sharp?


 * I agree. (Goes to the fire and throws away the halves of the torn cards.)