Page:Plays by Anton Tchekoff (1916).djvu/121

ACT II

things aren’t done in a second like this. If the Count wants to marry me, let him ask me himself, and—and— I don’t see, I don’t understand—all this is so sudden

. Come, don’t let us beat about the bush; this is a business arrangement. Do you agree or not?

. [Chuckling and rubbing his hands] Supposing I do marry her, eh? Hang it, why shouldn’t I play her this shabby trick? What do you say, little puss? [He kisses her cheek] Dearest chick-a-biddy!

. Stop! Stop! I hardly know what I am doing. Go away! No—don’t go!

. Answer at once: is it yes or no? We can’t stand here forever.

. Look here, Count, come and visit me for three or four days. It is gay at my house, not like this place. Come to-morrow. [To ] Or is this all a joke?

. [Angrily] How could I joke on such a serious subject?

. Wait! Stop! Oh, I feel faint! A Countess! I am fainting, I am falling!

and ''laugh and catch her by the arms. They kiss her cheeks and lead her out through the door on the right''. and run in from the garden.

. [Desperately clutching his head] It can’t be true! Don’t Sasha, don’t! Oh, I implore you not to!

. I love you madly. Without you my life can have no meaning, no happiness, no hope.

. Why, why do you say that? What do you mean? Little Sasha, don’t say it!0

. You were the only joy of my childhood; I loved you body and soul then, as myself, but now— Oh, I love you, Nicholas! Take me with you to the ends of the earth, wher-