Page:Plays by Anton Tchekoff (1916).djvu/146

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this accursed place. [Thoughtfully] But what shall I do? To have an explanation with Lebedieff would be a hopeless task. Shall I make a scandal, and challenge Ivanoff to a duel? I am as excited as a child, and have entirely lost the power of planning anything. What shall I do? Shall I fight a duel?

Enter. He goes gaily up to.

. I declared a little slam in clubs yesterday, and made a grand slam! Only that man Barabanoff spoilt the whole game for me again. We were playing—well, I said “No trumps” and he said “Pass.” “Two in clubs;” he passed again. I made it two in hearts. He said “Three in clubs,” and just imagine, can you, what happened? I declared a little slam and he never showed his ace! If he had showed his ace, the villain, I should have declared a grand slam in no trumps!

. Excuse me, I don’t play cards, and so it is impossible for me to share your enthusiasm. When does the ceremony begin?

. At once, I think. They are now bringing Zuzu to herself again. She is bellowing like a bull; she can’t bear to see the money go.

. And what about the daughter?

. No, it is the money. She doesn’t like this affair anyway. He is marrying her daughter, and that means he won’t pay his debts for a long time. One can’t sue one’s son-in-law.

, very much dressed up, struts across the stage past and. The latter bursts out laughing behind his hand. looks around.

. Idiot!

digs her in the ribs and laughs loudly.

. Boor!

. [Laughing] The woman’s head has been turned.