Page:Plays by Anton Tchekoff (1916).djvu/151

ACT IV

. Could a lunatic asylum possibly be worse than this house, or any other? Kindly take me there at once. Please do! Everybody is wicked and futile and worthless and stupid; I am an object of disgust to myself, I don’t believe a word I say

. Let me give you a piece of advice, old man; fill your mouth full of tow, light it, and blow at everybody. Or, better still, take your hat and go home. This is a wedding, we all want to enjoy ourselves and you are croaking like a raven. Yes, really.

leans on the piano and begins to sob.

. Good gracious, Matthew, Count! What is it, dear Matthew, old friend? Have I offended you? There, forgive me; I didn’t mean to hurt you. Come, drink some water.

. I don’t want any water.

. What are you crying about?

. Nothing in particular; I was just crying.

. Matthew, tell me the truth, what is it? What has happened?

. I caught sight of that violoncello, and—and—I remembered the Jewess.

. What an unfortunate moment you have chosen to remember her. Peace be with her! But don’t think of her now.

. We used to play duets together. She was a beautiful, a glorious woman.

sobs.

. What, are you crying too? Stop, Sasha! Dear me, they are both howling now, and I—and I— Do go away; the guests will see you!

. Paul, when the sun is shining, it is gay even in