Page:Plays by Anton Tchekoff (1916).djvu/157

ACT IV

. This marriage is not going to take place.

. It is going to take place. Papa, tell him that it is going to take place.

. Wait! Wait! What objection have you to the marriage?

. I have explained it all to her, but she refuses to understand me.

. Don’t explain it to her, but to me, and explain it so that I may understand. God forgive you, Nicholas, you have brought a great deal of darkness into our lives. I feel as if I were living in a museum; I look about me and don’t understand anything I see. This is torture. What on earth can an old man like me do with you? Shall I challenge you to a duel?

. There is no need of a duel. All you need is a head on your shoulders and a knowledge of the Russian language.

. [Walks up and down in great excitement] This is dreadful, dreadful! Absolutely childish.

. Listen to me, Nicholas; from your point of view what you are doing is quite right and proper, according to the rules of psychology, but I think this affair is a scandal and a great misfortune. I am an old man; hear me out for the last time. This is what I want to say to you: calm yourself; look at things simply, as every one else does; this is a simple world. The ceiling is white; your boots are black; sugar is sweet. You love Sasha and she loves you. If you love her, stay with her; if you don’t, leave her. We shan’t blame you. It is all perfectly simple. You are two healthy, intelligent, moral young people; thank God, you both have food and clothing—what more do you want? What if you have no money? That is no great misfortune—happiness is not bought with wealth. Of course your estate is mort-