Page:Plays by Anton Tchekoff (1916).djvu/178

170

plays or atoms now. This is such a lovely evening. Listen to the singing, friends, how sweet it sounds.

. Yes, they are singing across the water.

. [To ] Sit down beside me here. Ten or fifteen years ago we had music and singing on this lake almost all night. There are six houses on its shores. All was noise and laughter and romance then, such romance! The young star and idol of them all in those days was this man here, [Nods toward ] Doctor Eugene Dorn. He is fascinating now, but he was irresistible then. But my conscience is beginning to prick me. Why did I hurt my poor boy? Iam uneasy about him. [Loudly] Constantine! Constantine!

. Shall I go and find him?

. If you please, my dear.

. [Goes off to the left, calling] Mr. Constantine! Oh, Mr. Constantine!

. [Comes in from behind the stage] I see that the play will never be finished, so now I can go home. Good evening.

[She kisses and.

. Bravo! Bravo!

. Bravo! Bravo! We were quite charmed by your acting. With your looks and such a lovely voice it is a crime for you to hide yourself in the country. You must be very talented. It is your duty to go on the stage, do you hear me?

. It is the dream of my life, which will never come true.

. Who knows? Perhaps it will. But let me present Monsieur Boris Trigorin.

. I am delighted to meet you. [Embarrassed] I have read all your books.

. [Drawing down beside her] Don’t be