Page:Plays by Anton Tchekoff (1916).djvu/219

ACT IV

. But she won’t. [A pause] Her father and step-mother have disowned her. They have even put watchmen all around their estate to keep her away. [He goes with the doctor toward the desk] How easy it is, Doctor, to be a philosopher on paper, and how difficult in real life!

. She was a beautiful girl. Even the State Councillor himself was in love with her for a time.

. You old Lovelace, you!

laugh is heard.

. They are coming back from the station.

. Yes, I hear my mother’s voice.

and come in, followed by.

. We all grow old and wither, my lady, while you alone, with your light dress, your gay spirits, and your grace, keep the secret of eternal youth.

. You are still trying to turn my head, you tiresome old man.

. [To ] How do you do, Peter? What, still ill? How silly of you! [With evident pleasure, as he catches sight of ] How are you, Miss Masha?

. So you recognised me?

. Did you marry him?

. Long ago.

. You are happy now? [He bows to and, and then goes hesitatingly toward ] Your mother says you have forgotten the past and are no longer angry with me.

gives him his hand.

. [To her son] Here is a magazine that Boris has brought you with your latest story in it.