Page:Plays by Anton Tchekoff (1916).djvu/31

ACT I

in itself, is nothing but a dead letter. You should have done something.

. Done something! Not every man is capable of being a writer perpetuum mobile like your Herr Professor.

. What do you mean by that?

. [Imploringly] Mother! Uncle Vanya! I entreat you!

. I am silent. I apologise and am silent.

. What a fine day! Not too hot.

. A fine day to hang oneself.

tunes the guitar. appears near the house, calling the chickens.

. Chick, chick, chick!

. What did the peasants want, nurse?

. The same old thing, the same old nonsense. Chick, chick, chick!

. Why are you calling the chickens?

. The speckled hen has disappeared with her chicks. I am afraid the crows have got her.

''plays a polka. All listen in silence. Enter''.

. Is the doctor here? [To ] Excuse me, sir, but I have been sent to fetch you.

. Where are you from?

. The factory.

. [Annoyed] Thank you. There is nothing for it, then, but to go. [Looking around him for his cap] Damn it, this is annoying!

. Yes, it is too bad, really. You must come back to dinner from the factory.

. No, I won’t be able to do that. It will be too late. Now where, where— [To the ] Look here, my man, get me a glass of vodka, will you? [The