Page:Plays by Anton Tchekoff (1916).djvu/39

ACT II

. Here it is.

. [Crossly] No, not that one! Can’t you understand me? Can’t I ask you to do a thing?

. Please don’t be captious with me. Some people may like it, but you must spare me, if you please, because I don’t. Besides, I haven’t the time; we are cutting the hay to-morrow and I must get up early.

comes in dressed in a long gown and carrying a candle.

. A thunderstorm is coming up. [The lightning flashes] There it is! Go to bed, Helena and Sonia. I have come to take your place.

. [Frightened] No, no, no! Don’t leave me alone with him! Oh, don’t. He will begin to lecture me.

. But you must give them a little rest. They have not slept for two nights.

. Then let them go to bed, but you go away too! Thank you. I implore you to go. For the sake of our former friendship do not protest against going. We will talk some other time

. Our former friendship! Our former

. Hush, Uncle Vanya!

. [To his wife] My darling, don’t leave me alone with him. He will begin to lecture me.

. This is ridiculous.

comes in carrying a candle.

. You must go to bed, nurse, it is late.

. I haven’t cleared away the tea things. Can’t go to bed yet.

. No one can go to bed. They are all worn out, only I enjoy perfect happiness.

. [Goes up to and speaks tenderly] What’s the matter, master? Does it hurt? My own legs