Page:Plays by Anton Tchekoff (1916).djvu/54

46

. He is writing in Uncle Vanya’s room. I am glad Uncle Vanya has gone out, I want to talk to you about something.

. About what?

. About what?

[She lays her head on breast.

. [Stroking her hair] There, there, that will do, Don’t, Sonia.

. I am ugly!

. You have lovely hair.

. Don’t say that! [She turns to look at herself in the glass] No, when a woman is ugly they always say she has beautiful hair or eyes. I have loved him now for six years; I have loved him more than one loves one’s mother. I seem to hear him beside me every moment of the day. I feel the pressure of his hand on mine. If I look up, I seem to see him coming, and as you see, I run to you to talk of him. He is here every day now, but he never looks at me, he does not notice my presence. It is agony. I have absolutely no hope, no, no hope. Oh, my God! Give me strength to endure. I prayed all last night. I often go up to him and speak to him and look into his eyes. My pride is gone. I am not mistress of myself. Yesterday I told Uncle Vanya. I couldn’t control myself, and all the servants know it. Every one knows that I love him.

. Does he?

. No, he never notices me.

. [Thoughtfully] He is a strange man. Listen, Sonia, will you allow me to speak to him? I shall be careful, only hint. [A pause] Really, to be in uncertainty all these years! Let me do it!

nods an affirmative.

. Splendid! It will be easy to find out whether