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do will be to write out a prescription according to the laws of medicine: that is, first, we shall order her a young doctor, and then a journey to the Crimea. There some fascinating young Tartar

. [Interrupting] Oh, don’t be coarse! [To ] It takes money to go to the Crimea, and even if I could afford it, you know she has refused to go.

. Yes, she has.

. Look here, doctor, is Anna really so ill that she absolutely must go to the Crimea?

. [Looking toward the window] Yes, she has consumption.

. Whew! How sad! I have seen in her face for some time that she could not last much longer.

. Can’t you speak quietly? She can hear everything you say.

[A pause.

. [Sighing] The life of man is like a flower, blooming so gaily in a field. Then, along comes a goat, he eats it, and the flower is gone!

. Oh, nonsense, nonsense. [Yawning] Everything is a fraud and a swindle.

[A pause.

. Gentlemen, I have been trying to tell Nicholas how he can make some money, and have submitted a brilliant plan to him, but my seed, as usual, has fallen on barren soil. Look what a sight he is now: dull, cross, bored, peevish

. [Gets up and stretches himself] You are always inventing schemes for everybody, you clever fellow, and telling them how to live; can’t you tell me something? Give me some good advice, you ingenious young man. Show mea good move to make.

. [Getting up] I am going to have a swim. Good-bye, gentlemen. [To ] There are at least twenty