Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/642

 why? I ask you! He, they say, took money from his associates, and others had to go security for him. How is that? How could he do that without my consent? It can't be, Your Honor. I am a poor woman and only live by keeping boarders. (Whimpering). I am weak—defenceless. On all sides I am insulted, and from no one do I get a good word.

Shipuchin.—I beg your pardon. (Takes the petition from her and reads it).

Tatyana (To ).—I'll have to tell you from the beginning again. Last week I gpt a letter from Mama. She wrote that sister Katya got a proposal from a certain Grendilevsky, a fine-looking, unassuming, fellow, but without money and with no assured position. And to make matters worse—imagine!— Katya is completely enamoured of him. What was there to do? Mama wrote for me to come as quickly as possible and try to influence Katya.

Kirin (Sharply).—I beg your pardon, but I'm quite muddled! You run from Mama to Katya and confuse me so that I understand nothing at all.

Tatyana.—O, no matter. But you hear when a young lady talks to you, I'll bet. Why are you so cross today? Are you in love? (Laughs).

Shipuchin (To ).—Pardon me, but how is this? I don’t quite understand it.

Tatyana.—Are you in love? Ach—he's blushing!

Shipuchin (To his wife).—Tanya dear, go into the office for a moment. I'll be right with you.

Tatyana.—All right. (Goes out.)

Shipuchin.—I don't understand. It's evident, Madam, that you're not in the right place. Your petition has no connection whatsoever with us. You should take it to the department in which your husband was employed.

Merchutkina.—I, Sir, have been in five places, and nowhere would they take my petition. I'd have lost my wits, but thanks to my son-in-law, Boris Matvyevich. He advised me to come to you. "Mama," he said, "you go to Andrey Shipuchin. He is an influential man and can do anything." Do help me, Your Honor!

Shipuchin.—We, Madam, can do nothing for you. Listen to me. Your husband, as far as I can judge, was employed in the military-medical department of the government. But our