BABAYEV.  Of course not.

TATYANA.  They’re right when they say that all women are insane; I married of my own accord—­nobody forced me—­so now I ought to live according to my vows; but I’m drawn to you, and want to escape from my home.  It’s all your fault, Valentin Pavlich; home has become disgusting to me because of you.  If it weren’t for you, I’d manage to live somehow with my husband; at least I shouldn’t know this sorrow.

BABAYEV.  A fine life!  You have much to regret!

TATYANA.  But is my life agreeable now?  Of course I ought not to blame you much, because I’m entirely to blame myself.  You have nothing to worry about!  Yours is a man’s affair, and no one will condemn you; but we have to suffer for every single thing.  But what’s to be done!  It’s too late to argue who’s in the right and who’s to blame; but I guess this affair had to happen.  But don’t you deceive me; come back!

BABAYEV.  Oh, stop; what do you mean!  Certainly I’ll come back.

TATYANA. [Kissing him] Good-by!  It’s time for me to go!  My, how I’m shivering!  My legs fairly totter under me.

BABAYEV.  Calm yourself a little.  Come, I’ll walk along the bank with you; you’ll get home in time. [They go out.

AFONYA.  So this, brother Lev, is what you deserted us for!  Just look, and enjoy it!  You act like a wild beast to those who love you with their whole soul.  I’m burning up like a candle, I’m wasting away because of love and pity for you, and yet I haven’t once heard a kind word from you.  You doted on your wife, and see what she’s up to, the wretch!  No, there’s no truth in the world, none. [Goes out.

TABLEAU II

Same room as in ACT III

SCENE I

LUKERYA enters with a candle and places it on a table; later AFONYA comes in.

LUKERYA.  Why doesn’t Tanya return!  It’s high time, She’s insane!  She’s just glad that she got out of here; she doesn’t realize that suddenly, when you least expect it, her husband may return.  Here I am on pins and needles.  When I hear any one at the door my heart almost stops.  Every minute seems a year.  Afonya torments me too.  I wonder where he went.  Isn’t he spying on her?  Of course I can find ten replies to every word he says; yet he may rouse suspicion.  Ah, some one is coming!  Is it possible that it’s Lev!  Heaven forbid!  I do believe I’ll die. [AFONYA comes in, and, groaning, lies down on the stove-couch] Where have you been?

AFONYA.  Never you mind.

LUKERYA.  Speak, it won’t hurt your voice.

AFONYA.  I don’t want to talk to you.

LUKERYA. [Caressingly] Don’t you feel well, Afonya?

AFONYA.  Oh, Heavens! don’t touch me, don’t touch!  You can’t fool me.

LUKERYA.  I don’t in the least wish to fool you.