Delphi Complete Works of Anton Chekhov

SCENE XVII.

ANNA PETROVNA AND GLAGOLYEV II.

GLAGOLYEV II (sitting down at Anna Petrovna’s side). He’s an old badger! Ass! No one called him! I’ve fooled him!

ANNA PETROVNA. When you get some sense, you’ll reproach yourself for your father.

GLAGOLYEV ii. You’re joking... I’ll tell you why I’ve come. ... I want just two words with you.

. . . Yes or no?

ANNA PETROVNA. That is?

GLAGOLYEV II {laughing). As if you hadn’t understood! Yes or no!

ANNA PETROVNA. I tell you I don’t understand you! GLAGOLYEV II. You’ll soon understand... With the help of gold everything can be understood... If “yes,” then will it suit the convenience of you the generalissimo of my soul to stick your hand into my pocket and extract therefrom my wallet filled with Papa’s money? . . . (He thrusts his side pocket forward.)

ANNA PETROVNA. Rather frank... [Oh, you idiot, idiot!] Do you know, the cleverest people get their faces slapped for such speeches!

GLAGOLYEV II. Even a slap in the face is pleasant when it comes from a charming woman... First the slap, then, after a while, the “yes.” . . .

ANNA PETROVNA {rising). Take your hat and leave this instant!

GLAGOLYEV II {rising). Where?

ANNA PETROVNA. Where you please! Only go and don’t show your face here again!

GLAGOLYEV II. Fie . . . Why get angry? I shan’t go, Anna Petrovna!

ANNA PETROVNA. In that case I’ll have you removed! {Goes into house.)

GLAGOLYEV II. What an angry woman! And I haven’t said anything in particular... What have I said? Certainly nothing to cause any anger... {Follows her.)