Delphi Complete Works of Anton Chekhov

SCENE XXI.

SOFYA EGOROVNA (alone).

SOFYA EGOROVNA (;pale, with ruffled coiffure). I can’t! It’s too much, quite beyond my strength! (Catches her breast.) I am lost ... or it’s my happiness! It’s stifling here! . . . He’ll either ruin me, or . . . he’s the bearer of new life! I welcome you, and bless you . . . new life! It’s decided!

VOICE OF VOINITZEV (shouting). Watch out! (Fireworks.)

CURTAIN