Delphi Complete Works of Anton Chekhov

SCENE IV.

PLATONOV (alone).

PLATONOV. That means, Grekova and I are now quits... She’ll soil my name throughout the province. ... So it should be... For the first time in my life a woman is punishing me... [After all, it was they that spoiled me. . . .] (Lies down on the divan.) You act meanly to them, and they hang on your neck... Sofya, for example. ... I used to be free as the wind, and I must lie here and reflect... Love . . . Amo, amas, amat . . . I’ve tied myself up... I’ve ruined her, and I’ve done no good for myself... (Sighs.) The poor Voinit- zevs! [You’ve paid dearly for your eloquent friend, Platonov!] And Sasha? Poor little girl! How will she manage to exist without me? She’ll pine away, die... When she saw the truth, she left with the infant, without saying a word... After that night • . . I ought to say good-bye to her...

ANNA PETROVNA (through the window). May I come in? Ay! Is anyone here?

PLATONOV. Anna Petrovna! (Springs to his feet.) She! What am I to say to her? Why should she come here? (Straightens himself out.)

ANNA PETROVNA (through the window). May I come in? I’m coming in, do you hear?

PLATONOV. So she’s come! How can I keep her from coming in? (Combs his hair.) How can I dismiss her? I’d better have another drink before she comes in... (Quickly opens the cupboard.) What the devil ... I can’t understand it! (Drinks down his glass quickly.) I hope she doesn’t know anything, but suppose she does? I fear I’ll blush. . . .