Complete Works of Anton Chekhov

SCENE VI.

PLATONOV (alone).

PLATONOV. Gone? (Goes to the door and listens.) Yes, she’s gone. ... Is it possible that she hasn’t? (Opens the door.) She’s a witch... (Glances behind the door.) She’s gone... (hies down on the divan.) Good-bye, lovely woman! . . . (Sighs.) I’ll never see you again... She’s gone. ... I wish she had stayed another five minutes... (Pause.) It would have been pleasant! I must ask Sofya to put off the journey for a fortnight, and take a little journey with the widow! Yes . . . just for a fortnight! Sofya will agree to it... She can stay with her mother for a while. ... I’d better ask her... While I’m travelling with the widow, Sofya can take a little rest... After all, I shan’t be gone forever! (There is a knock on the door.) Yes, I’m going! That’s settled! Excellent! (The knock is repeated.) Who’s knocking? Anna Petrovna? Who’s there? (Again, there is a knock.) What’s the matter with you? (Rises.) I shan’t let you in! (Goes to the door.) Someone’s giggling, I think... (Laughs.) It’s she ... I must let her in... (Opens the door.) Oh! (Enter Ossip.)