Complete Works of Anton Chekhov

SCENE IV

The same and KHROUSCHOV

KHROUSCHOV: What weather! The rain ran after me,

but I just managed to escape it. How do you do?

(Greeting them.)

SEREBRYAKOV: I’m sorry we troubled you. I did not want it at all.

KHROUSCHOV: Never mind, it’s perfectly all right! But what’s the matter with you, Alexander Vladimirovich?

Aren’t we ashamed of being seedy? Oh, we mustn’t!

What’s wrong?

SEREBRYAKOV: Why do doctors always speak to patients in a condescending tone?

KHROUSCHOV (laughing): Well, you shouldn’t be so observant... (In a gentle voice) Won’t you lie down on your bed? You aren’t comfortable here. In bed you’ll be warmer and more restful. Come ... I will examine you there . . . and everything will be all right.

ELENA ANDREYEVNA: Do as the doctor says, Alexander.

Do go.

KHROUSCHOV: If you find it hard to walk, we will move you there in your chair.

SEREBRYAKOV: I can manage... I’ll walk... (Getting up.) Only they should not have troubled you. (KHROUSCHOV

and SONYA support him under the arms.) Besides, I don’t verv much believe in . . . pharmacy. Why are you supporting me? ... I can walk by myself.

[GOES OUT WITH KHROUSCHOV AND SONYA.