Delphi Complete Works of Anton Chekhov

SCENE VI

THE SAME AND ELENA ANDREYEVNA

ELENA ANDREYEVNA: There’s simply no place to sit in.

The two Orlovskys and George are lounging about all over the house, and whatever room I go into, they’re there. It’s simply exasperating. What do they want here? Why don’t they go somewhere else?

JULIE (through tears): How do you do, Elena Andreyevna?

(About to kiss her.)

ELENA ANDREYEVNA: How do you do, Julie dear? Forgive

me, I don’t like continual kissing. Sonya, what’s your father doing? (A pause.) Sonya, why don’t you answer me?

I ask you: what’s your father doing? (A pause.) Sonya,

why don’t you answer me?

SONYA: You want to know? Come here... (Taking her aside) Well, I’ll tell you... My heart feels too pure to-day to allow me to talk to you and go on dissembling.

Here, take this! (Handing her a letter.) I found it in the garden. Julie, come, let’s go!

[Goes out with JULIE by the left door.