The Undiscovered Chekhov

A

SIGN

OF

THE

TIMES

THEY DECLARED THEIR LOVE in a drawing room with light blue wallpaper.

The young man of pleasant appearance knelt before the young woman and vowed his love.

“I can not live without you, my dearest!” he sighed. “I swear, the moment I set eyes on you I was lost! Dearest, tell me... tell me... yes or no?”

The girl opened her mouth to answer, but at that moment her brothers head appeared at the door.

“Lily, can you come here a minute?” her brother asked.

“What is it?” Lily replied, and followed him out of the room.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, but I am your brother, and it’s my sacred duty to caution you... Be careful with that man. Say as little as possible—only what you have to.”

“But he’s proposing!”

“That’s fine! Declare your love, marry him, but for God’s sake be careful! I know what I’m talking about—he’s a complete scoundrel! Give him half a chance, and he’ll sell us out!” “Oh, Max, thank you! I had no idea!”

The young woman went back into the living room, answered the young man with a yes, kissed him, let him embrace her, and vowed she would be his. But she stepped carefully—she spoke only of love.