SCENE I
LUKÉRYA enters with a candle and places it on a table; later AFÓNYA comes in.
LUKÉRYA. Why doesn't Tánya return! It's high time, She's insane! She's just glad that she got out of here; she doesn't realize that suddenly, when you least expect it, her husband may return. Here I am on pins and needles. When I hear any one at the door my heart almost stops. Every minute seems a year. Afónya torments me too. I wonder where he went. Isn't he spying on her? Of course I can find ten replies to every word he says; yet he may rouse suspicion. Ah, some one is coming! Is it possible that it's Lev! Heaven forbid! I do believe I'll die. [AFÓNYA comes in, and, groaning, lies down on the stove-couch] Where have you been?
AFÓNYA. Never you mind.
LUKÉRYA. Speak, it won't hurt your voice.
AFÓNYA. I don't want to talk to you.
LUKÉRYA. [Caressingly] Don't you feel well, Afónya?
AFÓNYA. Oh, Heavens! don't touch me, don't touch! You can't fool me.
LUKÉRYA. I don't in the least wish to fool you.
AFÓNYA. You fooled brother, but you can't fool me. No, no! LUKÉRYA. I don't understand a bit what you're talking about.
AFÓNYA. Oh, I'm exhausted! Go away: out of my sight. Don't torment me.
LUKÉRYA. You feel worse because you don't appreciate kindness.
AFÓNYA. I don't need it! I don't need anything.
LUKÉRYA. Well, then just lie on your couch. Do you think I want anything from you? I only spoke out of sympathy. [Silence] What a senseless girl; how senseless! I'm all a-tremble.
KRASNÓV comes in.