SCENE III
BABÁYEV, TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA
LUKÉRYA. How do you do, again! Were you looking for us?
BABÁYEV. To be frank, I didn't expect you so soon. Be seated; why are you standing? [They all sit down.
LUKÉRYA. We fairly ran over here. We had such a time getting away.
TATYÁNA. That's enough, Lusha; stop!
LUKÉRYA. There's no use concealing matters! You can't do it. Valentin Pávlich has seen our local gentry to-day, himself. You should see what a rumpus we had after you left!
TATYÁNA. Ah, Lusha, those things happen in every family; there's no need telling every one! It's no one's affair how we live.
LUKÉRYA. Now you understand, Valentin Pávlich, what a peasant is when he assumes importance?
TATYÁNA. It's well for you to talk, since you aren't concerned. You might spare me! He's my husband, and I have to live with him till the brink of the grave.
BABÁYEV. You weren't careful in your marriage, Tatyána Danílovna; you weren't careful.
TATYÁNA. How queer you are! What are you reproaching me for? Where were you when we had nothing to eat? But now there is no going back. All that remains for me to do is to cry all the rest of my life. [Cries.
BABÁYEV. Why are you crying now?
TATYÁNA. What have I to rejoice over? You? I might be happy if I had freedom. Understand this: on your account I quarrelled with my husband; you'll be going away to-day or to-morrow, while I have to remain with him. You only made matters worse by coming; until you came he didn't seem so bad, and suddenly he has changed entirely. Before he saw you he fulfilled my every wish, he licked my hands like a dog; but now he has begun to look askance at me and to scold. How can I endure torment all my life with the man I loathe! [Cries.
BABÁYEV. Now, please stop! Why do you grieve! [To LUKÉRYA] Listen,
Lukérya Danílovna! You go to the landlady, I can calm her better alone.
LUKÉRYA. All right, but don't be too sly! [Goes out.