SCENE IX
LUKÉRYA and later AFÓNYA
LUKÉRYA. [At the window] Just look at her! She's flying like an arrow. Who'd scheme for her if I didn't? She's a pretty girl, only she hasn't any sense, and that's bad. She has to be taught everything; she has to be looked after as though she were a small child. If I hadn't advised her to make up with her husband, what would have happened? Quarrel and abuse. She probably wouldn't have wanted to give in; then there'd have been a continual squabble in the house and scandal among the neighbors. But now she can do as she likes; everything will be smoothed over. Enter AFÓNYA.
AFÓNYA. Where is Tatyána? Where is she, where is she?
LUKÉRYA. What do you want her for?
AFÓNYA. I need her. Tell me, where? Tell me, where?
LUKÉRYA. Probably in the garden.
AFÓNYA. Why are you fooling me? For once in your life tell the truth! Has she gone? Speak, has she gone?
LUKÉRYA. Maybe she has gone.
AFÓNYA. Did she just slip out of the gate?
LUKÉRYA. Probably it was she. Wasn't it for thread she went? She's been wanting to run over to the neighbor's for some time.
AFÓNYA. For thread?
LUKÉRYA. Well, yes, for thread.
AFÓNYA. You lie, lie!
LUKÉRYA. Leave me alone! Why are you worrying me? Why did you leave grandfather?
AFÓNYA. That's none of your business. I know where she went. You're devils. You've deceived brother. I saw it long ago in your eyes; in your eyes flames flickered, devilish flames!
LUKÉRYA. My, but you're a malicious imp!
AFÓNYA. You just wait, just wait! You'll get sick of deceiving us; I'll show you up.
LUKÉRYA. Don't threaten! We're not afraid of you.
AFÓNYA. [With tears] Heavens! My God! What's all this? What a man it is they're deceiving before his very eyes! [Runs out.