SCENE V
KRASNÓV, TATYÁNA, LUKÉRYA, ARKHÍP, and AFÓNYA
TATYÁNA. Did you call me?
KRASNÓV. Yes, because the kitchen is no fit place for you to sit in.
ARKHÍP. I have spoken to him, Tatyána; now do as you like yourself.
TATYÁNA. Lev Rodionych! If I've done you any wrong whatever, please pardon me. If you wish it, I'll bow down to your feet.
KRASNÓV. No, why should you? I can feel it without your doing that. I could never allow you to do that—to bow down before me! What kind of man would I be then?
TATYÁNA. I'm willing to do anything, only do not be angry with me.
KRASNÓV. I need nothing but your word. You gave your word—that's enough; it's my duty to believe you.
TATYÁNA. Then you're not angry with me?
KRASNÓV. Not at all! I'm not a man of polished manners; in my excitement I stormed—but don't take it ill of me; I did it because I was fond of you.
LUKÉRYA. Oh, stop! Who could take it ill of you?
TATYÁNA. I've already forgotten it. Your words didn't hurt me so much as that you didn't even look at me to-day.
ARKHÍP. Well, now they've made up! What's the use of thrashing over old scandals! Now kiss, as you should. Now everything will go on as it ought.
TATYÁNA. We won't fuss over that, grandfather. I'll be very glad to. I wanted to long ago, but I didn't know how it would please Lev Rodionych.
KRASNÓV. If it's a pleasure to you, it's a double one for me! [They kiss each other.
LUKÉRYA. I've always marvelled, Lev Rodionych, to see how sister loves you.
KRASNÓV. What's there to marvel at?
LUKÉRYA. I know her, Lev Rodionych, better than you do. She's of a quiet temperament and can't tell you everything; but you just ought to know what her real feelings are.
KRASNÓV. That makes it more pleasant still.
LUKÉRYA. She would have liked to tell you how much she loved you; but she's so timid that she can't.
KRASNÓV. [To his wife] Why are you timid with me? I'm only an ordinary man.
LUKÉRYA. We are so naturally.
KRASNÓV. [To his wife] Then be kind enough not to be afraid of me in the future. That would trouble my conscience. Am I a bogie?
TATYÁNA. I'll not be afraid of you any more, Lev Rodionych; I'll love you.
LUKÉRYA. Other women would make you all sorts of promises that they didn't mean a bit, but my sister—she's different.
KRASNÓV. Now I can understand you. There were times when I didn't know just how to approach you—whether you'd be pleased or not!
TATYÁNA. You always please me.
AFÓNYA. Come, Grandfather Arkhíp, let's go out on the street!
ARKHÍP. As you wish; come on! Now, thank God, we again have peace and love. It's good when there's agreement in the house! It's good, children, good! [Going out] The demon has vanished under the earth, and God walks on the earth! [Goes out.
LUKÉRYA. I just looked in here and now I must go somewhere else. [Goes out.