Kostromsky wanted to insult her still more, to hurt her, and her silence was a new irritation to him.
“You have? Oh, that’s very very foolish of you. Such a face as yours is ... is your whole capital.... You will pardon my frankness, but you’re no actress. What are you doing on the stage?”
Fortunately, it was necessary for him to take part in the acting. Yureva was left in peace, and she moved a little away from him. Her eyes filled with tears. In Kostromsky’s face she had seen a spiteful and merciless enemy.
But Kostromsky became less powerful in each scene, and when the act was finished there was very slight applause to gratify him. But no one else was clapped.
VII
The fourth act commenced. As soon as Ophelia came on to the stage in her white dress, adorned with flowers and straw, her eyes wide open and staring, a confused murmur ran through the audience, and was followed by an almost painful silence.
And when Ophelia sang her little songs about her dear love, in gentle, naïve tones, there was a strange breathing among the audience as if a deep and general sigh had burst from a thousand breasts:
“How should I your true love know,
From another one?
By his cockle hat and staff,
And his sandal shoon.”
“Oh, poor Ophelia! What are you singing?” asked the queen sympathetically.
The witless eyes of Ophelia were turned on the queen in wonder, as if she had not noticed her before.