“There stands a green oak by the sea,
And a chain of bright gold is around it...
And a chain of bright gold is around it...”
[Tearfully] What am I saying that for? I’ve had those words running in my head all day....
KULIGIN. There are thirteen at table!
RODE. [Aloud] Surely you don’t believe in that superstition? [Laughter.]
KULIGIN. If there are thirteen at table then it means there are lovers present. It isn’t you, Ivan Romanovitch, hang it all.... [Laughter.]
CHEBUTIKIN. I’m a hardened sinner, but I really don’t see why Natalia Ivanovna should blush....
[Loud laughter; NATASHA runs out into the sitting-room, followed by ANDREY.]
ANDREY. Don’t pay any attention to them! Wait... do stop, please....
NATASHA. I’m shy... I don’t know what’s the matter with me and they’re all laughing at me. It wasn’t nice of me to leave the table like that, but I can’t... I can’t. [Covers her face with her hands.]
ANDREY. My dear, I beg you. I implore you not to excite yourself. I assure you they’re only joking, they’re kind people. My dear, good girl, they’re all kind and sincere people, and they like both you and me. Come here to the window, they can’t see us here.... [Looks round.]