SCENE I
Gregory (looks at himself in the glass and arranges his hair, etc.). I am sorry about those moustaches of mine! "Moustaches are not becoming to a footman," she says! And why? Why, so that any one might see you're a footman,—else my looks might put her darling son to shame. He's a likely one! There's not much fear of his coming anywhere near me, moustaches or no moustaches! (Smiling into the glass.) And what a lot of 'em swarm round me. And yet I don't care for any of them as much as for that Tánya. And she only a lady's-maid! Ah well, she's nicer than any young lady. (Smiles.) She's a duck! (Listening.) Ah, here she comes. (Smiles.) Yes, that's her, clattering with her little heels. Oh!
[Enter TÁNYA, carrying a cloak and boots.
Gregory. My respects to you, Tatyána Márkovna.
Tánya. What are you always looking in the glass for? Do you think yourself so good-looking?
Gregory. Well, and are my looks not agreeable?
Tánya. So, so; neither agreeable nor disagreeable, but just betwixt and between! Why are all those cloaks hanging there?
Gregory. I am just going to put them away, your lady-ship! (Takes down a fur cloak and, wrapping it round her, embraces her.) I say, Tánya, I'll tell you something....
Tánya. Oh, get away, do! What do you mean by it? (Pulls herself angrily away.) Leave me alone, I tell you!
Gregory (looks cautiously around). Then give me a kiss!