PRIEST [excitedly] I cannot answer. I am, in fact, upset, and will hold my tongue.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Oh! If only I were your Bishop; I'd teach you to read Renan and smoke cigarettes.
PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Mais cessez, au nom du ciel. De quel droit?[14]
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Please don't teach me. I am sure the Reverend Father is not angry with me. What if I have spoken plainly. It would have been worse had I bottled up my anger. Isn't that so?
PRIEST. Forgive me if I have not expressed myself as I should. [Uncomfortable pause].
Enter Lyúba and Lisa. Lyúba, Mary Ivánovna's daughter, is a handsome energetic girl of twenty. Lisa, Alexándra Ivánovna's daughter, is a little older. Both have kerchiefs on their heads, and are carrying baskets, to go gathering mushrooms. They greet Alexándra Ivánovna, Peter Semyónovich, and the priest.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Just gone to the baby.
PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Now mind you bring back plenty of mushrooms. A little village girl brought some lovely white ones this morning. I'd go with you myself, but it's too hot.
LISA. Do come, Papa!