LUKA. Who’s fighting out there?
ANNA. Our landladies—they’re sisters . . .
LUKA [crossing to Anna] Why?
ANNA. Oh—for no reason—except that they’re both fat and healthy . . .
LUKA. What’s your name?
ANNA. Anna . . . I look at you . . . you’re like my father—my dear father . . . you’re as gentle as he was—and as soft. . . .
LUKA. Soft! Yes! They pounded me till I got soft! [Laughs tremulously]
CURTAIN.
MAXIM GORKY: RUSSIA’S GREATEST LIVING PLAYWRIGHT