A RAW YOUTH: A dramatization of the Dostoevski novel

FRANK J. MORLOCK

  • ACT I
  • ACT II
  • ACT III
  • ACT IV
  • ACT V
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    Morlock, 6006 Greenbelt Rd, #312, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA or 
    frankmorlock@msn.com. Other works by this author may be found at 
    http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130
    
    Etext by Dagny

    CHARACTERS

    Old Prince Nikolai

    The Prince's Butler

    Katerina Nikolaevna, the Prince's daughter

    Andrey Petrovitch Versilov

    Arkady Dolgoruky, Versilov's illegitimate son by Sonia

    Lisa Dolgoruky, Versilov's illegitimate daughter by Sonia

    Anna Andreyevna Versilov, Versilov's legitimate daughter

    Dergatchev, a student

    A Woman

    Vassin, a student radical

    Tikomirov, a student

    Kraft, a student philosopher

    Sonia Dolgoruky, mother of Arkady and Lisa Dolgoruky

    Tatyana Pavlovna, Sonia's friend

    Olya, an impoverished student

    ACT I

    Scene I. An elegant room in the mansion of the Old Prince.

    The Old Prince is sitting talking to his young secretary/companion, Arkady Dolgoruky. Dolgoruky is young, good-looking, intellectual, poorly dressed, and very gauche. The Old Prince is on the best of terms with him.

    Old Prince
    And you really don't like women?

    Dolgoruky
    That's right.

    Old Prince
    Why?

    Dolgoruky
    Because they've no manners, because they're awkward, because they're dependent, because they like to chatter,—and above all, they wear silly clothes.

    Old Prince (chuckling)
    My dear boy, spare us.

    Dolgoruky (infuriated because he thinks the Old Prince is making fun of him)
    I'm not speaking for your entertainment. I'm speaking from conviction.

    Old Prince (still enjoying himself)
    But what do you mean they have no manners and wear silly clothes? That's something new.

    Dolgoruky
    You see it everyday, Prince. But men are so blinded by desire for women they pretend it isn't true, and that women are perfection itself.

    Old Prince
    And you see through all that! Go on, I like this.

    Dolgoruky
    Walk down the street. The women dash straight at you and they expect you to get out of the way. It's my duty as a gentleman, of course. But, why is she so sure it's my duty, eh? Answer me that, Prince? And as for their dress—they openly hang bustles on behind—openly. And then these low cut gowns. It's abominable.

    Old Prince
    Most men like that sort of thing.

    Dolgoruky
    It's abominable. That's why I curse them.

    Old Prince
    Really? And how do you come off?

    Dolgoruky
    I pretend I'm speaking to myself. Everyone has a right to express his convictions to the air—even in Russia.

    Old Prince
    This is quite wonderful. A rugged young man like you and such an aversion to women. How is it possible that women do not make an impression on you at your age?

    Dolgoruky
    I saw a woman completely naked when I was thirteen. I've been disgusted ever since.

    Old Prince
    Do you mean it? But, dear child, about a beautiful woman there's a scent of fresh fruit and flowers. There's nothing disgusting. (pause, in a kindly way) You must have had some very unhappy days in your childhood.

    Dolgoruky
    Being a nobleman's bastard is not easy.

    Old Prince
    Don't dwell on that. It can't be helped.

    Dolgoruky
    How soft and kind you are. It's as though you had little children of your own.

    Old Prince
    That's what someone said yesterday. She's taken it in her head I'm going to get married.

    Dolgoruky
    Witty, but insulting.

    Old Prince
    Ah, dear boy, pay no attention to what women say. Believe me, the life of every woman, whatever she may profess is nothing but a perpetual search for someone to submit to.

    Dolgoruky
    Bravo, Prince.

    Old Prince
    With you, I feel very much as if you were my own—not son—but younger brother. I particularly like it when you argue with me. You're literary, you have read, you can be enthusiastic.

    Dolgoruky
    I've read nothing—and I'm not literary at all.

    Old Prince
    It's a pity, if at the end of your life you say like me, "I know everything, but none of it good." I don't know in the least what I have lived in this world for. Do you mind my speaking frankly to you like this?

    Dolgoruky
    Not in the least.

    Old Prince
    Tell me, how is your father?

    Dolgoruky
    Mr. Versilov sits at home without a penny and is very gloomy.

    Old Prince
    Yes,—he's worried about his lawsuit, which will be decided any day now. It's a question of his whole estate. I always wished your father well—and I believe he'll win his case.

    Dolgoruky
    Is the case to be decided soon? Then he hasn't told my mother. Perhaps not anyone. What strength of will.

    Old Prince
    Whatever happens he'll preach religion again, and run after women, young girls especially.

    Dolgoruky
    Who'll preach? Who'll run after girls?

    Old Prince
    Your father, Andrey Petrovitch Versilov, of course, He used to love to threaten me with the last judgement—me, of all people.

    Dolgoruky
    I've noticed nothing of all this, and I've been living with him for a month.

    Old Prince
    He doesn't say much now. He's worried, but believe me, it used to be that way. He's a clever man—but is his intellect quite sound? He became a Catholic when he was in Europe.

    Dolgoruky
    I've heard that.

    Old Prince
    But, you say he's changed? In those days he used to give us no peace. He used to behave as if he were a saint and his relics were on display. It's all very well for a monk or a hermit. But he's a dandy in a dress coat with a weakness for the ladies—and he sets up for a saint! You know he used to wear chains?

    Dolgoruky
    Did you see the chains yourself?

    Old Prince
    No, but—

    Dolgoruky
    Then, let me tell you, it's all false, the calumny of your enemies— that is to say, your daughter, Katerina.

    Old Prince
    I insist that from this time forth, you never couple that revolting story with the name of my daughter. I did not believe it, I never would believe it, but they told me, "Believe it, believe it," and I—

    (Enter a Butler.)

    Butler
    Mlle Versilov.

    (Enter Anna Andreyevna Versilov, a cold but elegant woman in her early twenties.)

    Anna
    Ah, Prince, you are looking well.

    Old Prince
    Have you met my secretary,—this is Arkady Andreivitch Dol—but—

    Dolgoruky
    Excuse me, Prince, I am not Arkady Andreivitch, but Arkady Markovitch Dolgoruky. The illegitimate son of my former owner.

    Old Prince
    This is really very awkward.

    Dolgoruky
    Yes, introducing the illegitimate son to his respectable legitimate half sister. But, that is one of the inescapable disadvantages of being a bastard.

    Anna
    That's all right. I've been dying to meet you, you know.

    Dolgoruky
    I'm flattered.

    Anna
    But, I really didn't expect to meet you here. Prince Nikolai has been my benefactor, and I came to see him. I'm sure we'll have lots to talk about when we get to know each other.

    Dolgoruky
    You're really very kind.

    Anna
    I also hoped to see your daughter, Katerina. She arrived from Moscow this morning. I thought she would be here by now.

    Dolgoruky
    What—that woman!

    Anna
    I think that's her now.

    (Enter Katerina Nikolaevna Ahmakov, about twenty-seven years old.)

    Dolgoruky
    From this time, I've business of my own. I'm going.

    (He rushes out and they all stare at him until the silence is broken by laughter begun by Katerina.)

    Katerina
    What a little bear!

    BLACKOUT

    Scene II. A room full of students.

    Dolgoruky enters with Dergatchev.

    Dergatchev
    Come on in; they're all our set here.

    Woman
    You're very welcome.

    Vassin
    I'm glad you've come. I have a letter which concerns you. We'll stay here a little and then go to eat.

    Tikomirov (to another student)
    No, that's not the way to put it. I'm not talking about mathematical proofs—but of an idea which I am prepared to believe without mathematical proof.

    Dergatchev
    Wait a bit, Tikomirov, the newcomers don't understand. You see it's all our friend Kraft,—from a very ordinary fact he has deduced that the Russians are second rate people.

    Voice Third rate.

    Dergatchev
    A second rate people destined to serve as the material for a nobler race.

    Tikomirov
    Excuse me, Dergatchev, that is not the way to put it. Kraft has made a serious study of the subject. He has made deductions which he regards as mathematically proved. He has spent two years on his idea. I believe Kraft about Russia. If this idea is accepted it will free many from patriotic prejudices and untie their hands.

    Kraft
    I am not influenced by patriotism.

    Vassin
    That we need not consider.

    Voice How can Kraft be a patriot if he has ceased to believe in Russia?

    Voice Besides being a German.

    Kraft
    I am a Russian.

    Dergatchev
    That's a question that has no direct bearing on the subject.

    Vassin
    Let Russia be condemned to second-rateness. We can still work, and not for Russia alone.

    Tikomirov
    Take a wider view of your idea. If Russia is only the material for nobler races, why shouldn't she serve as such material? That's a worthy role to play. It doesn't mean there's nothing to be done.

    Kraft
    If you are under the influence of an idea that dominates your life— how can you live for something else which is outside that idea?

    Tikomirov
    But, if it is logically, mathematically proved to you that your idea is erroneous, and that instead of your narrow idea of patriotism—

    Kraft
    Ah, I've told you there is no question of patriotism.

    Vassin
    But you see Kraft's idea has been transformed into a feeling—and that cannot be cured by logic—it can only be erased by another more powerful feeling.

    Dergatchev
    That's a mistake.

    Dolgoruky
    That's perfectly true, what you say. Only a feeling of equal strength can replace another feeling.

    Someone That's nothing to do with it!

    Dolgoruky
    I consider that everyone has a right to have his own feelings—and no one should reproach him with them.

    Someone Really?

    Dolgoruky
    It's my conviction that I should not dare judge anyone.

    Voice Why so weakened?

    Dolgoruky
    Every man has his own idea.

    Voice Yours is?

    Dolgoruky
    Too long to describe. But mainly that I should be left alone. Personal freedom.

    Voice In other words, you advocate the tranquility of the well-fed cow.

    Dolgoruky
    So be it. Cows are harmless. If I want to serve humanity, I shall. Only, I want no one to force me to do it, like Mr. Kraft. Why should I love my neighbours or future generations I shall never see?

    Voice Pooh!

    Dolgoruky
    What the devil do I care what will happen in a thousand years if I'm to get for it neither love, nor future life, nor recognition for my efforts. If that's how it is, let them all go to perdition.

    Voice An excellent sentiment.

    (There is laughter. Only Vassin and Kraft do not laugh.)

    Dolgoruky
    I dare say I love humanity more than all of you put together. But tell me, what inducement do you hold out to me to follow you? For example, if somebody steals my wife, am I allowed to bash my rival's brains in? No. You'll say I should be civilized and recognize the rights of free love and woman's independence. It's unnatural.

    Voice You're a specialist in the woman question, then?

    Dolgoruky
    Don't excite yourself. I've never had relations with a woman.

    Voice A priceless avowal.

    Student Allow me to ask you your name. You keep looking at me.

    Dolgoruky
    Dolgoruky.

    Student Prince Dolgoruky?

    Dolgoruky
    No, simply Dolgoruky. Legally the son of a former serf, Makar Dolgoruky—but the illegitimate son of his former master, Monsieur Andrey Petrovitch Versilov. Don't make a mistake, gentleman, I don't tell you this to excite your sympathy.

    Dergatchev
    Such honesty does you credit, of course, and no doubt you have something to be proud of—but, if I were in your place, I should not be too festive about it. You seem to expect congratulations.

    Vassin (pulling Dolgoruky aside)
    You must excuse their rudeness.

    Dolgoruky
    I am not in the least ashamed, although I am fully aware I have made a fool of myself.

    Vassin
    No such thing.

    Dolgoruky
    I believe you know my father.

    Vassin
    He's not exactly an old friend, but I know him a little.

    Dolgoruky
    What do you think of him? It's your opinion I want.

    Vassin
    Your father is a man capable of great things—but he will not account for himself to anyone.

    Dolgoruky
    That's true, that's true. Is he a sincere man? Tell me, what do you think about his Catholicism?

    Vassin
    I heard something about it—but I don't know how far it may be true.

    Dolgoruky
    Not a bit! It's false. Do you suppose he can believe in God?

    Vassin
    Many strong natures seem to have a natural craving for God. They find it difficult to bear the burden of their own strength. They turn to God to avoid doing homage to men.

    Dolgoruky
    Ah, you're a wonderful person. You can talk to me after all that has happened tonight.

    Vassin
    Why, what has happened? You've shown a weakness for abstract conversation, that's all. You've probably been through a long period of silence.

    Dolgoruky
    That's true, that's true. For three years I've been silent. For three years I've been preparing to speak. But you must have thought me a scoundrel.

    Vassin
    A scoundrel!

    Dolgoruky
    Certainly. Don't you despise me for boasting of my illegitimacy?

    Vassin
    You worry yourself too much. If you think you did wrong in speaking of it, you've only to avoid speaking of it again.

    Dolgoruky
    I know I'm a medley of all sorts of vanities and nothing more—but I'm not apologizing.

    Vassin
    And you've no need to apologize to anyone.

    Dolgoruky
    Forgive me for talking nonsense. Tell me surely, you don't belong to this group?

    Vassin
    They are no sillier than other people—and no wiser. They are mad, like everyone else.

    Dolgoruky
    Why is everyone mad?

    Vassin
    All the best people are nowadays. But, it's not worth talking about. Forgive them.

    Dolgoruky
    Surely you are not one of them? You have a moral idea.

    Vassin
    There are no moral ideas now. What's worse, there never have been. The present day is the golden age of mediocrity. Never mind that—listen, I have something for you. (pulling out a letter) This letter is related to your father's lawsuit. His opponents would give a great deal for it, though it has no positive legal value.

    Dolgoruky
    How did you come by it?

    Vassin
    It was given to me by a person who wishes to remain nameless. I was told to give the letter to you.

    Dolgoruky
    What am I to do with this letter? How am I to act?

    Vassin
    That's for you to decide.

    Dolgoruky
    My hands are tied. My father has been counting on winning his case— and suddenly it appears that a document like this exists.

    Vassin
    It only exists here, in this room. You may destroy it if you like.

    Dolgoruky
    Tell me, is this letter decisive, conclusive?

    Vassin
    No, it isn't. But, the other side would turn it to account—the letter is more a matter of conscience.

    Dolgoruky
    It would put my father in a hopeless dilemma.

    Vassin
    He would unquestionably destroy it.

    Dolgoruky
    How can you know that?

    Vassin
    Wouldn't anyone in his position?

    Dolgoruky
    Would you?

    Vassin
    I'm not going to inherit a fortune, so I can't say.

    Dolgoruky
    It places me in a dilemma. I can either help my father or injure him. I must tell you, honestly, I don't know which I would rather do. I want him to love me, and I want to pay him back for the humiliation he has heaped on me. It would be a good revenge. (putting the letter in his pocket) Very well, for the moment, the matter is settled. It's all a delirious nightmare.

    Vassin
    Is that man dear to you?

    Dolgoruky
    What I like about you is that you are so kind and courteous.

    Vassin
    Strange, I never thought of myself in that way.

    Dolgoruky
    It's because I don't often succeed in being kind or courteous myself— though I should like to.

    Vassin
    Perhaps, it's better to be rude—that saves one from the misfortune of liking other people.

    Dolgoruky
    My idea is to become a Rothschild. Not just rich, but as rich as Rothschild.

    Vassin
    That's nothing new.

    Dolgoruky
    True. But, I've figured out the secret. The whole secret is in obstinacy and perseverance.

    Vassin
    Simple enough.

    Dolgoruky
    Simple, but also very difficult.

    Vassin
    Ahh—

    Dolgoruky
    I believe it is a mathematical certainty. But it requires asceticism. I know nothing about life, but I've been considering it for three yeas. Any system of accumulation will be successful if pursued relentlessly.

    Vassin
    Have you tried yourself?

    Dolgoruky
    Yes, I've tested myself. I can live on almost nothing a day. I've worn the same suit for nearly three years. I discovered clothes always look new if they are carefully brushed every day. Brushing does not hurt clothes—dust does. Dust is the same as stones if you look at it under a microscope. The great thing is to avoid risks.

    Vassin
    But, why? What for?

    Dolgoruky
    Because I want power.

    Vassin
    Does being illegitimate torment you so much?

    Dolgoruky
    Don't misunderstand me. I don't desire revenge. It's just that ever since I was in school, I've found that everyone my own age turned out to be inferior to me in some way. I don't recall one single exception. Everyone would laugh at me if they could guess what was going on in my head. But, I shall surpass them even more when this pitiful creature reaches the foremost place. Money settles all inequality. I settled all that in Moscow.

    Vassin
    What will you do with this power, if you achieve it?

    Dolgoruky
    I should have no need to use it. The consciousness of having it would be sufficient.

    BLACKOUT

    Scene III. The kitchen in Versilov's flat.

    Tatyana Pavlovna, a woman of about fifty, is sitting with Sonia. Lisa, about nineteen is doing some chores. Dolgoruky bursts in.

    Tatyana
    That lout of yours still walks in as rudely as ever.

    Sonia (embarrassed)
    Good evening, sir. Your dinner has been ready a long while. (bustling about) I hope the soup is not cold, I will see to—

    Dolgoruky
    Thank you very much, Mother; I've had dinner already. May I stay and rest here, if I am not in the way?

    Sonia
    Of course, of course. How can you ask? Please sit down.

    Dolgoruky
    Don't worry yourself, Mother. I won't be rude to Mr. Versilov again.

    Tatyana
    Good heavens! How noble of him. Sonia, darling, who is he to be treated with such deference? And by his own mother, too. Look at you, why you behave as though you were afraid of him. It's disgraceful.

    Dolgoruky
    I should like very much, Mother, if you'd stop calling me "sir"—and call me Arkasha.

    Sonia
    Oh—yes—certainly, yes, I will. I don't always—from now on, I will, sir.

    Dolgoruky
    Mother, please stop blushing.

    Tatyana
    A booby like him! And you tremble before him! Sonia, you are ridiculous. You make me angry, I tell you.

    Sonia
    Ah, Tatyana, why should you attack him, now? Maybe you're joking.

    Tatyana
    Joking? Never.

    Dolgoruky
    I can't help feeling hurt if you attack me unprovoked—just when I'm on my best behaviour and came to say, "Good evening, Mother." A thing I've never done before.

    Tatyana
    Just listen to that! He thinks he's done something to be proud of—. Am I to go down on my knees before you because for once you've done something polite? For that matter, you could have said "Good evening" to me, too. I wrapped you in swaddling clothes, I am your godmother.

    (Dolgoruky ignores Tatyana and starts talking to Lisa.)

    Dolgoruky
    Lisa, I saw Vassin today and he asked about you. I didn't know you knew him?

    Lisa
    I've known him for several months. His honor is very nice.

    Dolgoruky
    You should call him by his name. It grieves me that they seem to have neglected your education.

    Tatyana
    But it's shameful of you to remark on it before your mother. And you are talking nonsense. Her education has not been neglected at all.

    Dolgoruky
    I'm not saying anything about my mother. I am only indignant that Mr. Versilov has not troubled to correct you at all. His disdain and his indifference to us are so complete. That's what makes me furious.

    Tatyana
    He is a perfect bear himself and is giving us lessons in manners. Don't you dare talk of your father that way. I won't stand it.

    Dolgoruky
    I got my salary today, Mother. Fifty roubles, take it, please.

    Sonia
    Oh, I don't know about taking it—

    Dolgoruky
    For goodness sakes, Mother, I'm not some stranger.

    Sonia
    Oh, I've been to blame. I ought to have—

    Dolgoruky
    Did you know, Mother, that Mr. Versilov's lawsuit is being decided today?

    Sonia
    Ah, I knew—

    Tatyana
    Today? But, it's impossible. He would have told us.

    Sonia
    Oh, no—he didn't. But I've been worried for some time.

    Dolgoruky
    What! Hasn't he even told you? What a man! There's an example of indifference and contempt.

    Tatyana
    How is it being decided? Speak, if you really know something.

    Dolgoruky (hearing Versilov's steps)
    Why, here he is himself, I hear his step. Perhaps he will deign to tell you.

    Lisa (urgently to Dolgoruky)
    Brother, for God's sake, spare Mother and be patient with Father.

    Dolgoruky
    I will, I will.

    Lisa
    I don't believe you.

    (Versilov enters looking very pleased with himself. Versilov is an extremely handsome man of about fifty. He is very well dressed. The contrast with Dolgoruky is striking.)

    Versilov
    Good evening; still disputing? And is Monsieur Dolgoruky one of the party? He has been attacking me, I suppose? (there is an embarrassed silence) Never mind! Victory! The case is won, and the Sokolskys won't appeal. I won the day. Sonia, put down your work. Don't tire your eyes. Back from work, Lisa?

    Lisa
    Yes, Father.

    Versilov
    Tired, sweetheart?

    Lisa
    Yes.

    Versilov
    Give up your job. Don't go tomorrow. Drop it altogether.

    Lisa
    Father, that will be worse for me.

    Versilov
    Please, I want you to. I dislike seeing women work.

    Tatyana
    How can they get on without work?

    Versilov
    You are awfully fond of needlework, Tatyana. And even if it is aristocratic, as some say, I prefer a woman who does nothing at all. What is your opinion, Mr. Dolgoruky? No doubt you disagree?

    Dolgoruky
    No, no, not at all. But a woman can't help working if she has no money and has to support her husband.

    Versilov
    Yes, that's so. I saw a situation wanted in the paper today from a poor girl who is prepared to give lessons in arithmetic, and all scholastic studies.

    Tatyana
    Poor thing. She ought to be helped.

    Versilov
    There are lots that need help. Here's some candy for you, Lisa. Sonia, I don't care for sweets. Too long, we've gone on short rations. Too long, we've gone hungry.

    Dolgoruky
    None of us has gone hungry.

    Versilov
    You are so literal, Mr. Dolgoruky. Sonia, here's some money, put it away. I promise you in a few days, five thousand.

    Tatyana
    Don't be angry—I am sorry for the Sokolskys.

    Versilov
    I have no intention of going shares with them.

    Tatyana
    It seems so strange that he left them out of his will.

    Versilov
    He would have left them everything if he'd known how to write a will properly—but the law's on my side. I can't go shares and I don't want to—and that is the end of the matter.

    (The women look down and say nothing.)

    Versilov
    Mr. Dolgoruky, I should like you to be better dressed, my dear fellow. Your suit is all right, but for the future, I should like to recommend a French tailor—

    Dolgoruky
    I beg you never to make such a suggestion again.

    Versilov
    What's that?

    Dolgoruky
    It's not that I consider it humiliating—but we are not agreed about anything. Tomorrow I shall give up going to the Prince's because there's absolutely nothing for me to do there.

    Versilov
    But you are going and sitting with him. That's the work.

    Dolgoruky
    Such ideas are degrading.

    Versilov
    If you are so squeamish, don't ask for money: you will distress him horribly. He's already become attached to you.

    Dolgoruky
    You say don't ask for money. But you didn't warn me, and I did a mean thing today and asked him for my salary.

    Versilov
    So, you've seen to it already. To be honest, I didn't expect you to ask for it.

    Dolgoruky
    It seemed necessary. I gave it all to Mother.

    Versilov
    There are no young people these days. All sharp as knives. Sonia, give Mr. Dolgoruky back his money. And you, my dear fellow, don't be angry about our repaying it so quickly. Invest it, or something of the sort. I know you want to. Your secrets are written in your honest face for all to see.

    Dolgoruky
    Let's drop my honest face.

    Versilov
    My notion is that he wants to be a Rothschild—no doubt he'll allow us a pension (though perhaps I won't get one)—but in any case, he'll vanish from our sight and shut himself up in his grandeur. Like the new moon, he is risen—only to set again.

    Dolgoruky (upset that Versilov has so accurately divined his idea)
    Mother, I see there's no hiding things—from Mr. Versilov in any case.

    Versilov
    You've come to us from Moscow to begin making trouble at once. That's all we know as yet, of your object in coming. All this month you've been snorting and sneering at us. You're a neurotic. Why are they always neurotic, nowadays, Tatyana? I can't make it out.

    Dolgoruky
    Since you don't even know where I was brought up, you're not likely to know why I'm neurotic.

    Versilov
    Oh, that's it. You're offended that I forgot where you were brought up.

    Dolgoruky
    Not in the least. Don't attribute such silly ideas to me. Mother, shall I tell you a little story about myself?

    Versilov
    That will be delightful, of course— No doubt, it is really amusing.

    (Lisa tries unsuccessfully to check her brother with gestures and a pull or two at his arm, but Dolgoruky is unstoppable.)

    Dolgoruky (pulling away from Lisa)
    I simply want to tell you all how a father met his dearly beloved son for the first time.

    Versilov (uneasily)
    My dear fellow, won't it be a dull story?

    Dolgoruky
    Don't worry, all I want to do is to make everyone laugh.

    Versilov
    Well, God bless you. I know you love us all, and don't want to spoil our evening.

    Dolgoruky (ironically)
    You guessed my love from my face?

    Versilov
    Yes,—partly from your face.

    Dolgoruky
    Just as I guessed Tatyana is in love with me—from her face. Don't look at me so ferociously, Tatyana, it is better to laugh, it is better to laugh. Father, is it possible you don't remember how we first met?

    Versilov
    Honestly, I've forgotten. I'm sorry.

    Dolgoruky
    Don't apologize. That would spoil everything. It was at the Andronikovs'. The ladies used to teach me French. But what I liked most was Krylov's fables. It was through a fable that I got to know you. I see from your face that you are beginning to remember.

    Versilov
    I do recall that you recited something to me. What a memory you have.

    Dolgoruky
    I should think so. It's the one thing I've remembered all my life. This is how it happened. Tatyana showed up. She always showed up when something important was about to happen. I always used to wear short jackets. That day. all of a sudden, I was put into a pretty blue coat. You were coming down from your study. When we met, Tatyana and me, you only drawled "Ah" and didn't even stop.

    Versilov
    Described with touching sentimentality.

    Dolgoruky
    I gazed at you with admiration. You had wonderful black hair in those days, almost jet black. Dark glowing eyes. Your smile rejoiced my heart. You were declaiming from Shakespeare's Richard the Third, "My kingdom for a horse."

    Versilov
    Why, he's right. I was playing in an amateur theatrical.

    Tatyana
    Do you mean to say you had forgotten it?

    Dolgoruky
    Then you sat down and drank your coffee—I could have kissed you. I really wanted to, but Tatyana had me in an iron grip. So I told you I liked to read poetry—but what I liked best was Krylov's fables. You told me to repeat one. I recited "The girl who was hard to please."

    Versilov
    Yes, yes, I remember it all now. You were such a charming boy then.

    Dolgoruky
    We've both changed for the worse. Later I went to the play and saw you act. You were wonderful. The next day I was taken to boarding school at Touchard's.

    Versilov (relaxing)
    You've described it wonderfully. You've brought it all back vividly.

    Dolgoruky
    Six months later, I wanted to run away from Touchard's. I wanted to come to you. Would you like to hear about that?

    Tatyana (smelling a rat)
    Don't let him do it.

    Versilov
    That won't do. Mr. Dolgoruky evidently has something on his mind, and so he must be allowed to finish. When he's said what he's got to say, it will be off his mind—and what matters to him is that he should get if off his mind. Proceed, my dear fellow.

    Dolgoruky
    I was treated like a gentleman's son when I first got there. But, after I had been there a few weeks Touchard decided that his fees were too low, and with dignity announced that it was lowering the tone of his establishment to keep a pupil of such humble origin as myself unless the remuneration was increased.

    Versilov
    My dear, you really might—

    Dolgoruky
    Oh, that's nothing, that's nothing. I had put on some stupid airs. Why I was called Dolgoruky and not Versilov did not embarrass me in the least, since I had no idea why.

    Tatyana
    Andrey Petrovitch, stop him!

    Versilov
    This Touchard—I actually recall him now. He was a fussy little man, but he was recommended to me by the very best people, the very best people.

    Dolgoruky
    Anyway, this Touchard got your letter in response. You insisted that a contract was a contract. He came into the class room with your letter in one hand, and struck me several times. "Don't you dare sit with gentlemen—you are a child of low origin—and no better than a lackey." I was amazed. I thought I had been naughty and that when I was good again, I should be forgiven.

    Versilov
    My dear fellow, if I had only known—

    Dolgoruky
    But, I am not blaming you at all. I am complaining of Touchard. After that I was always trying to appease him. Then I decided to run away. I've always been slow taking action. Then, slowly, I understood they would not forgive me. My guilt was not expiable. So I tried to run away, but at the last moment I became frightened and couldn't do it. It was from that moment that I realized that in addition to being a lackey, I was a coward, too—it was then my real development began.

    Tatyana
    Well, I see through you once and for all. You were a lackey then, you are a lackey now. Your father should have apprenticed you to a shoemaker. Why, you think nothing of his having educated you at the university and through him you have received class rights. The little rascals teased him—so he has sworn to avenge himself on mankind. Oh, you scoundrel.

    Dolgoruky
    Well, certainly Tatyana has told me something new. I wanted the whole of Versilov. I wanted a father. That's what I asked for—like a regular lackey.

    Lisa
    You shouldn't have done this! Come, Mother.

    Sonia (weeping)
    My poor son.

    Dolgoruky
    Mother, if you don't want to stay with a man who may take another woman as his wife tomorrow, you have a son who will take care of you, and promises to be dutiful forever. Remember what I say. It's either he or I.

    (Lisa leads off Sonia, who is speechless.)

    Tatyana
    You, you bastard.

    Versilov
    You had better leave us. We have some things to discuss, Mr. Dolgoruky and I.

    (Tatyana goes out in a fury.)

    Dolgoruky
    Well, you have won again, Monsieur. All your women are against me.

    Versilov
    You were a little rude. But even that was to be expected. But that was not all, was it?

    Dolgoruky
    That was all—or we'll assume it was all.

    Versilov
    I expected more.

    Dolgoruky
    Surely, that doesn't matter to you.

    Versilov
    After making such a fuss—you've been sitting like a mute for a whole month like a volcano waiting to erupt, then finally you do, and it's really quite tame.

    Dolgoruky
    I meant to say more. But I am ashamed of having said even that. Not everything can be put into words. I said a good deal, but you didn't understand.

    Versilov (reflectively)
    So, you too, are sometimes distressed at the impossibility of putting some thoughts into words.

    Dolgoruky
    I said more than I needed. I asked for the whole of Versilov, that was a great deal too much. I don't need Versilov at all.

    Versilov
    I see you want to retrieve your initial failure. You haven't cooled down yet. But sit down for goodness sake. From what you just said to your mother, it's quite clear that it is better for us to separate. But I think we should do so with as little fuss as possible, to avoid grieving and alarming her further.

    Dolgoruky
    We might part with mutual respect and without recriminations.

    Versilov
    That's all nonsense. There always will be recriminations. They're built in to our relationship.

    Dolgoruky
    I promise to go away without a fuss—and that's enough.

    Versilov
    It will be best for Sonia's peace of mind.

    Dolgoruky
    It strikes me my mother's peace of mind has nothing to do with it.

    Versilov
    You don't believe it?

    Dolgoruky
    You talk to me just as though I were a baby.

    Versilov
    A thousand pardons. Really, I do beg your pardon for that, for those years of your childhood, and all the rest of it. But, is there any use in doing it? What is it you blame me for? For not being born a Versilov? Bah! That's not it.

    Dolgoruky
    I assure you, I don't think it an honor to be called Versilov.

    Versilov
    Let's leave honor out of it. What are you blaming me for exactly?

    Dolgoruky
    I don't know exactly. For not apprenticing me as a shoemaker.

    Versilov
    Your sallies are only tormenting your mother instead of crushing me, as you evidently intend. I should have thought it was not for you to judge her. Why do you go about proclaiming your illegitimacy? Your mother is legally married to Makar Dolgoruky—a respectable man. All you do is give away your mother's secret. That she is not my wife is entirely owing to the fact that her husband is still living.

    Dolgoruky
    Please tell me about my "father." I want to hear about him from you.

    Versilov
    Your mother and I have spent these twenty years together in silence. And all that passed between us took place in silence. We have never once quarrelled. I've left her, but I always return. Not that she doesn't speak when she has a mind to—but she speaks in such a way that it's simply a waste of time to talk to her. Not that she isn't intelligent.

    Dolgoruky
    Tell me about Dolgoruky.

    Versilov
    All right. In those days, you know, we were all boiling with zeal for doing good. Of course, it was a pose, like Byronism—but I didn't know it was a pose at the time. I was sincere. I was attracted to your mother. She was a dear girl. I didn't just pick her out to copulate with like a sultan with his harem. I fell in love.

    Dolgoruky
    You! In love?

    Versilov
    Passionately, I assure you. So, we sinned. And marriage was completely out of the question. So, idiot that I was, I decided she must have a husband. Your father was my valet. A good sort, very religious. I offered him three thousand roubles to marry your mother. I told him the whole story, I actually wept on his shoulder. I promised him freedom. In fact, I made a complete fool of myself—from wanting to do the right thing.

    Dolgoruky
    He took the money?

    Versilov
    I should think so. Then he went off on a pilgrimage.

    Dolgoruky
    Has he ever come back?

    Versilov
    Six or seven times. He always stays with your mother. I couldn't make him out at first, and I used to hide myself every time he showed up. But, later, I started talking to him. He never refers to that, you see. Compared to him, even then, I was a featherhead.

    Dolgoruky
    We've been alone long enough so that my mother will think we are reconciled. Will you be good enough to leave me alone?

    Versilov
    You're extremely unceremonious with me. But there is no winning love by force. I will only venture one question. Do you really want to leave the Prince?

    Dolgoruky
    I knew you had some object in your mind, spending so much time with me.

    Versilov
    How suspicious you are.

    Dolgoruky
    I don't like you, Monsieur Versilov.

    Versilov
    "Versilov" too. I greatly regret that I can't transmit to you my name—that's my whole offense, isn't it? But, I couldn't very well marry a married woman, could I?

    Dolgoruky
    Is that why you tried to marry the old Prince's daughter?

    Versilov
    You know about that? or think you do—the story is only known to myself and one other person.

    Dolgoruky
    Only today, the Prince told me you like unfledged girls.

    Versilov
    The Prince said that?

    Dolgoruky
    Yes. His very words.

    Versilov
    There's a woman's influence in this.

    Dolgoruky
    A woman? Oh, yes—I saw her, your Katerina, for the first time today.

    Versilov
    I thought she was in Moscow.

    Dolgoruky
    Perhaps it's to spy on her that you want me to stay with the old Prince.

    Versilov
    I see you will do well in your new line. Go on, my dear fellow—you have an unmistakable gift for detective work. Given talent one must perfect it.

    Dolgoruky
    Take care, Versilov. Don't make me your enemy.

    Versilov
    My dear fellow, no one gives utterances to his thoughts in such cases. Only fancy, all this month, I have been taking you for a good natured fellow. You want to live so much that the nine lives of a cat would not be enough for you. People like that are generally good natured. Well, if you are my enemy, I don't suppose you are enough of one to want me to break my neck. Hand me a light. Good night. (going out)

    (Dolgoruky pounds his fist on the table and slowly begins to weep. The lights dim; Dolgoruky sits as before. Then Olya enters, a poor young woman, but pretty; her dress shows efforts to retain her gentility.)

    Olya (stamping her foot)
    Where is Mr. Versilov?

    Dolgoruky
    You wish to see my father?

    Olya
    You are his son?

    Dolgoruky
    That means nothing. I am his son, but I am illegitimate.

    (Versilov enters, looking a little startled.)

    Olya (to Versilov excitedly)
    Excuse me, I have been wondering what induced you to leave money for me earlier. In short, (flinging the money at him) here's your money. (Lisa and Sonia enter during this speech) (to Sonia) I don't want to insult you—I don't know whether you are his wife, but let me tell you, this gentleman gets hold of advertisements which students have spent their last penny on, then he visits these luckless wretches and tries to lure them to ruin with money. I don't understand how I could have taken his money; he looked so honest. (to Versilov) You are a villain, sir. Don't say a word. Even if you had honorable intentions, I don't want your charity. Not a word! Not a word! How glad I am that I have unmasked you before your women. (running hurriedly back the way she came)

    Dolgoruky
    No doubt she is that teacher you spoke of.

    Versilov
    Yes, she is. For once in my life, I tried to do a good deed—and you see how I am paid for it. But, what is the matter with you?

    Dolgoruky
    Here is a letter. Vassin had it from someone who wishes to remain anonymous. No one but me knows of it— I don't think it needs explanation.

    Versilov (looking at the letter)
    This is interesting. (going out, followed by Sonia) Thank you.

    Dolgoruky
    Goodbye, Lisa. I'm going.

    Lisa
    Here are your sixty roubles. Mother sends it to you.

    Dolgoruky
    Thank you. I'm going.

    Lisa
    Where?

    Dolgoruky
    Nowhere! Tell Mother that I love her.

    Lisa
    She knows that. She knows that you love your father, too. I wonder you aren't ashamed of having brought that wretched girl here?

    Dolgoruky
    I swear, I did not.

    Lisa
    It was your doing—

    Dolgoruky
    Not me. I never saw her before.

    Lisa
    You did it to put Father to shame before us.

    Dolgoruky
    I'm not sorry he was put to shame. Do you know, I found out he had a baby with Lidya Ahmakov—but, what am I telling you?

    Lisa
    But, it is not his child.

    Dolgoruky
    You know nothing about it. But, I shouldn't have spoken. I didn't intend to. I haven't even said anything to him about it.

    Lisa
    Me, know nothing about it? But, I used to nurse the baby. Listen, Brother, you know almost nothing about us, you were brought up in Moscow, far away, and meanwhile you wound Father—and Mother, too.

    Dolgoruky
    Go ahead and blame me, if you like. I know what I know. I don't love you any less for it. I am going to challenge Sokolsky.

    Lisa (aghast)
    What are you talking about?

    Dolgoruky
    For the slap he gave my father last year.

    Lisa
    But, Sokolsky won't fight you.

    Dolgoruky
    Then, I will shame him publicly.

    Lisa
    Brother, drop this foolishness. It's awful how little you understand.

    Dolgoruky
    I know Sokolsky slapped my father a year ago, and for some reason, my father didn't fight him. That's enough for me.

    Lisa
    You're crazy. You can't just—

    Dolgoruky
    We'll see about that. But in any event, I will always remember that you turned pale when you learned I was going to fight a duel.

    Lisa
    Yes, yes, remember that, too. (running out)

    CURTAIN

    ACT II

    Scene I. The kitchen in Versilov's flat.

    Dolgoruky and Vassin are talking. Dolgoruky is somewhat overwhelmed, Vassin, as usual, is calm and unemotional.

    Dolgoruky
    But Kraft's diary is immensely important.

    Vassin
    The entries were quite disconnected. About an hour before he shot himself, he noted that he was chilly. He thought of drinking a glass of wine to warm himself, but changed his mind because he thought it might cause an increase in the flow of blood. It was almost all that sort of thing.

    Dolgoruky
    And you call that nonsense?

    Vassin
    When did I call it nonsense? It's just not very profound, that's all.

    Dolgoruky
    But, the last thoughts, the last thoughts!

    Vassin
    The last thoughts are sometimes extremely insignificant and trivial.

    Dolgoruky
    And that he was chilly, was that trivial?

    Vassin
    Many suicides worry over leaving themselves in a presentable condition. It was from that point of view that Kraft was anxious about the blood.

    Dolgoruky
    I don't know about that. Yet, it's not long since Kraft was speaking, sitting among us. Surely, you must feel sorry for him?

    Vassin
    I'm sorry—but, that's quite a different matter. In any case, Kraft conceived of his death as a logical deduction. If Russians are second rate, and Kraft is a Russian, then life is not worth living. A striking syllogism. Striking, yes. But, one does not necessarily shoot oneself in consequence of a logical deduction.

    Dolgoruky
    At least one must admit his strength of will.

    Vassin
    Possibly. But, there is no reason to admire it. His act was so crudely mistaken, that it checks one's compassion.

    Dolgoruky
    I am forced to agree with you, in spite of myself—and yet, I feel annoyed with you. I feel sorry for Kraft.

    Vassin
    As you wish. I am annoyed with Kraft. He could have done great work, and he erases himself like this. If he wanted to give up his life so recklessly, he should have died for the country and tried to assassinate the Czar or something. Not like this. The revolution needed him.

    Dolgoruky
    Maybe you're right. But still—

    Vassin
    Something has got to be done, and if the best people destroy themselves like this, the life of tyranny will merely be extended. By killing himself, Kraft added years of life to the present regime. Hush, someone's coming.

    (Enter Versilov, looking upset.)

    Versilov
    Something most unpleasant has happened. That girl who came here the other day has hanged herself.

    Dolgoruky
    What? That poor young thing?

    Versilov
    Evidently. I just found out about it.

    Dolgoruky
    Why?

    Versilov
    She couldn't get any work. And she apparently took it as an insult that I tried to help her. What I regret most is that I didn't have time to set it up right; then perhaps this terrible thing would not have happened.

    Vassin
    Perhaps you would not have succeeded in reassuring her. Things may have gone too far already, apart from you.

    Versilov
    No, I would have succeeded. I certainly would have succeeded. I would have sent Sonia. Never again will I meddle in good works.

    Vassin
    There has been a misunderstanding—and the misunderstanding is quite evident.

    Versilov
    I blame myself for this ridiculous circumstance. I believe that, in my usual stupid way, I allowed myself a frivolous little laugh—I was not sufficiently abrupt, dry, and gloomy. So she thought I was out to seduce her. (holding a note) Here's the note she left. "Mother darling, forgive me for cutting short my debut in life." Her mother found it this morning and gave it to me when I went to see if I could explain.

    Dolgoruky
    What a strange letter.

    Vassin
    Why strange?

    Dolgoruky
    How can anyone be funny at such a time?

    Vassin
    Gallows humor.

    Versilov
    There's absolutely nothing funny about it. Goodbye for now. (going out)

    Vassin
    Did you give your father that letter?

    Dolgoruky
    Yes. But, I don't know why I did it. Versilov went straight to Sokolsky's lawyer with it—and refused the judgement of the court. What a man! Who else but my father would have done that?

    Vassin
    I quite agree, but——

    Dolgoruky
    But? Finish, Vassin, you have a "but".

    Vassin
    Of course there's a "but". To my mind, his action is a little hasty and perhaps disingenuous.

    Dolgoruky
    Disingenuous!

    Vassin
    Yes, too much heroics. He could have kept a part without injuring himself—and still have acted handsomely. He's grandstanding. Is it pride or a whim?

    Dolgoruky
    Do you know, I can't help agreeing with you—but this grand gesture pleases me more—

    Vassin
    I wonder if he did it to impress you?

    Dolgoruky
    But, he didn't even tell me about it. I found out from Sokolsky himself.

    Vassin
    More impressive that way—don't you think? Yes, he did it to impress you.

    Dolgoruky (delighted)
    Let me hug you. I'm raving, but if he did it for me, that means he loves me. You can't know how I feel.

    Vassin
    Well, dance away. It's good exercise. But, I've got a lot of work to do this morning, and I've lingered with you too long. (going) Give my best to your sister.

    Dolgoruky
    I will.

    (After a moment, Lisa peeps out.)

    Lisa
    Has he gone?

    Dolgoruky
    Yes. He said to say hello.

    Lisa
    I didn't want to meet him.

    Dolgoruky
    Why not?

    Lisa
    I think he likes me. Did you fight your duel?

    Dolgoruky
    No. I went to Sokolsky, but he refused.

    Lisa
    Because you are too young?

    Dolgoruky
    You think it absurd that a boy like me should challenge a man because of an affront to his father?

    Lisa
    No, I don't think it absurd. An affront to one's father may well be resented.

    Dolgoruky
    It seems to me, it's dreadfully absurd, when one's name is Dolgoruky, not Versilov.

    Lisa
    It's absurd if you are only doing it to draw attention to yourself. If you were doing it from a sincere love of your father, it would be a very natural thing.

    Dolgoruky
    You're very pretty today, Lisa, but you're an awful baby though.

    Lisa
    Brother, tell me, that girl who came here the other day—is it true?

    Dolgoruky
    She hanged herself.,

    Lisa
    Brr! I'm afraid of death. Mother says it's a sin to be afraid. Brother, do you know Mother very well?

    Dolgoruky
    Very little, Lisa, very little.

    Lisa
    She's a wonderful person. You ought to get to know her. She needs your understanding.

    Dolgoruky
    I don't know you, either, but I understand you thoroughly.

    Lisa
    Don't be too sure. I've very devious.

    Dolgoruky
    I like you awfully, Lisa. Did you know—of course you don't—Father has refused to take the fortune? I learned it from Sokolsky. That's why he said he couldn't fight me.

    Lisa
    I know all about it.

    Dolgoruky
    You know? But of course, you would. You're so clever. I'm talking nonsense. Lisa, I'm not good for much in most ways.

    Lisa
    You want taking in hand, that's all.

    Dolgoruky
    Take me in hand, Lisa. I've never had a friend. Shall we be friends? You understand what I mean.

    Lisa
    I understand.

    Dolgoruky
    No conditions.

    Lisa
    One condition. We never forget today. Swear.

    Dolgoruky
    I swear.

    Lisa
    I knew you'd come to me. You can run after me.

    Dolgoruky
    You coquette. Have you been laughing at me all this time?

    Lisa
    I've been loving you—but, you're so queer. Mother's been laughing, too—Mother and I together. And all the while, you thought we were trembling before you.

    Dolgoruky
    What do you think about Father?

    Lisa
    There's no need to talk about him now.

    Dolgoruky
    You're awfully clever, Lisa. Much cleverer than I am.

    Lisa
    I have to go now. (going out)

    (A slight pause, then Versilov returns.)

    Dolgoruky
    You've renounced the inheritance. How are you going to live?

    Versilov
    Somehow, my boy. If only I were weak willed, but you see, I am exceedingly strong.

    Dolgoruky
    In what way?

    Versilov
    In the ability to adjust to anything. There's no crushing me, no destroying me, no surprising me. I've the nine lives of a cat. And, you know a frightening thought has come to me. The earth is for people like me—the indestructible ones. It's a comfortless thought.

    Dolgoruky
    What is to be done?

    Versilov
    Don't worry—take your time. It's best not to do anything—you can have a clean conscience at least.

    Dolgoruky
    I want to know what I'm to do, and how I'm to live.

    Versilov
    I'm almost fifty, and I wish I could answer that. Be honest, never lie, never covet that which belongs to your neighbor.

    Dolgoruky
    That's old hat.

    Versilov
    That's about as far as mankind has come—the Ten Commandments.

    Dolgoruky
    But nobody takes that seriously anymore.

    Versilov
    Well, maybe they should. Anyway, keep them, despite your doubts— you'll be a great man.

    Dolgoruky
    But not very well known. You're certainly laughing. Listen, I suspect you say all this to put me off. But secretly you're a fanatic.

    Versilov
    You flatter me. My dear boy, I don't want to seduce you from your ideals. I respect you for having them in these mawkish times. But think of proportion—you want to live an astounding life—to set fire to something, to smash things up—and then vanish to—America. I've no doubt you have something of this sort in your heart. And so I feel it necessary to warn you—for I really love you.

    Dolgoruky
    For the first time, I feel you're acting as my father.

    Versilov
    That's very kind of you to say.

    (Versilov goes out; Dolgoruky sits down to think. The lights go down. Dolgoruky has been sleeping with his head on the table. Hearing the voices of Tatyana and Katerina he gets up, looks for some place to exit, and finding none, he steps to a position from which he cannot be seen. Katerina and Tatyana enter, in conversation.)

    Tatyana
    My darling Katerina, you distress me very much. You know how devoted I am to you, and I make no secret of my devotion to him. This hostility between you is simply incomprehensible. And, I tell you, he has no such letter.

    Katerina
    There is a letter, and I'm sure he's been trying to get his hands on it. He's capable of anything. Do you know that as soon as I went to see my father, the first person I meet is this little spy that he has foisted on my father in the guise of a secretary?

    Tatyana
    To begin with, he is not a spy at all. It was I who insisted on his going to your father. What's more, that unmannerly urchin is a perfect little fool. How could he be a spy?

    Katerina
    A fool perhaps, but that does not prevent his being a tool of his father. If I hadn't been so angry to find him there I should have died laughing—he turned pale, ran out, bowed, and behaved like a perfect country bumpkin. Anyway, I found out in Moscow that some student named Kraft was mixed up in it.

    Tatyana
    But why? Why?

    Katerina
    Somehow he got hold of my letter. He used to be a secretary to the person I wrote the letter to. I think he took it to blackmail me. He's mixed up in one of the student groups that are always plotting revolution, and consequently, always in need of money. I went to his house, but he's just committed suicide.

    Tatyana
    Good heavens!

    Katerina
    Do you think it's possible to find out from his papers, for he must have papers somewhere—what he did with my letter?

    Tatyana
    But, what are you talking about? You actually went to see this wild man, this conspirator?

    Katerina
    Yes, I went there this morning, but he had already shot himself. Good riddance, but it's very inconvenient, because now I don't know where the letter is.

    Dolgoruky (stepping forward)
    Nonsense, what you say is shameless. A great hearted man like Kraft has shot himself, and you, you speak of him as if he were rubbish!

    Tatyana
    Where were you? Where did you come from? Have you been eavesdropping?

    Katerina
    You see, you see! What did I tell you just now?

    Dolgoruky
    That's a lie. You are not worth spying on. Life's not worth living in the world with you—in the midst of your intrigues, and your deceptions. Enough!

    Tatyana
    Slap him in the face! Slap him in the face!

    (Dolgoruky raises his hand to protect his face.)

    Tatyana
    Strike me, strike me. Show me that you are a low cur. You are stronger than women—why stand on ceremony?

    Dolgoruky
    Enough of your slander! I have never raised my hand against a woman. I am not to blame. I heard you coming and there was no way to get out without meeting you—which I did not wish to do, so I had to stay here and listen to your insults.

    Tatyana
    Leave the room, leave the room, go away. Pay no attention to his abuse, Katerina. I've told you, they sent us word from Moscow that he was mad.

    Dolgoruky
    Mad? Who sent word?

    Tatyana
    That's none of your business. But it's evidently true.

    Dolgoruky
    No matter, enough of this. I swear to you by all that's sacred, that all I've heard will not be repeated. (to Katerina) I'm leaving your father's service tomorrow—as for your letter, you needn't worry.

    Katerina
    What's that? What about my letter?

    Dolgoruky
    Yes, I have a letter.

    Katerina
    You've got it? How did you get it? Tell me.

    BLACKOUT

    Scene II. The kitchen in Versilov's flat.

    Versilov, Sonia, Tatyana, Lisa, and Dolgoruky are all seated at the kitchen table for dinner. Versilov pushes his food away.

    Versilov
    I have only to mention that a particular dish does not suit me for it to appear again the next day.

    Sonia
    But how is one to invent things? There's no inventing a new dish of any sort.

    Versilov
    Your mother is the exact opposite of some of our newspapers: she only likes old things.

    Tatyana (to Dolgoruky)
    I'll bet you think your father has given up the inheritance solely to regain the good opinion of Mr. Dolgoruky?

    Dolgoruky
    I haven't been here for dinner in a long time. And now I've come, I don't see any reason to duel with you, Tatyana.

    Lisa
    My head aches.

    Tatyana
    Good gracious, Mr. Dolgoruky has deigned to visit us. You must dance and be merry.

    Dolgoruky
    You really are the worry of my life, Tatyana. I will never come here when you are here. (pause) I beg your pardon and take it all back.

    Tatyana
    No, no. It's much more flattering to be a worry to you—depend on that.

    Versilov
    My dear boy, you must learn to put up with the small worries of life. It doesn't matter.

    Dolgoruky
    Yes, it does matter. Why not call an ass an ass?

    Versilov
    Surely, you're not speaking of yourself. To begin with, there's no point in judging people.

    Dolgoruky
    Anyone who is honest has the right to judge—that's my idea.

    Versilov
    You won't find many with the right to do it then.

    Sonia
    But who is going to love you if we don't love one another?

    Dolgoruky
    Love ought to be earned.

    Sonia
    Earn it later. Here you are loved.

    Dolgoruky
    Well, mother, you may not know how to shoot, but you've downed your bird.

    Tatyana
    Do you actually think there's something to love you for? You look nice in your new suit—but who keeps you, and gives you money to gamble with? Think who it is you're sponging on?

    Dolgoruky
    If I'm spending money, it's my own.

    Tatyana
    Your own, ha!

    Dolgoruky
    If it's not mine, exactly, it belongs to my father—I borrowed from what Sokolsky owes my father.

    Versilov
    My dear boy, none of that money is mine.

    Dolgoruky
    In that case, I'll return it immediately. Lisa, you seem to visit Anna who lives near Sokolsky quite often. Be so kind as to give him this money.

    Sonia
    How could you, how could you?

    (Lisa and Sonia get up and go out.)

    Tatyana
    How could you do such a thing. (going out)

    Versilov (rising)
    I imagine you are not so much a fool as an innocent. If they come back, tell them to finish without waiting for me. I am going for a walk. (going out and taking his coat)

    (Lisa and Sonia return after a short pause.)

    Dolgoruky
    I am sorry, Mother. I'm not quite sure what I did to offend everyone, but I'm sorry.

    Sonia
    Never mind, only love one another.

    Dolgoruky
    If it hadn't been for Tatyana, nothing would have happened. She's horrid.

    Lisa
    You see, Mother? You hear?

    Dolgoruky
    The whole world is delightful—I'm horrid.

    Sonia
    Don't sulk, darling—but if only you would give up—

    Dolgoruky
    Gambling, you mean, gambling? I will give it up, Mother. This is the last time. It's nothing really. I've gotten into Sokolsky's debt, and I want to pay him off. It won't be me if I don't win. I assure you, I am too strong not to be able to stop when I like.

    Sonia
    At least you are in good spirits today.

    Dolgoruky
    Lisa knows how disagreeable I am when I'm not in good spirits.

    Lisa
    Mother knows that, too.

    Sonia
    You still have not made up your mind to enter the University?

    Dolgoruky
    My ideas are not quite definite.

    Lisa
    That means he has a secret.

    Dolgoruky
    Leave off joking, Lisa. You're insupportable. Would you believe, Mother, that every time I see Lisa, lately, she gives me a funny look that seems to ask, "Has he found out something?"

    (Lisa and Sonia exchanged a glance that seems to ask the same question. They both become uneasy.)

    Lisa
    Have you been seeing Katerina?

    Sonia
    Even Father has noticed it.

    Dolgoruky
    What if the lady takes notice of a young man, despite the fact he is only a boy—suppose she prefers him? What then?

    Lisa
    Then, you are completely done for.

    Dolgoruky
    No, I'm not done for. If a woman stands in my path, she must follow me. I am not going to turn aside from the direction I have chosen.

    (Sonia and Lisa laugh.)

    Dolgoruky
    Laugh away, laugh away. I love your laughter.

    Lisa
    I thought you disliked her.

    Dolgoruky
    I spoke ill of her because of a dirty rumor that she is an enemy of my father. There's also a story that he was once in love with her. But I learned today that she is going to marry Baron Buring. I received the news with the greatest equanimity, I assure you.

    Lisa
    Be on your guard, she's a dangerous little kitten. There's a rumor that Sokolsky is in love with her.

    Dolgoruky
    No, no. Sokolsky and I are very close. He's going to marry Anna, I think.

    Lisa (aghast)
    What?

    Dolgoruky (in his excitement not noticing Lisa's reaction)
    Good heaven's what time is it?

    Lisa (recovering herself)
    Are you late for a rendez-vous?

    Dolgoruky
    Yes—no. I am late, though. Tell me, is it wrong to keep a woman waiting?

    Lisa
    Waiting to meet you, do you mean?

    Dolgoruky
    Give me your hand for luck.

    Lisa
    For luck? Not for anything.

    BLACKOUT

    Scene III. The kitchen in Versilov's flat.

    Katerina is sitting when Dolgoruky enters.

    Katerina
    I've been waiting for Tatyana. Isn't she at home?

    Dolgoruky
    Who's not at home?

    Katerina
    Tatyana. Why I asked you yesterday to tell her that I would be here at three o'clock.

    Dolgoruky
    I have not seen her at all. I generally avoid her.

    Katerina
    Did you forget?

    Dolgoruky
    I, I thought you simply said you would be here at three o'clock.

    Katerina
    Oh, if you forgot to tell her—though you knew I would be here—why did you come?

    (Dolgoruky is silent.)

    Katerina
    But, where are you coming from? Have you been to see my father?

    Dolgoruky
    I have been to see my sister, Anna. I haven't seen your father for some time and you know that.

    Katerina
    Did anything happen at Anna's to upset you? You look so strange.

    Dolgoruky
    I heard that you are going to marry Baron Buring.

    Katerina
    Did she tell you that?

    Dolgoruky
    No—I told her. (pause) What's the matter?

    Katerina
    I am afraid of you. You seem to know everything.

    Dolgoruky
    Why don't you go away, then, if you are afraid of me? As Tatyana is not home, you ought to get up and go.

    Katerina
    I told you, I mean to wait for her.

    Dolgoruky
    No, no, sit down. You're smiling again. You always smile. You're smiling all over.

    Katerina
    You're raving.

    Dolgoruky
    Yes,—I am.

    Katerina
    You frighten me.

    Dolgoruky
    How? I'm a harmless, raw youth, and you're a woman of the world.

    Katerina
    You know too much.

    Dolgoruky
    I can't endure your smile any longer. Why did I picture you as venomous, menacing, haughty? You're childlike, mischievous, bashful. Not like the femme fatale I was expecting. I took you to be an experienced worldly woman who has men for breakfast.

    Katerina
    You must not—you can't talk like that.

    Dolgoruky
    Are you going?

    Katerina
    I really am afraid of you. You're so wild.

    Dolgoruky
    Listen—on my honor—I won't do anything ridiculous.

    Katerina
    But you've begun already. I'm not even sure if you will let me go if I want to.

    Dolgoruky
    I will open the door for you myself. But, if you will listen to just two words, you will give light to my soul.

    (Katerina sits down.)

    Dolgoruky
    Some women would have made a great show of indignation—but you sit down.

    Katerina
    You've never spoken like this before.

    Dolgoruky
    I want to ask you one question. Am I your spy or not? Have you been luring me, enticing me, because you suspect I know about your letter? I am not offended—it would be quite natural—I understand that, you see. But I want the truth. For some time, you've been quite nice to me. And so, tell me, why do you make so much of me? Was it to get that letter from me?

    Katerina
    Suppose I said it was for that, would you forgive me?

    Dolgoruky
    I expected almost anything but a request for forgiveness.

    Katerina
    I've felt I wasn't treating you fairly for some time. I'm glad to get it out in the open.

    Dolgoruky
    Why didn't you speak of it before?

    Katerina
    You don't understand women very well. I was disgusted with all this deception, leading you on, and all that, I assure you. This whole business is sickening.

    Dolgoruky
    Couldn't you have asked me straight out?

    Katerina
    I'm a woman, not a man. Besides, I didn't trust you. After all, if I've dissembled, you've done the same.

    Dolgoruky
    Yes, yes, I've been contemptible.

    Katerina
    That letter could cause me a great deal of trouble with my father.

    Dolgoruky
    Because, in it, you suggested that he should be institutionalized? That he had lost his mind?

    Katerina
    You know that, too.

    Dolgoruky
    I didn't read it, Kraft told me.

    Katerina
    He wanted to marry your sister Anna?

    Dolgoruky
    What? But that would be ridiculous!

    Katerina
    Fortunately, I was able to persuade him that it was an—an impossible idea. However, I was prepared to take steps to stop it if I had to. He simply would never forgive me if he knew.

    Dolgoruky
    It certainly is a delicate situation.

    Katerina
    And so, I reckoned on your impulsiveness.

    Dolgoruky
    Who forces you to make such confessions to me? You aren't really afraid of me, so why do you do this to yourself?

    Katerina
    The fact is, that although I am very concerned about that letter, I had other reasons for enticing you, as you put it. You see, only one other man has been so sincere to me as you have—

    Dolgoruky
    Versilov?

    Katerina
    Yes. You are very like him, you know. Not just in looks. When I was involved with him—we were completely honest with each other. Perhaps too honest. So, I find you attractive.

    Dolgoruky
    As a substitute for him?

    Katerina
    You are nicer than he is, really. You would worship me, if I were to let you. But he thought I was corrupt.

    Dolgoruky
    Is it possible?

    Katerina
    No one has ever trusted me.

    Dolgoruky
    But, Versilov, Versilov.

    Katerina
    He accused me of all kinds of double dealing.

    Dolgoruky
    No—he can't think that. You are purity itself.

    Katerina (laughing)
    No, not quite that.

    Dolgoruky
    He did not love you, so he misunderstood you.

    Katerina (violently)
    Never speak to me of that man again! But, that's enough. Do you forgive me or not?

    Dolgoruky
    Me, forgive you? There's nothing to forgive. Listen, is it true you're going to marry?

    Katerina
    That's not settled.

    Dolgoruky
    Is he a good man?

    Katerina
    Yes, very, very good.

    Dolgoruky
    God grant you every happiness according to your choice. Your image will remain in my heart forever. I expected duplicity, but you are a saint. Forgive me my clumsy words. But, do words matter now? Are we not above words?

    Katerina
    You praise me too much, I don't deserve this.

    (Dolgoruky falls on his knees before her as Versilov enters behind.)

    Dolgoruky
    Katerina Nikolaevna, I love you.

    Katerina
    Calm yourself, you sound a little delirious.

    Dolgoruky
    I've been plotting against you. Not more than an hour ago. But, I see you, and that's all over.

    Katerina
    I suspect you were plotting to punish me in some way—but you would certainly have killed or at least beaten anyone who said anything against me.

    Dolgoruky
    No, no. I didn't kill him. I encouraged him.

    Katerina
    Oh, for goodness sake, no confidences. There's no need to tell me anything. I'm ready to bet that you planed to force me to marry you— why I think I've guessed right.

    Dolgoruky
    How could you know?

    Katerina
    Don't underestimate a woman. But, I forgive you. I know I'm to blame for much of this.

    Dolgoruky
    You to blame! But it was my fault.

    Katerina
    Do you believe all the dreadful things your father has said against me?

    Dolgoruky
    No, and I never will.

    Katerina
    You love him a lot, don't you?

    Dolgoruky
    Unfortunately, yes.

    Katerina
    You're a sweet boy.

    Dolgoruky
    Did he mean so much to you?

    Katerina
    Yes, but not what he would like.

    Versilov (icily to Katerina)
    I thought you were above seducing a mere child, Katerina. I see I was wrong. And on the day of your engagement, too.

    Katerina
    How dare you, how dare you?

    Versilov
    I know you like to trifle with men's affections, but this is really beneath contempt.

    Katerina
    I will never enter this house again. (leaving)

    Versilov
    Beneath contempt.

    Dolgoruky
    This is horrible, atrocious, grotesque. How can you speak to her like that? What can she think of me now? But, this is madness, madness.

    Versilov (shouting after her)
    I will let your lover Buring know about this, Katerina.

    Dolgoruky
    Father, have you lost your mind? What has possessed you to say this? What hatred! What hatred! And what for, what for? What can there have been between you that you can say a thing like that?

    Versilov
    The whole world will know about this. The whole world.

    Dolgoruky
    Father, how can you distort everything I said to her with such treachery? Why, I've been disgraced before her! Before her!

    Versilov
    My poor boy, I am sorry for you. Don't you see she was laughing at you?

    (Sonia enters, she stares helplessly. Versilov rushes past her without saying a word. Dolgoruky sees her.)

    Sonia
    Has he gone away?

    Dolgoruky
    Mother, let us go away at once. Surely, you can't stay—I will work for you like a slave. Let us go away.

    Sonia
    No, no, we can't leave him.

    Dolgoruky
    He doesn't love us. He has never loved us.

    Sonia
    Yes, he does love us.

    Dolgoruky
    Let us go, Mother.

    Sonia
    How could I go away from him? Do you suppose he is happy?

    Dolgoruky
    He will marry her. He will marry her.

    Sonia
    No. He won't, I am sure of it. What do you think will happen?

    Dolgoruky
    Nothing will happen to him, Mother. He's that sort of man. He always wins. Nothing will ever happen to him, or can ever happen to him.

    CURTAIN

    ACT III

    Scene I. The kitchen in Versilov's flat.

    Lisa
    Your coffee will be cold.

    Dolgoruky
    Lisa, I never imagined you would deceive me like this. I should have known, I suppose—

    Lisa
    What's the matter with you? What are you talking about?

    Dolgoruky
    You were constantly visiting him.

    Lisa
    Him?

    Dolgoruky
    Prince Sokolsky—your seducer.

    Lisa (laughing heartily)
    You talk like a book.

    Dolgoruky
    I know all about it. He told me, he accused me of borrowing money from him, knowing full well he was your lover. I don't know how to act. What am I to do? I will behave as a man of honor. Only I don't know what a man of honor does in a situation like this. I would make him marry you—but princes don't marry the illegitimate children of a serf. You don't even seem upset.

    Lisa
    Why should I be upset? You are in too much of a hurry and are distressing yourself.

    Dolgoruky
    Too great a hurry? I think I've been slow enough. He thinks I've known all along, and was taking money for my sister's shame.

    Lisa
    There's no shame, Brother.

    Dolgoruky
    Everyone, everyone knew, but me. And you allowed all that.

    Lisa
    No one knows anything—he hasn't told anyone. He wouldn't do that. I can't understand how this happened. I've talked to him several times about you and I told him you're just a baby and know nothing.

    Dolgoruky
    Lisa, does Mother know?

    Lisa
    Of course she does.

    Dolgoruky
    That's why she was offended yesterday—how stupid I was. Does Father know?

    Lisa
    Mother's told him nothing; he doesn't ask any questions—most likely, he doesn't want to ask.

    Dolgoruky
    He knows, but he doesn't want to know. That's like him. Very like him. Mother's first thought must be, "It's because I did wrong and apples don't fall far from the tree."

    Lisa
    What a spiteful thing to say. I knew you'd insist on my blaming myself.

    Dolgoruky
    I can't judge you, Lisa.

    Lisa
    You've been judging me all along.

    Dolgoruky
    Lisa, what does Mother say?

    Lisa
    Mother says to endure it and have the child.

    Dolgoruky
    Don't do anything to yourself.

    Lisa (easily))
    I am not going to. Don't be afraid. I want this child.

    Dolgoruky
    I can see I know nothing. But, I know now how much I love you. But there's one thing I don't understand at all. What made you love him? How could you love a man like that?

    Lisa
    I suppose that's been keeping you awake all night?

    Dolgoruky
    Look, I'm a fool. But he's so different—

    Lisa
    You don't know what he's like with me. If I don't marry him, he'll go out of his mind and shoot himself.

    Dolgoruky
    Don't deceive yourself.

    Lisa
    He's begged me to marry him for the last two months. It was I who refused. Don't worry, Brother dear, your little sister, your sly little sister, will manage this properly.

    BLACKOUT

    Scene II. The kitchen in Versilov's flat.

    Versilov
    So, you're still here?

    Dolgoruky
    Tell me—did you know it?

    Versilov
    About what?

    Dolgoruky
    About Lisa and Sokolsky?

    Versilov
    My dear boy, what could I do in the matter? It's all a question of another person's conscience. And did you really suspect nothing all this time?

    Dolgoruky
    But, how could you, how could you, if you had even an inkling, respect me? For I bet anything you knew all about it— If you thought I was borrowing money from Sokolsky knowing all about it?

    Versilov
    Again, it's a question of conscience. I dreaded asking you.

    Dolgoruky
    And Lisa? Are you sorry for Lisa?

    Versilov
    I am very sorry for her—although she isn't having any pity, thank you. And, what of your affair?

    Dolgoruky
    I have no affairs of my own, now. Do you think he'll marry her? He says he won't marry Anna.

    Versilov
    Does he? That's strange. Anna is engaged already and would have refused him in any case.

    Dolgoruky
    Engaged? To whom?

    Versilov
    To your old Prince.

    Dolgoruky
    To Katerina's father? But, that's fantastic.

    Versilov
    She simply went to the old boy and made him a proposal. It must have been on her mind for a long time, no doubt she thought it through in all its details. They say he is simply wondering now why it never occurred to him. Although, in fact, it did occur to him before, but he was dissuaded by his daughter—about a year ago.

    Dolgoruky
    How could she do it?

    Versilov
    He's old, of course, but he can marry. As to her views, no doubt Anna was equal to it in a way which neither you nor I can imagine. I was informed of this, on her behalf by my son, Andrey, whom I believe you have never met, and whom I see regularly twice a year.

    Dolgoruky
    But Katerina—what will she do?

    Versilov
    Anna is perfectly respectable—but what a girl she is. Yesterday morning she inquired whether I was in love with Katerina—because it would have been impossible for her to marry the father if I had married the daughter. Admirable delicacy.

    Dolgoruky
    But, how could she possibly think that you had any interest in Katerina? She knows you have been enemies for some time.

    Versilov
    Evidently she did. Children these days ask the most unexpected questions. Let us talk, my dear boy, let us talk. The time has come. I've been in love with you, boy, ever so long.

    Dolgoruky
    But why didn't you say something before?

    Versilov
    The answer is, that if I had spoken earlier, what should I have said? The question is my whole answer.

    Dolgoruky
    You meant that you wouldn't know what to say?

    Versilov
    There was so much I would have had to be silent about. How could you understand, when I myself only understood today?

    Dolgoruky
    You heard from Katerina—is that it? From her?

    Versilov
    You shall know all about it. But later, later. You see, I knew long ago that you were a brooder. You brood over the unseemliness of your parents' lives. I don't blame you. We're pretty shabby. Not what a proud self respecting child wants in parents. We aren't even married. I myself was a brooding child, so I saw it in you. Persons like us are flung on their own resources, especially when they have a passionate, envious, and vindictive longing for seemliness and respectability. So what could I have said to you? Why, even yesterday I could not have believed that I would ever be sitting here talking to you as I am today. Talking to my son looking at me.

    Dolgoruky
    I will follow you. No more brooding.

    Versilov
    Follow me? But my wanderings are over. Today is the last act and the curtain has gone down. You know, a few years ago, I went to Europe. I told your mother that I was breaking all relations with her for good. And, so I went, never intending to return.

    Dolgoruky
    To join the revolutionaries?

    Versilov
    No, no. I'm not a conspirator. No, I was bored.

    Dolgoruky
    Did Europe bring you back to life?

    Versilov
    Ha! Europe is dying. No, Europe could not revive me. No, it was the separation from your mother. I'd suddenly begun to really love her as I never loved her before. I sent for her at once. Oh, how eager I was for her to come. And, of course, she loved me and came immediately without question or reproaches.

    Dolgoruky
    I didn't know you loved mother so much.

    Versilov
    You are glad that I love your mother—and perhaps you didn't believe that I care for her at all. I do love her, but I've done her nothing but harm, nothing but harm.

    Dolgoruky
    Will you marry her if her husband dies? I've heard he's old and sick.

    Versilov
    Of course I'll marry her. Do you want me to tell you what happened after I sent for her?

    Dolgoruky
    Yes, go one, go on.

    Versilov
    She only got as far as Berlin. I was on the Rhine. I didn't see her again for a long time. Not until I went to ask her to consent to my marriage with Katerina. You see, I had met Katerina by then, and in no time at all, I was nearly out of my mind with desire for her. All thought of your mother vanished.

    CURTAIN

    ACT IV

    Scene I. Dolgoruky's apartment.

    Vassin
    I tell you what: if a fellow like Buring had struck me in the presence of a lady, I don't know what I should have done. But you seem inclined to put up with it?

    Dolgoruky
    It was more that I struck him, than that he struck me.

    Vassin
    But he shoved you back, and told the footman to drag you away. And the Grand Katerina watched and laughed.

    Dolgoruky
    Are you saying this to irritate me? Have you been talking with Anna?

    Vassin
    Anna's a sly jade. She's humbugging everyone. I want you to finish that woman off.

    Dolgoruky
    What are you talking about?

    Vassin
    The Grand Katerina. That fine lady is afraid of you, because of that letter you've got.

    Dolgoruky
    Have you seen her?

    Vassin
    Yes, I've seen her. She's beautiful. Both you and your father have excellent taste. Unfortunately, she laughs at both of you.

    Dolgoruky
    Enough!

    Vassin
    We had a virtuous lady like that in Moscow. Didn't she turn up her nose. But when we threatened to expose her, she knuckled under directly. And, we got all we wanted, both ways—money, and—you understand? You should have seen the little back room it happened in. These ladies don't shrink in the back rooms.

    Dolgoruky
    I've thought of that.

    Vassin
    The upper class women are corrupt to their elegant little finger tips.

    Dolgoruky
    I've thought of that, but I'm not such a scoundrel.

    Vassin
    You love her, I see. And you want to revenge yourself on Buring. So much the better, for she loves you, too. So, you must marry her. And, you can give me, and the Committee, thirty thousand for our trouble.

    Dolgoruky
    Is it possible?

    Vassin
    Why not? You will show her the letter; she'll be frightened and marry you to prevent her father from disinheriting her.

    Dolgoruky
    I don't want to use force or anything. How can you think me so base?

    Vassin
    Don't be ridiculous. All's fair in love and war. Why, she'll suggest it herself—because she loves you.

    Dolgoruky
    How do you know she loves me?

    Vassin
    Of course she does. Why, aren't you as good as anybody? You are handsome and well educated.

    Dolgoruky
    Yes, I am well educated.

    Vassin
    And you're well dressed.

    Dolgoruky
    Yes, I'm well dressed.

    Vassin
    And good natured.

    Dolgoruky
    Good natured, yes.

    Vassin
    Buring won't take her without money. And you, with that letter, can deprive her of that money. Her husband left her little enough. She has to depend on her father. So, she'll be in a fright and marry you.

    Dolgoruky
    It's a mad idea. There's a difference in our ages. And besides, I'm illegitimate.

    Vassin
    But you've got the blood of the Versilovs in you. As noble as any in Russia. And everyone knows it. When it's a question of money, you watch, a woman like that cannot, and will not, be impractical. She can't afford it. I'll arrange everything. And when you're married, keep her well in hand. They want a firm hand, these great ladies. From the moment you frighten her with that letter, she'll respect you.

    Dolgoruky
    It won't work like that. She might marry me from gratitude. If I save her from a man she hates and fears—

    Vassin
    You mean your father? He's in love with her, too, isn't he?

    Dolgoruky
    If he's in love with her, how can I marry her? He loves my mother, my mother. He has never married her, because her husband was still alive.

    Vassin
    Not any more. He died, Old Dolgoruky.

    Dolgoruky
    What? How can you know?

    Vassin
    The Committee knows everything. The Committee has taken an interest in your affairs for some time because it felt that you might be useful to us. That was why we gave you the letter, and that is why we will help you to use it.

    Dolgoruky
    This is fantastic. But why? You are not venial, Vassin? Why do you want money?

    Vassin
    Why, for the revolution, dear boy. Everything for the revolution. You were under observation for some time as a potential member of the Committee, but after much consideration, it was decided that you would not make a good revolutionary. You are too bound up in your own affairs, too emotional. But, you may still be of use to us. Look on this as a strictly business proposition. We will help you to the wife you want, and you will help us financially.

    BLACKOUT

    Scene II. Dolgoruky's apartment.

    Dolgoruky
    You've come to see me?

    Anna
    Yes. I've heard all about it. Can it be true they knocked you down, that Buring?

    Dolgoruky
    No, no, if he had lifted his hand against me, he would not have gone unpunished. It was only a misunderstanding, particularly on Katerina's side.

    Anna
    Oh, no. You may be sure it was deliberate on Katerina's part. She's a damned intriguer. Since I saw you last, I've taken a step that not everyone will understand. In the world, of course, they will throw stones at me. Indeed, it's already begun.

    Dolgoruky
    I'm afraid I don't understand.

    Anna
    I've been abandoned by my father from my childhood up. You blame him for not marrying your mother. I blame him for leaving mine. We Versilovs are a very ancient family, yet we are adventurers. Was it not natural that I should turn to a man who has taken the place of a father to me? My feelings for the Prince are known only to God, and I refuse to accept the judgement of the world about the step I have taken. When there is, moreover, at the bottom of this, the most evil intrigue—the work of his own daughter—is it to be endured? No, I will save him, even if I have to ruin my reputation.

    Dolgoruky Anna, what exactly is going on?

    Anna
    I'm going to marry him.

    Dolgoruky
    But, you can't? He's too old, it's crazy.

    Anna
    I can, and I will. My position is awful. I am forced to use duplicity because of the machinations of that woman. You must not blame me for seeing help from my own flesh and blood.

    Dolgoruky
    Look, I don't want to get involved in this.

    Anna
    It's necessary for Prince Nikolai to leave his home. To seek refuge from his daughter. He has no place to go, he looks on you as a friend. He loves you like his own son. For myself I expect nothing, since even my own father has played me such a treacherous, such a spiteful trick.

    Dolgoruky
    Father has gone crazy, I think, but—

    Anna
    He told me on his word of honor that he had nothing with Katerina—and I completely believed him—yet, as soon as he heard of her marrying Buring—

    Dolgoruky
    Have you seen Father, where is he?

    Anna
    He's with Katerina. Yesterday morning he made her a formal offer of marriage.

    Dolgoruky
    That's not true.

    Anna (hissing at him)
    He made me take it to her myself.

    Dolgoruky
    He's lost his mind completely. I can't understand it.

    Anna
    Is it hard to understand that love can make such a fool of a man?

    Dolgoruky
    He's like a gambler who stakes his last money—with a loaded pistol in his pocket.

    Anna
    It's ten to one he'll be refused. But he's in a frenzy.

    Dolgoruky
    Did he really ask you to deliver the letter?

    Anna
    A little tacky, wasn't it? God knows what he'll do next.

    Dolgoruky
    I believe you did it only because there's no chance she'll accept him.

    Anna
    Actually, she should accept him.

    Dolgoruky
    Why?

    Anna
    Because she's in love with him, for one thing. But she's afraid of him. So, she won't. But if she does, it will be impossible for me to marry her father. I wonder if she's given thought to that? Does she fear me or him most? Any minute there may be trouble. He asked her to grant him an interview in any event. She promised.

    Dolgoruky
    She's going to meet him? But, she's afraid of him. He may kill her.

    Anna
    She wants to have done with him forever. He holds a certain fascination for her.

    Dolgoruky
    But he's out of his mind! We've got to stop them.

    Anna
    There's nothing to be done to prevent it.

    Dolgoruky
    Maybe it would suit you if he killed her?

    Anna
    And you, Brother? Are you not in love with her?

    Dolgoruky
    I, I can't explain my feelings, I—

    Anna
    Never mind. She drives all men crazy, though I don't know how.

    Dolgoruky
    But what about Baron Buring? She's engaged to him.

    Anna
    The good baron retired after your father accused Katerina of trying to seduce you. The scandal was too much for him. First, he wanted to fight Father, but then decided it was impossible and withdrew his challenge. I don't believe Katerina ever had an intention of marrying him. Katerina just used him as a lure to excite both you and your father. Nothing drives a man so crazy as to think the woman he loves is going to marry someone else.

    Dolgoruky
    This is too much for me. Look, I don't know what you expect me to do, but you'd better not place your hopes on me. I'm going to go away from you all, and that's the end of it.

    Anna
    I expect you to be my champion—abandoned as I am by everyone. Your sister, if you care to have it so.

    Dolgoruky
    Anna, don't do this to me.

    Anna
    He's downstairs in the coach waiting.

    Dolgoruky
    What?

    Anna
    We are both seeking refuge with you.

    Dolgoruky
    Exactly what is your plan?

    Anna
    With that letter, we are justified. I will show it to his friends— they will support me—and eventually they will reconcile him to his daughter—I'll insist on it myself. But the state of affairs will be entirely changed.

    Dolgoruky
    Whatever you say, I cannot. I intend to give the letter to Katerina. But I shall insist that there be no scandal and that she will not interfere with your happiness. That's all I can do.

    Anna
    Don't be a fool! You don't know what misery will come from your obstinacy.

    (Enter the Old Prince, looking somewhat frantic.)

    Old Prince
    Ah, my dear young friend. Anna, forgive me, I grew tired of waiting. It's been so long since I've seen you, my dear boy. What's been the matter with you?

    Dolgoruky
    I'm delighted to hear you are going to marry Anna.

    Old Prince
    I thought about you, when we decided. Who will be pleased?—he will! Well, no one else will, but that doesn't matter. People are spiteful gossips.

    Dolgoruky
    You were always fond of Anna.

    Old Prince
    We have begun our romance, and only ask them to let us finish it. Perhaps it is a dream, but don't let them rob me of this dream.

    Dolgoruky
    How do you mean, it's a dream, Prince?

    Old Prince
    A dream? How a dream? Well, let it be a dream, but let me die with that dream.

    Dolgoruky
    Why talk of dying? You have only to live now, only to live.

    Old Prince
    Why, that's what I've been saying. I simply can't understand why life is so short.

    Dolgoruky
    Tell me, Prince, is it public property yet?

    Old Prince
    No, my dear boy, certainly not. Only Katerina knows. Katerina is an angel, an angel.

    Dolgoruky
    But how strong you look, Prince, how well and fresh and strong you look.

    Old Prince
    Oh, I've regained my health wonderfully.

    Dolgoruky
    That's delightful.

    Anna
    We have come to you, you and you alone—and we beg of you to shelter us.

    Old Boy Dear boy, I heard you've been ill. In fact, I heard you were busy with spiritualism.

    Dolgoruky
    I never thought of such a thing.

    Old Prince
    No? Who was it told me that?

    Anna
    Wasn't it Katerina?

    Old Prince
    They say at these seances the chairs jump right off the ground. There are tables at the Ministry of Finance with eight pairs of hands on them. So why is it the tables don't dance there? Fancy, if they suddenly began dancing.

    Dolgoruky
    What charming things you say, Prince. Just as you always did.

    Old Prince
    I don't talk much, but I speak well, eh?

    Anna
    I will let you talk together. I must arrange matters with the coachman. (going out)

    Old Prince
    Oh, if I could see them both here together.

    Dolgoruky
    Prince, don't distress yourself.

    Old Prince
    Yes, yes, but we'll reconcile them. You are my only hope. You'll set everything straight, eh? Listen, if you really have something, some document, in fact if you have something to say to me—for God's sake, don't say anything at all—put if off as long as you can.

    Anna (returning)
    I've sent him away. Our fate is in your hands.

    Dolgoruky
    But I told you before I cannot.

    Anna (whispering)
    Is that your answer? But what of him?

    Dolgoruky
    He'll go out of his mind if I show it to him. Besides, he won't believe it—he told me so.

    Anna
    Did he? In that case, I'm lost. He's been crying already and asking to go home.

    Dolgoruky
    Where will the Prince sleep tonight? Surely not here.

    Anna
    He will stay here with you.

    Dolgoruky
    I am moving to another lodging this evening.

    Anna
    He will be lost without you. He will have a nervous attack.

    Anna
    You can't refuse, you can't refuse. (sitting in a chair and weeping)

    Old Prince (coming up to Dolgoruky)
    My dear, rescue me from this place if you can.

    Dolgoruky
    I will do everything I can.

    Old Prince
    We'll cut and run—and we'll leave my trunk here as though we're coming back. (showing a picture) Look, I don't believe a word of it. Not a word of it. Can you believe she wants to put me in a madhouse?

    Dolgoruky
    That never happened. That's a mistake, I know her feelings.

    Old Prince
    That's splendid. Fetch Katya here—and let them kiss each other before me. Look, that man downstairs isn't a doctor?

    Dolgoruky
    No, he's my landlord.

    Old Prince (suddenly trembling)
    This—this isn't a madhouse, is it?

    Dolgoruky (to Anna)
    See, this is your doing.

    Anna
    No—it's your doing. Will you unmask that bitch? You see what she is doing to this defenseless old man? Give up your childish fantasies about her. Save your sister.

    Dolgoruky
    I will, I will. I will reconcile you all.

    Old Prince
    Fetch her, fetch her here. Take me to her! I want to see Katya and bless her.

    Dolgoruky
    You see, you see. No document will help you now.

    (Enter Lisa.)

    Lisa
    Brother, Brother, you must come home immediately.

    Dolgoruky
    What's the matter?

    Lisa
    I don't know exactly. But, no doubt, it's the latest chapter in the same old story. Father is gone. Mother is shattered. They won't tell you, so don't ask. But they need you, so go.

    Dolgoruky (rushing out)
    I'm coming, Lisa, I'm coming.

    CURTAIN

    ACT V

    Scene I. Versilov's kitchen.

    Tatyana and Sonia are talking frantically. Dolgoruky and Lisa enter.

    Lisa (to Dolgoruky quietly)
    Listen, Brother, they are expecting him.

    Dolgoruky
    I guessed so, Lisa, I see it.

    Lisa
    He's certainly coming.

    Dolgoruky (to Sonia and Tatyana)
    Where's Father?

    Tatyana
    We don't know.

    Dolgoruky
    Most likely he's gone looking for me.

    Tatyana
    Go and see! Go and see!

    Sonia
    Will you come to my husband's funeral tomorrow?

    Dolgoruky
    Yes, if you like.

    Sonia
    Good. I'll expect you.

    Dolgoruky
    I'm alarmed.

    Tatyana
    Hold your tongue. Much it matters, your being alarmed. I might have asked you to do something, the only pity is you're so stupid. Listen, go to Anna's and see what's going on there. But no, don't go; a booby's always a booby. Why do you stand like a post?

    Dolgoruky
    I'm not going to Anna's.

    Tatyana
    They will devour her. They will draw her into a deadly net.

    Dolgoruky
    Anna?

    Tatyana
    Fool Katerina. You swore that Kraft had burnt the letter. You were lying.

    Dolgoruky
    Don't pester me. I still have it. But, what of Father?

    Tatyana
    Go along, you idiot! You are love sick yourself. Father and son, in love with the same woman. Foo! Horrid creatures. (after a pause) Listen, Sonia, instead of the ikon's lying down, wouldn't it be better to stand it up on the table against the wall, and to light the lamp before it?

    Sonia
    No, better as it is.

    Tatyana
    I dare say you're right; it might seem to be making too much fuss.

    (Versilov enters with a bouquet of flowers which he gives to Sonia.)

    Versilov
    Good evening to you all. (to Sonia) I felt I must bring you some roses on your birthday. I'm not going to your husband's funeral. The old man won't be angry at these flowers—because he bequeathed us joy himself, didn't he? I believe he's here in this room.

    Sonia
    Who's here in this room?

    Versilov
    Makar Ivanovitch, your husband. I had better tell you about these flowers. Three times on the way I felt like throwing them in the mud and trampling on them. A terrible feeling. Why? Because they are too beautiful. What's this ikon you've got here? Ah, Makar Ivanovitch's. He left it to me. Let me have a look at it.

    Tatyana
    What's the matter with you, Andrey Petrovitch, darling?

    Versilov
    I really don't know, Tatyana. Don't be uneasy. I still remember you. I've only come for a minute to wish Sonia a happy birthday. I'm disappearing again. But I'll be back, I'll be back. Do you know, I feel as though I were split in two? Do you know, Sonia, I have a dreadful longing to smash this lovely ikon? I am sure it would break in two halves, neither more nor less.

    Sonia
    Andrey, Andrey!

    Tatyana
    Let the ikon alone, let it alone, Andrey Petrovitch. Put it down. Arkady, run for the doctor.

    Versilov
    But what a fuss you are making. I'm scaring you, Sonia. I didn't come to talk of all this. I came to tell you something quite different. I'm going off on my wanderings again. But, no doubt, I shall come back to you again one day—in that sense you are inevitable. To whom should I come back when it is all over? Who will heal me? Where can I find an angel like Sonia? Don't imagine I came to break this ikon. For, do you know, Sonia, I'm still longing to break it?

    Tatyana
    Let the ikon alone.

    (Tatyana tries to take the ikon from Versilov, but he violently pulls it from her and it breaks on the floor in two pieces.)

    Versilov
    Don't take it for a symbol, Sonia. I just wanted to break something. Not Makar's legacy. Anyway, (going out) I shall come back to you, my last angel.

    Sonia
    Andrey, Andrey, come back, if only to say goodbye.

    Tatyana
    Don't worry yourself. He'll come, he'll come, Sonia. (raging) Why, you heard his nonsense. Let him go and amuse himself one last time, the fool. He's getting old—and who'll nurse him when he's bedridden except you? He tells you so himself; he's not ashamed.

    (Dolgoruky embraces his mother who is quite upset.)

    Tatyana
    But, you'd better run after him. Go along, go along—overtake him— don't leave him for a minute—go along, go along.

    Sonia
    Arkasha, oh, do run after him.

    Dolgoruky
    People are not angry with the insane, and you, Tatyana are in a fury with him. So he's not insane.

    Tatyana
    No, but you are. Go!

    (Dolgoruky rushes out as the others look on.)

    BLACKOUT

    Scene II. Versilov's kitchen.

    Versilov and Katerina are facing each other.

    Versilov
    Yesterday, I made you an offer, forgive me, it was absurd—

    Katerina (warily)
    It was not absurd—but after some thought, I decided not to accept it. I assure you, I gave it careful consideration.

    Versilov
    Tel me, why did you come here?

    Katerina
    To be finished with you.

    Versilov
    Answer me one question!

    Katerina
    As many as you like.

    Versilov
    Did you ever love me? Or was I mistaken?

    Katerina
    I did love you.

    Versilov
    And now?

    Katerina
    I wouldn't tell you if I did.

    Versilov
    Are you laughing?

    Katerina
    No. I, I don't know how to say this without hurting you. I'm sorry for what I've done to you. That's cold comfort, I know. You see, I did love you, but I very soon got over it. And, I have taken great care that I not fall in love with you again.

    Versilov
    But, what do you want? Explain that!

    Katerina
    That's simple, but difficult. I want peace.

    Versilov
    Peace?

    Katerina
    Peace, not passion. You loved me too much. You still do. I've had passion in my life before. I know what it can do. I don't want it any more. If you had loved me less or, at least, concealed it better, loved me in the lukewarm way most people love each other, I should have loved you in return. But your love frightens me. We should never have peace. We would consume each other.

    Versilov
    And will Buring bring you peace?

    Katerina
    He ought not to trouble you at all. I'm marrying him from affection only. He's as incapable of passion as he is of exciting it. My heart remains in my own keeping, exactly where I want it.

    Versilov
    I heard he has broken things off.

    Katerina
    He has. But he'll be back. I'll have him at my feet in a week. And I intend to make him suffer for it, too.

    Versilov
    You're depraved.

    Katerina
    Perhaps. I prefer to think I'm simply a woman.

    Versilov
    Have you seduced my son?

    Katerina
    Could you want to marry me, thinking I had done that?

    Versilov
    Since we are being honest with each other, yes. It makes you more desirable.

    Katerina
    Now who's depraved?

    Versilov
    You haven't answered my question.

    Katerina
    Your question is an insult, and I don't intend to answer it.

    Versilov
    I want to know whether you've slept with him?

    Katerina
    Why don't you ask him?

    Versilov
    He has a letter which could cause you a good deal of difficulty with your father. Is that why you did it?

    Katerina
    Can't we drop this?

    Versilov
    Aren't you afraid?

    Katerina
    I only get angry when people threaten me. Look, I came to tell you that I almost love you. If that's not enough, I'm sorry.

    Versilov
    Why can't you dissemble? Why do you have to be so honest? Why aren't you like all the rest?

    Katerina
    I can't conceal my feelings, or lack of them, any more than you can conceal your passion from me. It's quite hopeless. Which is what I'm trying to tell you.

    Versilov
    Yes, it really is passion. In your presence, I'm done for. I hate you for that. I'm sorry I love a woman like you.

    Katerina
    I'd love you if I could, but I can't.

    Versilov
    But you're sorry for me?

    Katerina
    Yes.

    Versilov
    Never mind. I've no pride with you. I'm ready to take any charity from you—like a beggar. You've made a beggar of me.

    Katerina
    I can't bear to hear you talk like that. Let's part friends.

    Versilov
    Don't marry anyone.

    Katerina
    Forgive me if you can.

    Versilov (suddenly attacking her)
    I'll kill you.

    (Versilov begins to strangle Katerina. Dolgoruky suddenly enters and tries to interfere. There is a terrible struggle. A pistol goes off. Versilov is dead. Lisa enters.)

    Dolgoruky (struggling to get up)
    Is Father all right? He had a pistol. He was going to kill her.

    Lisa
    He's dead, Brother.

    Dolgoruky
    What about Katerina?

    Lisa
    She, too.

    Dolgoruky
    This is horrible, horrible.

    Lisa
    It's worse than you know.

    Dolgoruky
    What can be worse than this?

    Lisa
    The baby. It's not Sokolsky's baby. It's Father's baby.

    CURTAIN