diff options
| author | www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> | 2026-06-20 20:44:34 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> | 2026-06-20 20:44:34 -0700 |
| commit | 7d91f6d813015b13a2af17f04ab458bc404bc674 (patch) | |
| tree | 035853983c9288be236ce4790b5354f108a23f54 /78902-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '78902-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 78902-h/78902-h.htm | 6765 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 78902-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 0 -> 283178 bytes |
2 files changed, 6765 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/78902-h/78902-h.htm b/78902-h/78902-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..68be2c9 --- /dev/null +++ b/78902-h/78902-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6765 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + The waltz of the dogs | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +a { + text-decoration: none; +} + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +h1,h2,h3 { + text-align: center; + clear: both; +} + +h2.nobreak { + page-break-before: avoid; +} + +hr.chap { + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + clear: both; + width: 65%; + margin-left: 17.5%; + margin-right: 17.5%; +} + +div.chapter { + page-break-before: always; +} + +ul { + list-style-type: none; +} + +li { + margin-top: .5em; + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; +} + +p { + margin-top: 0.5em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: 0.5em; +} + +.box { + margin: auto; + max-width: 20em; + border: double black; + padding: 0.5em; +} + +.box .bt { + border-top: thin solid black; +} + +.center { + text-align: center; +} + +.character { + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; + margin-top: 1em; +} + +.direction p { + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; +} + +.gothic { + font-family: 'Old English Text MT', 'Old English', serif; +} + +.larger { + font-size: 150%; +} + +.mid { + font-size: 125%; +} + +.pagenum { + position: absolute; + right: 4%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; +} + +.scene { + margin-left: 2em; + margin-right: 2em; +} + +.scene p { + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; +} + +.smaller { + font-size: 80%; +} + +.smcap { + font-variant: small-caps; + font-style: normal; +} + +.titlepage { + text-align: center; + margin-top: 3em; + text-indent: 0; +} + </style> + </head> + +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78902 ***</div> + +<main> + +<p class="titlepage larger">THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS</p> + +<p class="center"><i>A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS</i></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true"> + +<div class="chapter box"> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By</span><br> +LEONID ANDREYEV</p> + +<div class="bt"> + +<ul> + <li><span class="smcap">Anathema</span></li> + <li><span class="smcap">The Life of Man</span></li> + <li><span class="smcap">The Sorrows of Belgium</span></li> +</ul> + +</div> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p class="titlepage larger">THE<br> +WALTZ OF THE DOGS</p> + +</div> + +<p class="center mid"><i>A Play in Four Acts</i></p> + +<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">BY</span><br> +LEONID ANDREYEV</p> + +<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">AUTHORIZED TRANSLATION FROM THE<br> +ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT BY</span><br> +HERMAN BERNSTEIN</p> + +<p class="titlepage"><span class="gothic">New York</span><br> +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY<br> +1922</p> + +<p class="center smaller"><i>All rights reserved</i></p> + +<p class="titlepage smaller">PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</p> + +<p class="titlepage smaller"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1922,<br> +By HERMAN BERNSTEIN.</span></p> + +<p class="center smaller">Set up and printed. Published September, 1922.</p> + +<p class="titlepage smaller">Press of<br> +J. J. Little & Ives Company<br> +New York, U. S. A.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHARACTERS">CHARACTERS</h2> + +</div> + +<ul> + <li><span class="smcap">Henry Tile</span></li> + <li><span class="smcap">Carl Tile</span>, <i>His Brother</i></li> + <li><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></li> + <li><span class="smcap">Alexandrov</span>, <i>nicknamed “Feklusha”</i></li> + <li>“<span class="smcap">Happy Jennie</span>”</li> + <li><span class="smcap">Andrey Tizenhausen</span></li> + <li><span class="smcap">Ivan Yermolayev</span></li> + <li><span class="smcap">Ivan</span>, <i>man servant</i></li> + <li><span class="smcap">Two House Painters</span></li> +</ul> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[1]</span></p> + +<h1>THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS</h1> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_I">ACT I</h2> + +</div> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <i>Two house painters are singing a song +behind the wall. They sing it softly, without +words, monotonously. <span class="smcap">Carl Tile</span>, a student, +is sitting at his brother <span class="smcap">Henry Tile’s</span> +writing table. The apartment is new, not +yet completely finished or furnished; nor is +the room in which <span class="smcap">Carl Tile</span> is sitting completely +finished. It is intended as a drawing +room, and the new furniture is arranged in +strict order: armchairs, plain chairs, a small +round table near a couch, an oval mirror; +but there are no rugs, no draperies, and no +paintings. In the middle of the room a table +is set for dinner. Everything in the room is +angular, cold, lifeless—life had not yet begun +there. The new little piano is very glossy; +music is arranged on the music stand. <span class="smcap">Carl +Tile</span> is busying himself with a skeleton key.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[2]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>The house painters are singing.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He whistles softly to the tune of the quiet song +without words. Then he strikes the table +with his palm softly and says</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He strikes the table twice again after measured +pauses, repeating</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Yes—Yes.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I have just opened my brother Henry’s table with +a skeleton key. I was looking for money. But I +found only twenty-five rubles—only twenty-five +rubles. That’s too little.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Again he strikes the table after measured pauses.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Yes—Yes—Yes. I wonder whether my brother +Henry—Henry Tile—knows that I am a cardsharp, +a gambler, a thief, that I am looking for a +woman to support me! No, he does not know. +My brother Henry is not wise. No. No. Now +he’ll think the house painters stole the twenty-five +rubles, he may not even notice that they are +missing. “Brother Carl!” he says, “Brother +Carl.” Yes.—But could I?—If Henry had much +money, oh, a lot of money, of course—and if it +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span>could be done unnoticed, oh, of course, unnoticed—could +I kill Henry, my brother Henry Tile?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He rises and walks up and down the room twice. +He is tall, straight, in a long student’s coat, +hanging clumsily and loosely upon him. His +hair is brushed back smoothly, and is glossy. +The dark blue collar of his coat is unusually +high. Carl’s face is dry, somewhat stern, +with regular features, and very decorous. +He sits down at the table again and taps it +three times, saying</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Yes—Yes—Yes. The house painters are singing. +A sad tune. A quiet tune. I am a scamp, +yet I am fond of sad songs, while my brother +Henry has no taste at all. And his new apartment +is dreadful. There is something here that +inspires crime. The house painters are singing.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He whistles softly to the accompaniment of the +tune. He hears the sound of the door opening +in the corridor, voices; and rising slowly, +he walks up and down the room with measured +steps as before. Enter <span class="smcap">Henry Tile</span>, +and his associates, <span class="smcap">Dmitry Yermolayev</span>, +a stumpy man of Russian type, and <span class="smcap">Andrey +Tizenhausen</span>. Behind them walks <span class="smcap">Alexandrov</span>, +smiling confusedly and happily. He +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span>is nicknamed “Feklusha”—he had been a +schoolmate of <span class="smcap">Henry Tile</span> in the first +classes of the gymnasium.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Hello, Carl. How are you?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Hello, Henry. Thank you. And how are <i>you</i>?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Thank you, I’m well. Gentlemen, are you all +acquainted with my brother Carl? Carl, these +are my associates at the bank—they are all gentlemen +for whom I have a great deal of respect.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>How do you do, Mr. Tile?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>Very pleased to make your acquaintance. You +resemble your older brother very much, very +much.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>O, yes, we resemble each other a great deal. He +is a fine fellow, a serious worker.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To Carl</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>And this gentleman is known as Feklusha—are +you acquainted? They call him Feklusha.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>We used to go to school together—to the Peter +school. He was expelled from the second class, +and he has had hard luck all his life. Feklusha, +you were expelled from the second class, weren’t +you?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>From the third, Mr. Tile. For lack of ability. +My conduct was excellent.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>He says, for lack of ability!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I met him on the Nevsky yesterday. It was raining +hard—Twenty years have passed since we +parted, still I recognized him. And he was walking +very fast. You were running, Feklusha, +weren’t you?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>It was raining, and I had no umbrella. I was +running!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I invited him to dinner to-day. But, gentlemen, +I hope you will forgive me if the dinner is not +as good as I should like you to have in my new +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span>home. This is my first dinner at home, and I +cannot guarantee that my new cook is an expert.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Tile, why should you excuse yourself? I +only hope we are not inconveniencing you.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, no, I am glad.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>What excuses! On the contrary, I am highly flattered +that you invited me to the first dinner at +your own home. When you are married, and you +will have everything in order, you will forget your +old friend Andrey Tizenhausen.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Everything will be in order, but I will never forget +old friends. Sit still and smoke your cigar.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To Carl</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Didn’t I see you last week at Donon’s restaurant? +You were sitting there with a lady and an officer—I +believe he was an officer of the guards?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Lying.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>No. I never go to Donon’s.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Carl can’t afford such expensive restaurants.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>Then I must be mistaken. Excuse me. But he +looked exactly like you.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You were mistaken, Dmitry.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To Carl</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Well, how are you getting on with your work? +I like to hear about your achievements.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Lying.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I delivered the second installment yesterday.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, that’s good. You are a serious worker. But, +gentlemen, isn’t this song annoying you? I hear +it again. My house painters are singing there.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>It’s without words. I didn’t think they called that +a song.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Listening.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>But it’s good! There is something of the stage-coach +driver in it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To Henry</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>My father was a stage-coach driver.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>It sounds very good to me, too. Although my +father was of Swedish descent, I feel that I am +a Russian, and I understand <i>this</i>. This is Russian +sadness.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Although my name is Tizenhausen, I don’t even +know how to speak German. I am a Russian. +Nevertheless—you will pardon me, Henry, I +don’t understand the meaning of this Russian +sadness.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, one must feel it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Do you feel it?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Not now. Oh, now I am so happy that I cannot +feel any sadness—Russian, Swedish, or German!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>All laugh.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Manly words, Henry! But won’t you show us +your new apartment before it gets dark? I am +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span>dying of curiosity, I want to see how you are +building your nest. Look out, Henry, I am an +old and experienced man!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, you can’t frighten me, you old grumbler!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I am only a happy fiancé, but you will see what a +definite plan I have. Oh, you’ll see!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>I’d be delighted to see.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Please follow me. Carl, be so kind as to stay +here with Feklusha while I show them my home. +Feklusha, please smoke, the cigarettes are on the +table.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>They go out. <span class="smcap">Feklusha</span>, confused, takes a +cigarette. <span class="smcap">Carl</span> lights a match and holds it +out to him, while he examines him coldly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Bending over to the match</i>,</p> + +</div> + +<p>Thank you very much, I’ll do it myself.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Please. Why do they call you by such an absurd +name—“Feklusha”? It’s a woman’s name.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>How shall I tell you, Mr. Tile? I suppose it’s +on account of my character. I am always somewhat +timid, inclined to tears, and in the same +manner, too hasty—quick in my thoughts.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Why “in the same manner”?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>They say so.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>No, they don’t. But you are not very quick to-day. +Where are you employed?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>How shall I tell you, Mr. Tile? I’m employed +by the police.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>What!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>No, no, I am working in the office of the chief +of police, in the passport department. Mr. Henry +Tile knows about it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Are you getting much?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Forty rubles—well, together with gratuities and +extras, and so on, it comes to about ninety rubles. +A very trivial sum.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>A large family?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Enormous!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Why don’t you get into the detective service? It’s +more profitable, you could earn more.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>You’re joking. How can I?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>No. I am serious. You are hardly suited to be +a <i>provocateur</i>, but as an ordinary detective you +might do. It isn’t as hard as it seems. How +much does a good detective get?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>A trifle—they don’t get much.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I mean a good detective?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Oh, a really good detective gets enormous sums. +But since you are talking to me in such a friendly +spirit, I must confess to you, I have tried it, I +have made all kinds of efforts—but—</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>But what?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Nothing. I have no abilities of any kind, I am +not fit for anything worth while. That’s my misfortune. +That’s why I’m doomed—I have no +abilities.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>None?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Not the slightest! You know, there are so many +opportunities around me that if God had only +given me some talent, I could have provided for +my family perfectly. But without talents, I run +about, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t earn +another kopek. How can I?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Feklusha, could you make or get—I don’t know +what you call it there—could you get me a false +foreign passport?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>No. I couldn’t! How could I?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>But if you tried—for a substantial sum?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What do you need it for?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>One must always have a foreign passport for an +emergency. No, I am only jesting, of course. +Were you really running when my brother Henry +met you?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>You are laughing at me, Mr. Tile? Pardon me, +but I don’t quite understand your conversation.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>No, Feklusha, I am not laughing. Do I look +like a man who is fond of laughing? Henry asked +me to entertain you, and I am entertaining you. +Does Henry intend to assist you?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I would be extremely happy! He told me that +he was giving financial aid to his brother—he +meant you, Mr. Tile?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Yes. But I prefer to speak about you, Feklusha. +Tell me, when you were a detective, did you often +have dealings with murderers?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>With murderers?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Henry and his friends return, talking. Henry is +laughing.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are surprised, you old grumbler? Let me +brush off your coat, you have soiled your sleeve, +Dmitry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I’ll bring the brush.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>It isn’t worth bothering, really, it isn’t.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>He’ll bring the brush. Carl, fetch it. Well, +gentlemen, how do you like it?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs happily.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>It’s a wonderful little apartment, Henry.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I am astounded, Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>In the dining room I will have oak-colored wall +paper, eventually I will change it to oak veneer. +The windows of the nursery, as I said before, +will always have the sun. It will always be light +there. That’s hygienic, and essential in Petrograd. +Unfortunately, I had too little sunshine +during my own childhood, so I want my children +to have plenty. Sunlight is essential.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>But, Henry, you talk as if you already had children, +and a heap of them! That is the self-assurance +of a bachelor!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I <i>will</i> have them.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Enter <span class="smcap">Carl</span> with a brush.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Please, Dmitry, Carl will brush your sleeve. I +<i>will</i> have them. I have already bought a children’s +cot—in a week from now it will be in its +proper place waiting for its master.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>And when is the wedding to take place?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>In a week from now the apartment will be ready. +In seventeen days, counting from to-day, the wedding +will take place. To-day, by the next mail, +in about twenty minutes from now, just before +dinner, I will get a letter from Elizabeth, in which +she will inform me exactly on what day she arrives. +Elizabeth went to Moscow to see her +parents. Now this room, Andrey! Here, rugs. +There, portières. In these vases, always fresh +flowers.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>That’s a luxury, Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Fresh flowers are not a luxury. And here, over +the piano, I will have two gravures—meanwhile +I haven’t enough money for paintings—the head +of Beethoven and Giorgoni’s “Concert.” Are +you looking, Feklusha?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I am staring!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span></p> + +<p>Staring! And here, Andrey, in this corner, will +be an armchair in which I will sit quietly while +Elizabeth plays Beethoven and Grieg. You see, +I have already secured the music from which she +will play for the first time, while I will be sitting +in my armchair.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Shakes the dust off the music and replaces it carefully +and tenderly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>How dusty!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>That’s from the workmen, Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>There will be no dust in my home. Have you a +piano, Feklusha?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Where would I get it, Henry?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>He says, where would he get it? Let me tell you, +Andrey, this nook where I am going to sit and +listen is my particular joy.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>Have you a lease for this apartment?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes. I have a lease for three years, with the +privilege of renewing. I don’t want to change +apartments every three years. Yes, Andrey. My +mind is dry and practical, I have no talent for +music, but I am extremely fond of it, just as my +brother Carl is.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>But you play, Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>What! Don’t joke, Carl.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Have you forgotten? You played well in our +nursery days.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>So that’s the sort of man you are, Henry! At +the bank we are under the impression that you +are only a splendid financier, with a most remarkable +head for figures, while now it appears that +you are also a musician. Henry—a Mozart!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Not quite so important. Yes, I recall. There’s +a little piece I used to play with two fingers, that +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span>my mother taught me to play when I was a child. +It is called by a strange name—“The Waltz of +the Dogs.”</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Play it, Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Threatening with his finger</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Now, now, Carl!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>No, you must!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To Yermolayev</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Don’t you think he ought to play it for us, or +we’ll be offended and leave.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>So that’s the kind of talents you have, Henry! I +never suspected it, never! And at the bank we +don’t know anything about it. Play!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Now, now. But I must admit that Elizabeth is +very fond of my “Waltz of the Dogs,” very!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>All laugh.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Well, then, Henry?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Carl, you are a jester.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Mockingly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>But since the audience demands it——</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sits down by the piano, says with mock solemnity</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>I beg the audience to listen attentively. I will +now play “The Waltz of the Dogs.”</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He plays “The Waltz of the Dogs.” During the +playing he sits straight, serious, his face is +immobile, almost petrified, but after finishing +his play, he bursts into laughter. While +<span class="smcap">Henry</span> is playing, <span class="smcap">Carl</span> watches him coldly +and closely, then he is the first to applaud. +General applause, but as there are only few +listeners, the sound is light.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Bowing mockingly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Ladies and gentlemen, your humble servant! I +cannot play an encore, but whoever wishes to hear +this music again, is invited to come in seventeen +days to the wedding ceremony of Henry Tile and +the maiden Elizabeth Molchanova. Then I shall +play it again.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He laughs and closes the piano cover.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>At what time will the wedding take place?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>At half past seven. And don’t be late! But you +will learn all this from the invitations which are +already being printed.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Are you happy, Henry?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, my friend! Let me clasp your hand, but +silently, silently, Andrey. This way. And now, +gentlemen, don’t you feel that after my music +your appetite has grown stronger? Aren’t you +hungry? Carl, please tell my new cook that in +ten minutes we shall be ready to have her pass +an examination.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I am going.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Exit, soon returns.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Are you hungry, Feklusha?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Yes. It wouldn’t do any harm to eat.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>He says, it wouldn’t do any harm! And the +cognac? Will that do any harm?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>That surely wouldn’t do any harm.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>All laugh.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>I suppose you think that your schoolmate doesn’t +drink anything but sacred water? Then you are +making a great mistake—he drinks cognac.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>He drinks cognac!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>A pleasant occupation! There’s no use in hiding +the fact: in spite of my general lack of ability, +<i>this</i> talent——</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sighs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I <i>have</i>.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>It’s most remarkable, Henry. I have watched +you for eight years, we have been in restaurants together, +but I have never seen you drink too much!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Really?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>Never!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>And you never will, Dmitry! He has a strong +head, such as this world has never seen before!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Do you think so? Perhaps you are right. And +what is more—Gentlemen, the bell! That’s the +postman, bringing a letter from Elizabeth. Carl, +please.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Exit <span class="smcap">Carl</span>. <span class="smcap">Henry</span> is agitated, but restrained.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To Feklusha</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>So you are fond of cognac?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Entering.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>A letter from Moscow, registered. Sign here, +Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Signing.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I always asked her to send it registered. Here +are twenty kopeks for the postman. So. Now +they are writing us from Moscow.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Tearing the envelope open.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>You will pardon me, gentlemen?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>How can we prevent a lover from reading his +letters? Go ahead, Henry, we are not here.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Henry</span> reads slowly and long. He turns pale at +the first lines, and keeps growing ever paler. +No one but <span class="smcap">Carl</span> is watching him.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Softly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>A wonderful little apartment! It’s very hard to +find one like it nowadays.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>You can’t even touch any apartments now—it’s +simply terrible.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Have you a family?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>An enormous one!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Loudly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Aren’t you feeling well, Henry?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>All look with alarm at <span class="smcap">Henry</span>. He gets up, walks +two steps, and without saying a word strikes +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span>the table with a powerful blow of his fist. +Bottles and glasses fall. All jump to their +feet.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Henry!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Henry!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Henry</span> strikes the table once more just as forcefully +with his fist, without saying a word. He +stands silently, surveying them all with red +eyes, as if looking for some one to attack.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>Bring him some water!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I need no water!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Henry! My dear Henry! Has anything terrible +happened?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>No, nothing terrible.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Henry, calm yourself.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I am calm.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>No. Something terrible has happened. My dear +Henry! We are here! We are all your friends, +Henry!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I must ask you to excuse me, but there will be no +dinner to-day. Carl, tell the new cook that she +may go home now.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Exit <span class="smcap">Carl</span>, returns soon.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Who cares about the dinner! You shouldn’t +worry about such trifles, Henry!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>Who cares about the dinner?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>There will be no dinner here to-day.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He suddenly strikes the table again.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Almost crying.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Oh, my God! What a misfortune, Henry!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes? Here is a very strange letter, Andrey. +Either there’s something wrong in this letter, or +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span>I can’t read it. Read it, Andrey, and tell me. +Perhaps I have grown blind.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Reads.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>No, you haven’t grown blind, my poor Henry.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Reads.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>No, it’s impossible!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>And does it say there, “I still love you”?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Yes, yes, Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>So. Then I am not blind. And does it say there +“But because of the insistence of my parents I am +going to be married.”</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Henry! She is already married. She is already +married!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>She is already married to a wealthy man. What +is his name, Andrey?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>His name is not mentioned.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Not mentioned. So. And how did she sign it?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Reading</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>“Your unworthy Elizabeth.”</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Unworthy Elizabeth. Yes. Unworthy Elizabeth.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Suddenly strikes the table forcefully.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Unworthy Elizabeth!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>But my dear friend, my unfortunate friend.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Keep up your courage, Henry!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I will not do it any more.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Yermolayev</span></p> + +<p>Henry, it isn’t worth worrying about. Such things +happen in life. You will find a better bride for +yourself.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I will not do it any more. But, Andrey, don’t you +find that it is written with precise exactness: “Unworthy +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span>Elizabeth.” Who? “Unworthy Elizabeth.” +Who? Henry Tile. And who else? +“Unworthy Elizabeth.” Don’t you feel like laughing, +Feklusha?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Frightened.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>No, Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You must not laugh. I will not allow any laughter. +But, Andrey, don’t you think that the whole +letter is written in very precise language?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Excuse me, Henry, but in my opinion—the opinion +of an honest man—this is a contemptible letter. +Yes.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>And in my opinion it is simply a very precise letter. +Henry Tile loves accuracy—all his life he +never made a mistake in a single kopek, he never +made a mistake in addition, he never made a mistake +in a single cipher, and now they have written +a precise letter to Henry Tile. And it is signed: +“Unworthy Elizabeth.” Gentlemen, I should like +to remain here alone.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>But how can you stay here alone, my dear friend?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Never mind. I’ll stay here alone.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>If you like, I’ll stay with you.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>No, Carl. I don’t need you. Good night. To-morrow +we will meet at the bank. Carl I want +to say a few words to you.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Quietly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Here is some money, please take these people to +a restaurant and treat them to a good dinner.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>May I clasp your hand, Henry?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>It’s hardly necessary, but, please. Press it firmly.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I am pressing it firmly.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Smiling</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>No, press harder still.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I am. What do you want?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>They strangely measure their strength. The +others look on uneasily.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Are you pressing with all your strength? Press +harder.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I can’t press harder.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>And I?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Presses Carl’s hand.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Tizenhausen</span></p> + +<p>Don’t, Henry. Leave him!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Henry, stop!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Smiling</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>And I?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Turning pale and shrinking</i>,</p> + +</div> + +<p>It hurts. Stop! You’ll break my hand!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Henry releases his brother’s hand and laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are very strong, Carl.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I don’t like such jokes!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Morosely</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Excuse me, Carl. That was really wrong. Excuse +me. Good night, gentlemen. The door +shuts itself, so I will not come out with you. Carl, +I ask you once more to forgive me.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>All go out irresolutely, one by one, with different +expressions upon their faces, shaking +<span class="smcap">Henry’s</span> hand. <span class="smcap">Henry</span> remains alone; +walks up and down the room. He is tall, +wears a dark coat, with round flaps, gray +trousers, neatly creased—his usual costume. +All new and strong, and his shoes are also +strong and new. His face is regular, dark-complexioned, +stern. His hair is short. He +wears a small mustache. The house painters +resume their song. <span class="smcap">Henry</span> stops and listens.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>What’s that again? Who is there? What’s +that?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Listens; suddenly strikes the back of the armchair +violently.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Stop!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>The song is continued. It is sung softly, sadly, +monotonously. <span class="smcap">Henry</span> walks over to the +door and shouts.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Eh, you! Stop! Quit your work! Go home!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He walks up and down the room again, pauses, +walks again, looking at the door impatiently.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>They call this “Russian sadness.” What nonsense, +“Russian sadness!” Is there also such a +thing as Swedish sadness? Then I feel it too! +Who? Henry Tile. Who? Unworthy Elizabeth? +And who else? And again Henry Tile, +Henry Tile—O my God!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sighs, whistling, as one who has a toothache. The +two house painters, frightened, slip by +quietly in the dark like two shadows.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Wait! It isn’t necessary to work any longer—it’s +dark already—you can’t see anything. And +tell your master that I don’t need your work any +more, anyway. Where are you going? This way, +there’s no one there. The door shuts itself.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>The house painters go out, <span class="smcap">Henry</span> roams about +the room, going to unexpected nooks, taps +on the wall, as though looking for some forgotten +door. He gradually blends with the +gathering darkness.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span></p> + +<p>There is no one there, and there is no one here. +Alone. Oh, Elizabeth, Elizabeth! Alone! Now +I can break everything, smash and throw to the +ground!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Throws something on the floor.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I can destroy—and no one can stop me. I can +destroy everything. Here is the piano.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He strikes the piano forcefully, and it resounds.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>How it sounds! And if I strike it again?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He strikes it again and it sounds again.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>How it sounds! When I banged the table, they +were frightened and they cried: “Henry, Henry, +Henry!” I suppose I must have struck it powerfully, +for my hand hurts. They cried, “Henry!” +then, but now nobody will cry. I can strike, break, +destroy. Nobody will stop me—I am alone. And +I can take the revolver from the table, put it +against my head and fire. What then? Then I +will lie on the floor until morning. Then some +one will break the door—who?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>No! But she is already married. My God! +My God! My God! She is already married—already! +My God! I hadn’t thought of this. +What shall I do, what am I going to do all night +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span>long—<i>all night</i>. She is already married—How +am I going to pass the night? It is so early, darkness +has just set in. What am I going to do +all night long! Elizabeth! Liza!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>No.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Suddenly his figure stirs in the darkness and he +walks quickly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>But that is impossible! I have forgotten! I have +taken the apartment for three years. That’s impossible, +that’s stupid—I cannot. Three years! +I am ashamed. I have made a nursery, but I am +not so ashamed of that. And my apartment? +My God! And I have placed music upon the +piano. Music. I bought it. Yes. What was +I thinking about? She would have played, and +I would have been sitting quietly, listening. I +would have kissed her hand. Perhaps it would +have been just as dark as it is now. I would +have taken her gentle hand and put it to my lips. +How is it done? This way.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Silence. In the darkness his soft voice is heard, +full of longing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>What a long night! What a dark night! Liza!</p> + +<p class="titlepage"><i>Curtain</i></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_II">ACT II</h2> + +</div> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <i>The same scene as in the first act, only +the dinner table is missing. Nothing is +changed there, although a year has gone by. +It is evening and electric lights are burning. +<span class="smcap">Carl Tile</span> is sitting at the writing table, +cross-examining <span class="smcap">Ivan</span>, the man servant.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>And what time does my brother usually come +home?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>He has his dinner at the restaurant and comes +home about eight o’clock. He goes out again at +nine or ten. I don’t know when he comes back.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>And when do you go home?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>At ten. Sometimes he sends me away earlier.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Did you serve in the army?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>Yes, sir. In the cavalry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Ah! Fine! You look all right, Ivan, and you answer +questions sensibly. Fine!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>Glad to serve you.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Fine! Well, does he go out every evening?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>No, twice a week. All the other evenings he stays +home. Perhaps he goes out after ten, only I +don’t know about it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Correct. Who visits him?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>No one.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Really?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>Only Mr. Alexandrov comes up very often.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Which Alexandrov? From the bank?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Smiling</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>No. They call him “Feklusha.”</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Ah! What do they do?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>I don’t know.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>You answer wonderfully. But what do you serve +them?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>Cognac.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Much?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>Plenty. We have a large stock of it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Indeed! I know this Mr. Alexandrov. Be careful, +Ivan, that he doesn’t steal a fur coat some +day.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Smiling</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>I’m watching him.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>You are a splendid fellow. Now, Ivan, tell me: I +suppose you have a key of your own for the outside +door?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>Yes, sir. I have two keys for the back door. One +is an extra key in case I lose the other one.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Correct. Can’t you give me one of the keys? I +sometimes pass here after ten o’clock. I want to +get a book, and there is no one to open the door.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>I doubt it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Nonsense. I am not Mr. Alexandrov, who may +steal a fur coat. Here you have five rubles.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>Thank you very much. But I still have my doubts +about it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Nonsense! Here are five rubles more.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>Here is the key. But in case anything happens?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Of course, I take everything upon myself. You +are a splendid fellow! I like sensible people. +Here are two rubles more. Wait. Who’s ringing +the bell?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>I suppose it is Mr. Alexandrov—it can’t be any +one else. Excuse me.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Exit, returns shortly, followed by <span class="smcap">Feklusha</span>. +Announces, smiling</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Mr. Alexandrov.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Flatteringly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Good evening, Mr. Tile.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Carl</span> walks up and down the room, without responding, +as though not noticing Alexandrov +at all.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I suppose Henry will be here soon. It is almost +eight o’clock.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Carl</span> walks silently, then stops in front of +<span class="smcap">Feklusha</span> and looks at him fixedly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I am dreadfully sick of you, Mr. Feklusha! For +more than six months I haven’t come here once +without seeing that simpleton’s face of yours. +Why do you snoop around here? You work for +the police, while I am an honest man, a student—you +are repulsive to me.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What will you do about it, Mr. Tile?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I’ve offended him. “Mr. Tile!” Yes, I am Mr. +Tile, and if you steal a fur coat some day, Mr. +Feklusha—</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Upon my word, I’ll complain to Henry. Why do +you persecute me, why do you make my life miserable? +I work for the police, but I am an honest +man—I have a family.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>He talks of honesty!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>I’m going to complain!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>And I will tell him that you are lying. Whom will +he believe, Mr. Feklusha? I’m bored. I didn’t +have enough sleep last night. Tell me some interesting +lie.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>I am not a liar. Lie yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Rude—rude into the bargain! It seems you have +no abilities of any kind. That’s terrible—to be +a nonentity, a fool, to be unable to do anything, +even to lie. And in addition to that, to have an +enormous family, dirty children—to love them, +and wipe their noses tenderly! Fool! And in +addition to all that to be sensitive, to have a certain +self-respect. Self-respect! And I suppose +his wife beats him too—I can tell by his beard. +Your wife beats you, Mr. Feklusha, doesn’t she?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t feel like answering you.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I suppose your wife is a very untidy woman. And +you are not particularly clean yourself, Mr. Alexandrov. +You are repulsive to me. Why aren’t +you just an insect? Then you could be easily +removed—with insect powder. We wouldn’t have +to stand upon ceremony with you. How absurd!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He walks silently, then stops again in front of +<span class="smcap">Feklusha</span>, very close to him.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Are you angry? Don’t be angry. Believe me, +I was only jesting. Don’t you want to look at +me at all? Well, let me see your little eyes. I +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span>slept very poorly last night, I spent the night with +a woman, and I am nervous; do you understand, +Feklusha, I am nervous! Under such circumstances +a man will talk all sorts of nonsense.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I’m not angry, but why should you offend a man +like that? I haven’t done you any harm. It’s a +sin, Mr. Tile.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>It isn’t right, I have already admitted it. Tell +me, my dear fellow, what have you been doing +here with my brother Henry?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Nothing. Upon my word of honor!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Since you give me your word of honor, I bow to +you and am silent. But what does he do? Every +man does something—what does my brother +Henry do?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t know. Upon my word of honor!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Henry stays home, he has given up his sprees, +and spends his evenings with a strange character +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span>like you. Don’t you think Henry has gone out of +his mind—not altogether, but a little?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Oh, no—I don’t think so at all. You and I may +go out of our minds, but not he!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>It is very interesting to talk with you. You have +such fascinating little eyes, Mr. Feklusha, and if +you are not a downright scoundrel, then I know +nothing about scoundrels.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Again?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Let us combine, Mr. Feklusha. Do you want to +make twenty thousand rubles? You can’t imagine +it? Well, then, here is the proposition: Persuade +my brother Henry to insure his life for a hundred +thousand rubles.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t understand you. I can’t tell when you are +jesting and when you are not.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>It’s as plain as day. Altogether one hundred +thousand rubles. Twenty thousand for you, and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span>eighty thousand for me, as his brother, and for +the idea.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>But, for that, he would have to die!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Carl laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>You are comical.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>But what is he going to die from? What an idea! +Henry is a strong man.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs loudly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>You are very comical, Mr. Feklusha! You ought +to be in a circus. You are a clown!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Rising.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I am going to complain to Henry! What do you +mean? Why do you annoy me like Satan? Satan!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Indifferently</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>You are a perfect fool! And there is such an +odor about you—I suppose you don’t know what +a bath is. Fie! Go and take a bath. I’ll give you +some money for a bath.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I’ll tell him everything, you’ll see!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Still more indifferently</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Hold your tongue! I am disgusted with you. I +want to walk and think. Keep quiet—and don’t +disturb me. If you breathe a word about it I +will tell my brother Henry this evening that you +were urging me to insure his life and kill him. +Silence!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He walks up and down the room slowly. <span class="smcap">Feklusha</span> +is silent. A knock on the door in the +corridor. After a few seconds <span class="smcap">Henry</span> enters.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Good evening, Carl. How are you? Good evening, +Feklusha. Sit down.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Thank you, and how are you, Henry?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Quite well. Have you been here long?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>A little while.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Did you come for money, Carl? I believe your +month is not up yet.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Thank you. I still have enough. Besides, I have +found a good pupil.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Don’t stand upon ceremony with me, Carl. I intend +to increase your allowance twenty rubles a +month. Feklusha, at yesterday’s conference they +decided to increase my salary by twelve hundred +a year.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Really? I congratulate you, I congratulate you +from the bottom of my heart.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>The management appreciates my services.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I don’t even congratulate you, Henry—it is so +natural. Yesterday I met Tizenhausen, and he +told me that you have become ideal. He assured +me that he had never seen such a correct, tireless, +and perfect worker as you are. Everybody fears +you at the bank.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes, they are all afraid of me. When I pass +by, they don’t dare lift their heads from their +work. Yesterday I dismissed two clerks for not +being punctual. Yes, people have reason to be +afraid of me.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Of course, you don’t include me among them? I +am jesting, Henry. But here is something I +wanted to ask you seriously—I was talking about +it with your friend here.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>With my client, Carl. The Romans used to say +so.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I beg your pardon, with your client. I find that +his condition is terrible. He has an enormous +family, lack of means, lack of abilities.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Well?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I don’t need any more money. Be generous, +Henry, give him the increase of twenty rubles a +month. I ask you seriously.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause. <span class="smcap">Henry</span> looks at his brother attentively. +<span class="smcap">Carl</span> is serious and modest.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Good, Good! Feklusha, did you hear what he +said? Thanks to my brother, Carl, now you will +get twenty rubles a month from me.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Confused.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I really don’t know—My God! Thank you, Mr. +Tile. I can’t express my—but in the name of my +whole family—!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>On the point of tears. The brothers look at him.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To his brother, softly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>He is agitated.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Loudly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Well, good night, Henry, good night. Are you +staying home this evening?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>No, I have an appointment. Good night, Carl. +The door shuts itself.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Exit <span class="smcap">Carl</span>. <span class="smcap">Henry</span> waits until the door closes. +Mockingly shows with his face and hand how +the door closed, and laughs loudly. <span class="smcap">Feklusha</span> +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span>looks at him with a certain sense of +fear.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Henry, you were drinking this evening at dinner?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I always drink at dinner. If Carl were not my +brother, I would have said that Carl was a—fool. +(<i>Laughs.</i>) They gave me an increase of twelve +hundred! They say I am ideal. Feklusha, they +are afraid of me at the bank!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs flatteringly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Very clever, Henry! I am amazed how you do +it. Was it true that you dismissed two clerks?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>After all, I am sorry for them. Have they families?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Whatever the situation, I cannot permit inaccuracies. +They deserved to be dismissed.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>And what about the twenty rubles for me? Is +that true, or were you only jesting?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are a rabbit—simply a cowardly rabbit. No, +I was not jesting. You will get twenty rubles a +month—but not long, not long, Feklusha! +(<i>Laughs.</i>) These foolish people at the bank are +afraid of me. I want to steal a million from +them, and they are afraid of me! I want to steal +a million from them, and they say, “Henry Tile +is an irreproachable worker, he is ideal.” Isn’t it +comical, Alexandrov?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sternly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>I don’t believe it, Henry. These are only words +to test me, nothing else. Excuse me.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You believe I am so honest?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t believe anything. I admit that with all +your talent you could easily appropriate from the +bank not only one million, but two millions—as +many as you want. But—!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Steal, Feklusha! Speak as a friend—steal!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Still worse—steal! But what’s the sense of it? +What’s the sense, Henry? I ask you with tears +in my eyes, explain it to me, don’t torture my +head, don’t torment me! Here they have given +you an increase of twelve hundred and they will +soon give you another increase—Henry, you are +my benefactor, but I am absolutely convinced that +you are just making sport of me.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are foolish, Feklusha.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I have heard that many times. You can’t surprise +me with that, nevertheless I don’t believe in your +plan. My God! And why do you talk to me +about it? What sort of comrade am I to you? +You have the mind of a cabinet minister, and +what am I? No. I am absolutely sure you are +jesting, you are just acting, as in a play. You +are not going to run away anywhere!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are a fool, Feklusha! You are all fools, and +none of you knows Henry Tile with his great soul. +I have a great soul! My soul dwells in a palace, +and not in this stupid apartment, where the nursery +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span>windows face the sun! But let them be deceived—I +am gladdened by the sight of the +deluded fools.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t want to know about it, I don’t want to! +Do you hear, Mr. Tile, or no? I don’t want to +hear any more about it. For the past six months, +ever since you told me about it, I haven’t slept a +single night—upon my word!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Why should you sleep?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What do you mean? I once lived without care.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Why should you sleep? I do not sleep nights +either. Oh, I have slept long enough, and now I +have awakened. Don’t you see the sun that is +shining for me at night? That is my sun, I have +awakened. Henry Tile, who is fond of punctuality, +who placed this stupid music upon the +piano, who leased the apartment for three years, +for ten years, for a hundred years—Henry Tile +has awakened! Would you like me to play for +you “The Waltz of the Dogs”? Listen. I’ll +play for you “The Waltz of the Dogs.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He plays it in the same serious, wooden, affected +manner as before. Then he laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Did you hear it?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I did. You were drinking at dinner this evening.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I always drink at dinner, I told you that before. +But I see that you too need a drink to brighten up +your dull brain.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Rings.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>We’ll have a <i>little cognac</i> now.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing, pathetically</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Now I believe you again. How you say it, a little +cognac.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Not so loud.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Enter Ivan.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Ivan, give us some cognac—or—that would be +fine—let us have some Swedish punch. Quick!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Exit Ivan.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Do you like Swedish punch?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I adore Swedish punch, but what’s the use? I +don’t see the use of it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>The use of it is that you drink cognac and punch, +while Henry Tile is deceiving the fools with his +arithmetic. And the use of it is also—and I want +you to take note of it—that in about two weeks +from now I am going away with a million rubles. +I will not tell you the exact day.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Why should I know the exact day? But how will +you go, if you haven’t even a foreign passport?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I have it. But listen: Yesterday I was again examining +the railway map and I discovered that +my original plan of escape by way of Stockholm +will not do. I’d be caught in Stockholm or in +Malme. I am a severe critic. I see everything in +advance. I have another plan now.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What is it?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I am not going to tell you.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I wouldn’t remember it, anyway. How many +plans you have already told me! I forget them +as soon as you tell them to me. What a head I +have! Are we going to examine the map this +evening? I like it—it’s so interesting, it takes +my breath away.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>No. Not so loud. Ivan is coming.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Enter Ivan, with punch, which he puts on the +table.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Ivan, you may go home now, I’ll not need you this +evening. Good night, Ivan.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Ivan</span></p> + +<p>Good night.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Exit.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Drink, Feklusha, brighten up your dull brain. It’s +excellent punch!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>If I could only brighten it up! To-day my +little boy took sick—the measles, I don’t know—I +went away from home—there is nothing for +me to do there. A fine father, indeed!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>This evening we will go to that dirty little tavern +of yours. I want to drink much this evening, to +talk and see many people. But not fools! Feklusha, +do you know that Elizabeth came to me +twice and knocked at this door?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>No. Really? She was here herself?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes. The first time she was sent away by Ivan, +and the second time I myself opened this door for +her, I raised my hand this way and said to her, +“Go!” She said, “Forgive me.” I said to her, +“Go, foolish Elizabeth!” and I closed the door.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Drinks and laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I pity the women, they are foolish. But you loved +her?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>No! And we are going this evening to that little +tavern of yours—I like the people in that tavern!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Very well, then, let us go. I am ready for anything.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>And I like you, too. With you I can talk as if I +were alone. And yet I am <i>not</i> alone, because you +have ears. But I <i>am</i> alone because these are the +ears of a donkey! But you are sly—you are a +very sly little animal.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>How am I sly? What are you saying? I was +dreaming of becoming a detective—why, anybody +would escape from under my very nose, and I +wouldn’t even notice it! Eh?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Drinks.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>No. You are a very, very sly little rabbit. I can +see it. You have thought up something for yourself, +you don’t want to be a fool. Oh, you are a +great scoundrel! But that doesn’t matter, for I +have already been forewarned by my angel!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>That doesn’t matter!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Stop this. Is it possible that you know all the +trains and all the steamers?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>All.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Just think of it! All? And I can’t even find the +right street car, I always get into the wrong one. +And is it possible that you need only two sheets +of paper in order to get that million? It’s hardly +credible!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Only two.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What a talent! And what kind of papers do you +need?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You don’t have to know that, you foolish Feklusha. +That’s superfluous. But in about two +weeks a certain very correct gentleman will be +traveling on a certain steamer and he will have +a million in his pocket. And traveling on a certain +steamer that gentleman will raise his hand +this way—he will stretch it towards the distant +shores and say, Good-by, distant and foolish +shores! Good-by, apartment with a nursery facing +the sun! And good-by and be cursed, and +dead, and buried, Henry Tile, who loved order! +Feklusha, would you like me to clasp your hand +so that your bones will break?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>No. I don’t like such jokes, Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Tile, and not Henry! If I see you again in +any way disrespectful to me, Feklusha, my old +comrade, the only friend of Henry Tile, I will +not only break your hand, but I will break every +bone in your body. Do you hear?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>It was unintentional. How could I allow myself +to be disrespectful to you? My God, don’t I +understand the difference?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Well said! Empty your glass and let us go at +once to your little tavern. There you will keep +quiet and drink until your eyes turn green, and I +will drink, laugh, bang the table, and talk about +the foolish, dead Henry Tile. Come!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Rising.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I was going to ask you something, since you are +so kind. Of course, I am a married man, but +why shouldn’t we go to a certain house on the +way from the tavern? The women there are excellent, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span>they are even intelligent. Really! It +would be nice for you, too.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Foolish and vulgar. You are a dreadfully petty +scamp, you are a rabbit. Come!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Emptying his glass.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Right away. Well, then, we won’t. I am not a +scamp at all. I am simply an unfortunate man. +If my child is ill—I am coming.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Turn out the light.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>They turn out the light and go out. For some +time the stage is empty. Then the door from +the other rooms opens slowly, a careful whisper +is heard, and two shadows, dimly lighted +by the lantern in the street, move in the +room. The restrained laugh of a woman is +heard.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Loudly and firmly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>There’s no one here. They went away. You may +come in. Don’t be afraid.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman’s Voice</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I hurt my knee.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>We are here like thieves.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I can’t find the switch. I think it is here. Wait, +Liza, don’t go before I turn on the light.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>No, don’t turn on the light, wait. I am sitting in +an armchair. But I don’t realize where I am. It +is terribly interesting. We are like thieves in a +strange apartment. They also sit in armchairs +and look around this way. Let us make believe +we are thieves, Carl.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Jestingly, in a threatening whisper</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Let us kill and rob your brother Henry Tile.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I haven’t the slightest desire to play. But it was +stupid of me not to take along the flashlight. +Where are you? I can’t see you.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Here.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I can’t see anything, Liza. I am falling asleep. +Another night like this and another day like to-day, +and I’ll fall asleep while walking. Strange! +Aren’t you tired?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing softly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>No.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>And I—</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Yawns.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Do you ever let your husband sleep?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>My husband—yes. But how interesting it is that +we can’t see anything. I don’t know where you +are sitting. What room is this? I am afraid to +look at it in the light. I was in this apartment +only twice. It wasn’t finished yet, but Henry +showed me how it would be finished. Tell me—no, +don’t turn on the light, but tell me—here, over +the piano, are two pictures. Wait, I recall, yes, +the head of Beethoven and some “concert”—yes?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>No. There are no pictures here.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>And the rugs?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>There are no rugs here.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>And the armchair in the corner?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I don’t know. I am telling you Henry left the +apartment unfinished. I am tired of this, Liza. +Why did you drag me here? What do you want +here?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>I want it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>If this isn’t your usual foolishness, it is a perverted +whim. It’s immaterial to me, but this is +simply uninteresting. And if it is part of your +program this evening to shed tears about the +broken home, then pardon me—I’ll fall asleep.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>I don’t remember Henry’s face. Does he resemble +you? I can’t recall his face.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Good night. I am falling asleep.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>You are dreadfully abominable. I am surprised +that such an honest and honorable man as Henry +should have such a dishonest brother.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>And therefore, leaving the honest Henry, you became +the mistress of the dishonest Carl? Correct!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>According to you, I am also——</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Also what? First you betrayed Henry with your +husband, now you are betraying both Henry and +your husband with me. Well, your husband, of +course, is a fool, but after all—and then, you are +supporting me. You know, that is not particularly +moral.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Turn on the light.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Gladly.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Looking for the switch.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Lizette, I don’t understand why you are so disgusted +with me. You have just said so tragically, +“Abominable.” There!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Turns on the light. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> is sitting in the +armchair near the piano; she covers her eyes +with both hands as the light is suddenly +turned on. <span class="smcap">Carl</span> sits down again, tired, +blinking at the light.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I am convenient, because you may say everything +and do everything with me. The devil take +them! They have been drinking punch here. +That makes the picture lively. Mr. Feklusha is +managing his affairs quite nicely. Punch!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> takes her hands away from her eyes +and examines the room with fear. She wears +large diamond earrings. She is beautiful.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>This is terrible! This is terrible!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>It is simply tasteless.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>No! It looks as if a crime had been committed +here. A crime <i>was</i> committed here. I am a murderess, +Carl!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Nonsense! A woman’s nerves! But something +is here—a certain interesting odor. Crime! +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span>There’s a word that should be pronounced cautiously. +It has a magic effect. Ah, the devil take +it. And the door. He has a key, he may come +back any moment. Let us go!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Wait. I am looking. I love him!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I have no doubt. What wonderful diamonds you +have, Liza!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>I love him. Why have I done it? It wasn’t necessary, +it wasn’t necessary at all. I have an +enormous amount of money, but I don’t need it, +I don’t need it at all. But at that time I wanted +money—or didn’t I want it? I don’t know. I +don’t know! Carl, I’ll give you ten thousand to-morrow, +if you like.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I do.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>I’ll give you twenty thousand, if you like.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>No, you won’t, my dear. You won’t give me even +ten thousand, but you will give me five hundred +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span>for this visit. I know you, my dear! But I am +not complaining. I am satisfied.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Walks uneasily.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Liza, my nerves are on edge.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Stretching himself.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>We must do something. Let us go driving like +mad in an automobile. Come. Meanwhile, let +me kiss your ear—you have such wonderful ears.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Ears or—earrings?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Both. You are such a darling.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Leave me alone. Don’t dare!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I dare. And now this one!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Kisses her ear.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Mockingly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Karlusha!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Quickly stepping away, angrily</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Please!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Karlusha! Karlusha!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Turning pale</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>I have already asked you never to call me by that +foolish name. My name is Carl and not Karlusha. +Please remember!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Also turning pale, but continuing to laugh.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Karlusha! No! You are just Karlusha!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Violently</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>But I ask you—seriously! You may call me whatever +you like. I will not be offended, but I can’t +bear this nickname. Do you hear? Don’t irritate +me. Don’t irritate me!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>And what will happen if I do—Karlusha?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Slowly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>What will happen? My brother Henry will be +tried for the murder of Elizabeth. I will choke +you. Silence!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Retreating, in a whisper</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Karlusha, Karlusha, Karlusha!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Advancing a step, also in a low voice</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Keep quiet. Will you? For the last time——</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Hiding behind the armchair</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Karlusha!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Carl</span> advances towards her silently. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> +retreats, without turning her widened eyes +from him. Suddenly she stops and listens.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Hush!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Frightened.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Some one is coming.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Also frightened.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Where? Ssh!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Footsteps.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>No.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Some one is behind that door.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Tss. Where?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Both are pale, bending, listening attentively. +Pause. The electric light is burning.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="titlepage"><i>Curtain</i></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_III">ACT III</h2> + +</div> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p><span class="smcap">Scene I</span>: <i>Night. Fog. The bank of one of the +Petrograd canals. Lanterns are seen in the +distance. A cast iron gate is seen distinctly +in the foreground. Beyond it, the canal and +the other side are enveloped in darkness, and +enormous houses are outlined faintly in the +background. Lights are seen in some of the +windows here and there—the lights are faint +and motionless like yellow spots.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Henry Tile</span> and <span class="smcap">Feklusha</span> are standing and +talking, half leaning against the gate. Henry +is smoking a cigar.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are drunk, Feklusha, you are absolutely +drunk. Your eyes are green. Come.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I won’t.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Shall I call a cab? Then you won’t have to drag +your feet.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t want to.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I’ll give you some more cognac.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t want any. You’re drunk yourself. I +don’t want to go to your apartment—leave me +alone. I don’t want to!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Don’t yell.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I’m not yelling.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Let me go, Henry. I will go down on my knees +before you, if you like. I will go down on my +knees before you, but let me go, or I will shout +again.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Alexandrov!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I won’t. Why did you take me along?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Cries.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I was hiding, but you found me—I can’t bear it +any more. I don’t want to go to that tavern any +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span>more. I don’t want your cognac, I want to go +home—my wife is waiting for me.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are drunk. Don’t cry, it’s foolish. Listen, +have you forgotten what you wanted to do? Try +to recall! Recall! You were planning to betray +me when I run away with the money—in order to +get one third. That would make you rich—rich! +Recall!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Well, I wanted to do it, but now I don’t want to do +it. I was driven insane by your maps; I began to +feel like a bloodhound. I was running and running, +without knowing where I was running. The +day I met you on the Nevsky was cursed—I felt +happy—I had found an old friend!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, that day was cursed. You express yourself +precisely. Come to my house, come; it will be +very nice there. Have you forgotten? We will +light all the lamps, I will get some cognac.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I won’t go. That’s my last word, Mr. Tile.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Call me Henry.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t want to. Either you run away with your +million or—to the devil with it all! To the devil!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Very well, I’ll run away. Have another drink, it’s +cognac.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Where did you get it?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Drinks from the bottle.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Very good. And you?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I’ll have a drink, too.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Drinks.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Fine comrades! The people of your bank should +see you now—how funny! By God!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs softly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>They are sleeping, and they see in their dreams +that Henry Tile is busy with his arithmetic. +While Henry Tile is drinking cognac with Feklusha.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Both laugh, swaying.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Where are we? I don’t know this place. Where +are we, Henry?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>This is the Catherine Canal. And that is the fog—and +there is the water. Do you want to spit +into the water?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I do.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Spits.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>And what is that?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Those are the lighted windows of the houses on +the other side. Someone is awake.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>And I thought only we were awake. Haven’t you +any more cognac? I would drink some more. I +feel cold.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Come to my apartment, and I’ll give you more. +There is a little round table, and on the table are +cognac and punch. Are you fond of punch?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Still obstinate, but weakening</i>,</p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span></p> + +<p>I won’t go. Either you run away right now, +or—! Why don’t you run away? What sort +of a thief are you? Upon my word of honor! +I’ll throw myself into the canal, by God, I will!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, what a sly little beast you are! You are all +very sly beasts, and you want to be slier than +Henry Tile, but you cannot. He will deceive you, +Feklusha! I was jesting. You may run after me +night and day, but you will not overtake me. You +will lose your reason altogether, your eyes will +turn yellow, you will be howling at the door, but +you will not overtake me!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>My eyes are yellow now. And you are also drunk.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are foolish! I cannot be drunk. I drink +this—(<i>Throws the bottle into the water</i>)—and it +turns into fire, it burns like a flame. I am full of +fire!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I would have run away twenty times.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes. You would have run away twenty times. +Another fool would have run away twenty times—and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span>twenty times the police would have caught +another fool! But I am waiting. I am thinking +and waiting. Oh, I have grown tired of making +plans and upsetting them, but soon I am going to +have a plan which cannot be upset—and then I +shall disappear. One, two, three—Uf!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Blows at his fingers.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Where is Henry Tile? Disappeared. Excuse +me, he has put on a magic cap. Feklusha! Could +you overtake a phantom?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing plaintively</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Now it seems to me that I believe you again. You +are a real tempter—a demon. I had better go +home.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Believe me, please, believe me! I have a remarkable +mind which sees everything. You say this is +the fog, and I am telling you that these are the +wings on which Henry Tile will fly away. I have +a remarkable mind; it thinks while others sleep. +What is it thinking about? Everything! Oh, +what dreams I see, what a happy man I am!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs happily.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Excuse me, I pushed you.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Never mind, Henry, that’s nothing.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>That’s impolite. Excuse me. Fools ask me, +What do you do all day long, you are always +alone? Why, I haven’t enough days and nights +for thinking! Thinking! Thinking! They take +me to see gay women, they take me as if I were +sick and needed a cure, and they ask me, Isn’t it +fine, Henry Tile? And I say to them, Very good! +What a wonderful orgy!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Also laughing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Are the women nice?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are foolish. As if I needed women! For a +trifling sum I can be immoral—how foolish! Listen, +I am now thirty-four years old, and I may +live another thirty-four years—and what if I +should be old, that doesn’t matter. The Popes of +Rome are made Popes only when they are old—that +doesn’t matter. And in America—or +wherever I shall be, wherever there will be the +man who will emerge from the stupid skin of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span>Henry Tile—in America I will invest my million. +Oh, I know how to handle money! I have a plan, +I have given much thought to it, I have considered +everything, and I know a dozen combinations +which will bring me a hundred millions in five +years. Is that good—a hundred millions?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What a question!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>No, Feklusha, that isn’t so good—but a thousand +millions, but two thousand millions—that is good! +Then I could live! Then I could amuse myself! +On that I could have palaces, buy women, be the +benefactor of idiots, have a Henry Tile of my +own who would love accuracy—then I could amuse +myself! I will amuse myself!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>No, I don’t want to. Leave me, Henry. My +dear fellow! Why did you take me by the hand? +Leave me.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You must believe me, my old friend! You must +love me. I have a remarkable mind.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I do love you, I do love you!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Bending down towards him, softly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Silence! Do you know that I, Henry Tile, am a +criminal? I <i>am</i>!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Really? At last, thank God!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You can think of money only? No, it isn’t <i>money</i>. +It is women—it is little children who are still lisping, +“Henry, Henry!” It is the murder of human +beings, it is deception, it is betrayal, mockery, +falsehood, cruelty—and what else is there? +What else is there that Henry Tile has not yet +tried?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Faintly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Leave me.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>We are going to have cognac soon—you like cognac? +Or punch? My dear Alexandrov, I will +give you punch, yes, as much as you like.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Again punch? I don’t want any.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Rudely</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span></p> + +<p>When did you manage all this? You are lying, +you haven’t enough money for all that. I don’t +want to hear any more of this nonsense, that’s +enough!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing happily</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>I am preparing myself, I must know everything. +You remember how they taught us at school? I +am preparing myself. I am painting pictures, I +am a famous painter. I have achieved everything!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Leave me alone.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Be silent, or I will throw you into the water! I +have achieved everything. They—these people—they +know only the body of crime, but I, Henry +Tile, I have penetrated into its soul. Oh, how I +know the soul of murder!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I’ll call a policeman.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Keep quiet, you fool!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Loudly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Po——</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Henry closes his mouth. A light struggle, followed +by a pause. Only the frightened outcry +of Feklusha and the heavy breathing of +Henry are heard.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>But I was only jesting. This is so foolish. I +was jesting, don’t you understand? You will not +cry now, will you?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>No. I was scared.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Of course, of course! You thought I was talking +seriously, and you were frightened. Don’t shiver +like that, don’t shiver. You are a poor little rabbit, +while I am a wolf, isn’t that so?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs, trying to appear kind.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I am a wolf, am I not?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I like you very much, Henry—you are my benefactor. +Why should I cry?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sobs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Leave me, I am chilled, I may catch a bad cold.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, yes, it is very damp and foggy, you may catch +cold, my dear fellow. Your health is very poor. +You mustn’t shiver. Don’t—we will go soon. +Shall we go or will you wait a little? I’ll wait.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I am going in a little while.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, what a foolish little beast! He is shivering! +But we will warm him up with hot punch, with +very hot punch, and we will have some music. Do +you like music, Feklusha?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I do. Some one is coming. Let my hand go.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>That is the King of the Forest, Feklusha. “The +child, all shivering, is clinging to its father.” +Who’s coming? Who wants to scare my little +rabbit?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>That’s nothing: It’s a lady in a large hat. It’s +a beautiful woman for a song, and you will be a +Don Juan to-night!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>No.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, yes. You said so yourself. Well, smile, +smile—you are a splendid fellow!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>A woman with a large hat and bent wet plumes +emerges silently from the fog.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Good evening, beautiful lady. May I know why +you are walking alone in such bad weather?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>The woman looks at them silently.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Don’t be silent, Feklusha, you must be a gallant +cavalier. Ask her. You are a Don Juan this +evening.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What shall I ask her? Aren’t you afraid to walk +alone, mademoiselle?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>He says, aren’t you afraid to walk alone? Well? +Now let us hear the beautiful lady’s answer. +Well?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>The woman is laughing and waving her hand.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Good evening, friends. Are you laughing at me +or not? What are you standing here for, at the +canal? Were you waiting for me?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>She asks: Were we waiting for her? Well, +Feklusha, answer. She is a very nice lady.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What shall I answer? You are so strange, +Henry! Let’s take a cab, and that’s all. What’s +the use of answering?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Rejoicing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>That’s it! There’s a brave fellow!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Both laugh. The woman, after thinking awhile, +also laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Are you drunk? Why do you stand near the +canal? I am chilled, I am going home. What +time is it?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Happy people don’t watch the time. Henry, +what did I say? Happy people don’t watch the +time!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs loudly; Henry also laughs, clapping him +on the shoulder.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>If you are so happy, take me along with you. I +am also happy. My friends have nicknamed me +“Happy Jennie.” I bring luck with me wherever +I go. They all praise me. Come, why are we +standing here? The bird on my hat is afraid of +the rain!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Happy people don’t watch the time? What? +And what were you thinking of, Jennie?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Approvingly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Yes, yes, Feklusha, you have let loose. But we +must ask the beautiful lady about her price.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>What’s the sense of that? You are talking nonsense. +Let us go, and that’s all.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Feklusha! It was Henry Tile who asked what is +your price. He was afraid the price would be too +high.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Oh, not at all.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Yes, he was afraid! But we are not afraid +and we ask you to come along, Happy Jennie. +Now we are all happy.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>All! I like her. You take her. Jennie, do you +like cognac?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Of course, she is coming along with us, of course. +And there will be cognac, and hot punch. Come!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>But where are you taking me? I am afraid to go +to a strange place.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>We are kind people, Jennie—don’t be afraid. +Henry, shall I take her arm? Jennie, your arm! +Oh, what a little hand!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>But you are a real Don Juan! Come. And I +will be your protector. Go, my dear children, I +will follow.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>They go. Henry follows them.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Where are we going?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Do you love me, Jennie? I am a kind man.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>The bank is deserted. Fog. Night.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="titlepage"><i>Curtain</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><span class="smcap">Scene II</span>: <i>The same night. When the curtain +goes up after a brief intermission, the audience +sees the same unfinished room in Henry’s +apartment. The room is brightly lighted. +On the table are cognac and fruit.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Henry</span>, <span class="smcap">Feklusha</span> and “<span class="smcap">Happy Jennie</span>” are +seated at the table, drinking. They have +already drunk a great deal. The table is +in disorder. <span class="smcap">Feklusha</span>, intoxicated, is +without a coat, in a soiled shirt and torn +vest. The woman’s waist is partly unfastened, +but she still wears her large hat with +the wet plumes.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Have another glass, Jennie. Please. And eat +this pear.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p><i>Merci</i>, I feel embarrassed. You are the host but +you are not drinking anything yourself!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, no. I am drinking, too. Please—Your +health, “Happy Jennie!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I drink your health, too!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>I’ll be drunk. Well, here’s to the health of the +one who loves!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>They drink.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>I’d like to have some lemon. How much do you +pay for your apartment?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Twelve hundred.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Including the porter?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes. Including the porter.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>That isn’t expensive. And a nice neighborhood, +too. Well—</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To Feklusha</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>What is it? Why do you pull me?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Jennie, take off your hat!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Feklusha, you are impolite to the lady, you should +be attentive to her, instead of pulling her. Fie!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Let her take her hat off! Tell her. Jennie, take +your hat off!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>What do you want of my hat? Let it dry. It’ll +dry better on my head. You’re not going to buy +me another one, anyway.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>And don’t pull her hair!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>It didn’t hurt. We are having such a serious conversation +here, and he bothers me. That isn’t +expensive, twelve hundred—not expensive at all. +But you should let some of the rooms. What’s +the use of keeping them vacant? They’re empty. +Ah, you have filled my glass again, how quick you +are!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Your health!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>My health is all right. Now, really, the rooms +are empty. And good rooms, too. Anybody +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span>would take them—so many people need rooms, +and here they are idle. Put out a green sign in +front of the house: “Two rooms to let.”</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>And with windows on the sunny side—that is very +important.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>With windows facing the sun, why not? Write it +out and paste it downstairs, or the porter will do +it. You wouldn’t have to bother. Do you keep +a cook, or do you have your meals at a restaurant?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>At a restaurant. You know, there is so much +trouble when you have a cook.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes, sometimes you get a cook who will give +you a lot of trouble! But, oh, you men, how little +you know how to live! It’s funny to look at you!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Another drink!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p><i>Merci.</i> Don’t you think it’s too much? I’d like +some lemon.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To Feklusha</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Again? How annoying you are—what is it you +want?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>You came up with me, not with him. Tell her, +Henry!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Henry and the woman laugh.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Of course with you, with you. Well, give me your +lips. I’ll kiss you—don’t be angry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t want to be. You must love me, do you +hear?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>He is jealous. Feklusha, are you jealous?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Jealous into the bargain, just think of it. Oh, you +fussy little goat!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>He is a very jealous rabbit!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Oh, you foolish Feklusha! Look, even your friend +is laughing at you, he is thinking, how foolish you +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span>are, and your beard is like that of a goat. Oh, +you little goat!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Strokes Feklusha by the beard; he laughs happily.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Let go! Jennie!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>No, I won’t. Are you going to be jealous? Are +you going to be jealous? You little rabbit. I +was jesting a little. Now I can have another +drink. Have a drink, Feklusha!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>She loves you.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Of course, I love him, he is so funny. Well, you +gaping fool, why do you spill the drink on the +tablecloth? You’re spilling it on the cloth, and +it’ll have to be washed. Be careful.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>To Henry</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>We’ve spilled so much, excuse us!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Never mind, that doesn’t matter. Have this pear, +please. Why don’t you have some fruit? Feklusha, +have some.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I am eating. He is very kindhearted, Jennie. He +is very kindhearted, isn’t he?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>He is the host, but he doesn’t touch anything himself.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, no!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I love you very much, Henry. I love him very +much, Jennie—he is kindhearted. I know him +well. He calls me “Alexandrov”—and I come +rushing to him. You can’t get away from him—Oh, +no!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I am tired sitting up this way. May I sit on +the couch? It’s softer there.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I’ll sit down, too.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Of course, please. Alexandrov, why don’t you +help the lady?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing, intoxicated</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Or I am going to wash the dishes right away. I +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span>am so foolish. Others do all sorts of things, but +when I have had too much to drink, I start washing +plates, cleaning knives and forks! It’s very +funny! I wash a little, but I smash a heap of +dishes.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>If that will give you pleasure——</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Oh, no. I am not drunk yet. Ah, that’s good.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sits down on the couch.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>And you, little rabbit, sit down, and I am going +to tell you a little story. Once upon a time there +was a little rabbit—his ears were long—Oh, so +long!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>She tickles Feklusha’s hand, he laughs and withdraws +his hand. Henry looks at them from +the distance. He is silent, as though not +there at all.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Do you love me, Jennie?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>I love you, I love you, of course I love you! Once +upon a time there was a little rabbit.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Do you feel chilly?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>I feel warm now—I was chilly before. Wait, I’ll +take my hat off. I’m tired of it—to the devil with +it! Look at the plumes! My dear, I had been +pacing the sidewalks ever since five o’clock—that’s +enough to chill anybody.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>And I have five children!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Oh, you rabbit! What do you want so many +children for? I had one, and lost it—and you +have five! Girls?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Three girls, and one little boy died—Sasha. How +many is that altogether?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Well, of course, girls. Just think of it! I had a +little boy, a little rascal.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Now, let us count!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>What’s the use of counting? You are a queer +fellow. What an accountant you are—counting +his children on his fingers! Stop it!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>You’re wrong, Jennie. It’s always best to count, +or you may forget. Wait, I’ll ask him. Henry, +how many children have I, eh?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Henry maintains silence, his eyes closed.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>I guess he is dozing, be quiet! Let him sleep a +little.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Aren’t you afraid of him?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Why should I be afraid of him? You are impolite +to me, but he is very polite. I like him very +much. Be quiet, let him sleep.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>He knows how to count! He has a million!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Really?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I am doing it purposely. I am sly, too. He +thought I was away, but I—he is wise, but at +the same time he’s a fool, a big fool.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>He is wiser than you. Are you wise? Let me see.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I fooled him.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>He thought I was away, but I was standing beneath +his window every night. I watched all his +tracks. He can’t run away from me—Oh, no!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Don’t shout!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I am not shouting. “Alexandrov!” You’ll find +out the kind of man Alexandrov is! I’ll make you +wince! I can cry, and I can dance, if I want to—that’s +the kind of man I am. And if I want to, +I can kill myself, and then, go and look for Alexandrov! +“Alexandrov!”</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>You are just talking downright nonsense.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>It isn’t nonsense. You have no right to say that +to me. I’ll hit you on the jaw.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>What an angry rabbit you are!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>No, I am not a rabbit. I am a man. It was he +who made me a rabbit, but I am a man. I have +no ability, but I am a man. I have a heart beating +here, I believe in God, but he doesn’t. What right +has he?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Crying</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>I can’t bear it any more!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Now, now! What is it you can’t bear?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Weeping</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>I can’t bear it any more!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Stop it, I am sick of it. Or I’ll fall asleep, do you +hear?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Kiss me.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>First he cries, then he wants me to kiss him. +There!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I don’t want you to kiss me. Your nose is crooked. +Why did you come here with a crooked nose? +Get out!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Get out yourself! Just think of him! You didn’t +invite me here. Get out yourself! You nasty +little rabbit!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Jennie!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Loudly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Alexandrov! Do you want some more cognac? +Now, now—no fighting. Don’t raise your hand!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I am not fighting. It is she.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You had a little quarrel? That’s nothing. That’ll +pass. Have some cognac, Happy Jennie.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Her nose is crooked, Henry. The devil brought +her to us!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>And who brought you?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Puts on her hat angrily.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Oh, aren’t you ashamed, Alexandrov? You are +offending our guest! That isn’t right. What sort +of a man are you?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>The devil brought her here.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Then you should be grateful to him, and not +angry. If the devil had brought me such a woman, +I would have said to him, Thank you! And I +would have clasped his hairy, honest hand!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Oh, yes, that would be an honest hand! Or do +you think that the devil cannot have an honest +hand? What do you think, Jennie?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>There are all kinds of devils, just as there are all +kinds of people.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Solemnly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Do you hear, Alexandrov, you fool? Drink, liven +up your dull brain! Drink, Jennie, drink some +more—drink faster! Soon the cock will crow. +My night is passing, and I haven’t had a single +one of my dreams. Drink faster. Swallow the +fire! Here I, Henry Tile, am swallowing fire! +Look! One, two, three!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Drinks a large glass of cognac.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I too! Look, Henry! I too!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Empties his glass, coughs; the woman, laughing, +taps him on the shoulder.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>So will I!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>He too! All of us! Drink faster, I beg you, my +dear guests, I beg you: drink faster! The night +is passing rapidly, but we must be faster than the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span>night. Let us rush like wild horses. Do you +know how to neigh like a horse, Feklusha?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I do. What time is it? I must go to work to-morrow.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>What work? You are out of your mind. What +work are you talking about? Have you forgotten, +my old friend, have you forgotten that you are +working for me?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I am done for!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Drinks.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Jennie, drink!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>I’m drinking.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>You’re driving us fast.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>They drink, loudly clanking their glasses.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Jennie, kiss Feklusha. Feklusha, kiss Jennie.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Drinking and kissing!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Quick. I want to see how a man kisses the woman +he loves. Just think of it, I have never seen it. +Well?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Well?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>There!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>They kiss.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>More—more—more passionately! Ah! That’s +the way!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughing</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>What a queer fellow—he’s never seen it before. +Now, my little rabbit, we are like husband and +wife—we kissed each other three times.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I love you.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Good! Oh, I know something else. We are all +going to laugh soon. Wait. I’ll be back in a +minute—just a minute!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Goes to his bedroom quickly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>I am drunk, my dear little rabbit—the whole room +is dancing before my eyes.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>What is he up to now—the flatterer?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Kiss me some more. Everything seems to be +dancing. It’s so funny!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>That’ll do. Let me rather stroke your head now. +What thin hair the little rabbit has—the crows +seem to have pulled them out. Have the crows +pulled out your hair, little rabbit?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>The crows.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Henry Tile enters, with changed make-up, and +changed walk. He has on a light wig, baldheaded, +and red beard. His cheeks are very +red. He stops and looks silently at the +frightened woman and at Feklusha.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Who is that? Listen!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Look here, there’s nobody here! Who’s that? +Why are you staring at us like that?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Calls, frightened</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Henry, somebody is here!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Henry laughs triumphantly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Distorting his words</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Permit me to ask you: Is Henry Tile at home or +has he fled already? I am an Englishman—Sir +Edward Thomson. I am red-headed.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Is it possible? Henry! By God, I have sobered +up! I was wondering who it was—I was scared +to death. Is it possible?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs. Henry and the woman also laugh.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You didn’t recognize me?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>How could I? And your figure, even the figure—and +that red beard!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>And baldheaded. But why baldheaded?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Look!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He walks across the room with a changed gait, +imitating an Englishman.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Wonderful, quite a different man. I don’t understand +a thing! I am out of my mind. Is that you, +Henry?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I. I can change my walk, I can change my voice, +and everything else. Every night I put on this +costume, I look at myself in the mirror, and I walk +up and down this room alone. I am practicing. +Do you understand me now, you fool?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>That’s what I call wonderful. That’s really wonderful. +Jennie, do you see? It isn’t enough to +kiss his hand—that’s what I say.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Changing his voice</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Don’t you want some music, Mr. Alexandrov, +and you, my beautiful lady? I am a musician, and +at your service.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I do, please, let us have it. Jennie, music!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I am a famous musician. Listen, Feklusha, I will +play for you “The Waltz of the Dogs.” Listen!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He sits down with his usual affected manner, emphasizing +it, and plays “The Waltz of the +Dogs,” explaining as he plays</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Little dogs are dancing. Nice little dogs. Ti—ta—ta!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Little dogs—well, well!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>This way. This way. They pull them by a string—they +hold out bits of sugar—ta-ta-ti-ti-. And +then the little dogs lift their feet—this way—this +way—and they dance—the foolish little dogs. +This way, this way!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>More! Please, play it again!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>More! More!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>No. That’s enough.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He walks away from the piano quickly; he stares +at the woman furiously, and then at Feklusha, +and he stamps his foot.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span></p> + +<p>Who am I? Oh you fools! The best musicians in +the world will play for me, and I will step with +my foot—I will crush their stupid violin with my +foot, and will say “Enough!” I will stand with +my feet upon your stupid music! Enough! The +most beautiful of women will fall at my feet and +kiss the mud of my soles, and I will stand with +my foot upon her beautiful naked breast and say, +Enough! And she will be crushed while still kissing +with dying lips. Enough! I will cry! +Enough, you foolish, trivial, unworthy—creature!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He bangs the piano with great force.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman</span></p> + +<p>Oh, don’t! Better play some more.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Don’t, Henry. I am afraid! You’d better play—about +the little dogs. Let the little dogs dance +again.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>The little dogs?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs happily.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>How they pull them by the string, and they lift +their little feet, their little feet!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Raises his feet.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Their little feet?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Yes. Please. I like it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, yes.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>He likes it, he likes it. Very well, then, the little +dogs.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Woman and Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Begging</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>The little dogs?...</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sitting down at the piano; with changed voice.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Listen! I am a famous musician, and here I am +playing for you the famous “Waltz of the Dogs.” +Dance.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He plays</i> “The Waltz of the Dogs.” <i>Feklusha, +raising his hands, and imitating a dog dancing, +turns around easily on his toes. His face +is serious and solemn. The woman joins him. +Raising her hands, she also dances turning +around easily, as in a dream. Her face, too, +is serious and attentive.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Turning around his red head and red cheeks, +showing his white teeth, Henry looks back at +them, laughing and playing.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="titlepage"><i>Curtain</i></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_IV">ACT IV</h2> + +</div> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p><i>The same scene. Night. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <span class="smcap">Carl</span> and +<span class="smcap">Feklusha</span> are in the room.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>I should like to see the other rooms. Would it be +right? I don’t know.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Why not? Look around, if it gives you pleasure. +You needn’t pay any attention to Feklusha. We +are friends now. But how fat I am getting, Liza—have +you noticed it?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Yes.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>It’s almost indecent. I gained another pound last +week, in spite of my exercise and horseback riding. +I’ll have to get a masseur. Mr. Feklusha, what +do you do in order to be so thin? You will soon +look like an Indian fakir.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What? Yes. I have grown very thin.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>How much do you weigh?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What? I don’t know, I have never weighed myself.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Liza, don’t you think our friend Feklusha looks +like a lunatic who has escaped from an asylum? +But why don’t you look at the other rooms, Liza? +Go. We will chat here. What are you looking +at?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Carl, is it possible that eighteen months have +passed since we were here? Look—the same +music.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Yes, Henry is conservative. I suppose eighteen +months have passed—I don’t know. But Liza, I +don’t understand the charms of these heartrending +recollections. In this respect I am a European. +The Russians don’t live, they only remember +something—and whatever they say or whatever +they write, is always like a recollection.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>And Henry?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Henry? I must say that I hardly know my +brother Henry. Still, I am convinced that if he +came in now, he would drive both of us out—notwithstanding +the charms of your recollections. +Make haste, my dear.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>He won’t be here so soon. I know his habits.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>So much the better. I wouldn’t like to quarrel +with Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>My husband is dead, and my child is dead, but +here nothing has changed. There will be the head +of Beethoven—when is it going to be there? +Carl, I am going into the other rooms. I’ll be +back soon.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Go. The switch is near the door, you’ll find it +easily. Mr. Feklusha, sit down near me.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Exit Elizabeth. Feklusha sits down near Carl.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Well, Mr. Feklusha? Why do you smell of sour +beer? You always think up something new. You +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span>look either sick or drunk. Why do you stare at +me this way? Well?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>It’s done.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>What’s done?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>He’s insured. For a hundred thousand—as +agreed.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Rising.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Really? Where is the policy? Has he the +policy?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>The policy will soon be here. They promised to +have it in a few days. I am telling you the truth.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Yes?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Walks.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>No! No. You are lying, Mr. Feklusha, you +are lying, I can see it! You are a perfectly unbearable +fool—why do you lie to me? A queer +man who doesn’t understand his own advantage—and +lies into the bargain. Or are you sorry to +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span>lose the cognac you are drinking with Henry? +But you have already drunk yourself sick—you +need a hospital now—your eyes are like those of +a mad dog. We, the Tiles, we can drink much. +We come of strong stock, but I wouldn’t advise +you to drink much more!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I haven’t touched a drink in a month now. +Enough!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>That sounds pretty strong for Feklusha, but if +that’s the case, why are your eyes so half-witted? +And what is it you like so much about Henry? +He treats you like a scamp. Or is it that you are +sorry for him, that you have human feelings?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I am sorry for him. Why shouldn’t I feel +sorry for him?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Fie! Drop it! It’s disgusting to hear you talk! +Besides, I’ll tell you frankly—I know something +about medicine, and I tell you that in a year from +now no insurance company will take a risk on +Henry. There are certain symptoms, you understand, +which I don’t like at all—I am afraid for +him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>In a week—or two—the policy will be here.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Do you want me to believe that?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>It will be here.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I want you to know that I am not particularly interested. +I live quite well now, and soon—meanwhile +it is a secret—I am going to marry Elizabeth. +And do you know how much money she +has? Well. I suppose you haven’t prepared that +note either—it’s impossible to have any dealings +with you.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I have prepared it. Here it is.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Reading</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>“I ask that no one be blamed for my death. I +leave no will. Give my servant Ivan five hundred +rubles. Henry Tile.” So. Was that your idea—the +five hundred for Ivan?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>You are a wonderful criminal, Feklusha. I take +back everything unpleasant I have ever said to +you. I know Henry’s handwriting. This is a +masterpiece. Most remarkable! Is that his +paper, too?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Yes, from his desk. Give it back to me.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>How old are you—forty? I must tell you that +you have been forty years a blockhead! To bury +such a talent in the ground! It’s inexcusably +stupid! With such a genius for forging handwritings +you could have made a fortune long ago. +It’s stupid!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Let me have the note.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Putting the note away in his pocketbook.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Oh, no, you don’t get that! Show me the policy, +then you’ll get your masterpiece—then it will be +in safe hands. <i>Comprenez</i>, Mr. Feklusha?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Hesitating</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Very well. You are a great criminal yourself, +Carl.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Indifferently</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>So-so. I must live somehow—money does not lie +in the streets. Give me a million, then you may +demand honesty of me. But to ride in a cab, +while others are driving about in automobiles—thank +you. But there is one thing of which you +must beware—that’s greed! That’s what kills +people like us. Here is Liza. Well, how is it, +Lizette, have you shed tears there?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Carl, it is terrible.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>What is it, Lizette? Ghosts?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Don’t laugh. One of the rooms is only partly +covered with wall paper. Dust, lime, spiderwebs—what +room is that? I forget what he told me +that time—what is that terrible room?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I don’t know. Henry has so many absurd fantastic +ideas. I think it’s the nursery.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>For your unborn children, Lizette!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Yes, the nursery. In his excitement at that time, +Henry ordered them not to touch the room—I +suppose it has been neglected since then.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Go out, Carl, and ask Alexandrov to go out with +you for awhile. I want to stay here alone. Do +you mind?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Not at all. Let us go out, Feklusha, and chat. +You are fascinating like a bride this evening—I +am really fond of you. Call us, Liza.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>They go out. Elizabeth remains alone, holding +an embroidered handkerchief. She wears +large diamond earrings.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>How strange! Three years have passed. My +husband and my child are dead and buried, and +here everything is the same as it was—and the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span>apartment is waiting for me. Who am I? Liza. +I have come purposely from Moscow. I came +here before—I came to Henry. He was not at +home, and I waited. Then I could come in and +wait. Henry, I am waiting for you!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Henry, I am waiting for you.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause. Elizabeth weeps.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I love you, Henry! I am happy to kiss the table +at which you sit, to kiss the floor on which you +walk, to kiss the room in which I did not want to +live. I? I don’t know. Who else if not I? I +love you, Henry. I swear by the Almighty God, I +love you, Henry, and I never loved anyone but +you, and I never called anyone but you! You are +strong, and you do not forgive. You drove me +out when I knocked at your door. Go, you said. +Go, unworthy Elizabeth—you said, and shut the +door. And I went away. I love you, Henry.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Weeps.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Why are you so sad, if you do not love me, Henry? +Yesterday you were walking along the bank of +the canal, you thought you were alone, but I was +riding in a carriage and looking at you from the +window. You were so sad! And I fell in love +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span>with you all over again, like a little girl—you +thought you were alone—you walked sadly and +saw no one. Perhaps you were even crying, +Henry? Perhaps you were also thinking of the +unborn children? Oh, what terrible words—unborn +children! Who were not born? Who did +not see the light? Who were expected here and +who failed to come? Who were not born? Who +failed to come? Henry! Henry!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>God, make it so that my soul shall remain here, +that it shall turn into the air that would embrace +him! He will come home sad—and suddenly he +will feel a certain warmth, he will smile and say: +“Why is it so nice in this room? How nice! +Who is kissing me? Is that you, Liza? Is that +you, Liza?”</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Weeps.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Your mother, who died long ago and cannot curse +me, because she died long ago—she taught you +to play; you were then a little boy and she moved +your little fingers—you had such tiny fingers then. +Afterward, you played for me—I was sitting +here, and you were playing, and you wanted me to +laugh, but I suddenly felt sad and terrified. I suddenly +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span>commenced to hate you and your apartment. +I commenced to hate your mother—I felt sad and +terrified! I did not understand anything at the +time, and I went to Moscow. But now I know. +You were playing about the unborn children—your +laughter was sad. Henry, why did you play +for me? Who were not born? Who did not see +the light? For whom were they waiting here—waiting—waiting—and +who failed to come? +Henry!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Weeps.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I love you, Henry!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Weeps. Kneels and lowers her head on the keys +of the piano. Then rises, adjusts her hair +and wipes her forehead as though driving +something away. Calls</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Carl!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Enter <span class="smcap">Feklusha</span> and <span class="smcap">Carl</span>.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Well, shall we go home? It’s time. The devil +knows what it is, Liza. I have just been boasting +to Feklusha about my health—and suddenly I +feel a most annoying palpitation of the heart! +Do you think it’s heart trouble?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>I don’t think so. Let’s go. Good night, Alexandrov.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>I don’t think it’s heart trouble, but it’s dreadfully +disagreeable. Well, to the devil with everything, +I must start my massage treatment to-morrow! +Good-by, Feklusha, and please don’t disturb me +the next few days. I am going to rest—come in +to see me in about a week. Or rather I will write +you when to come.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span></p> + +<p>Come, let us go, Carl!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl</span></p> + +<p>Wait a minute. I have waited for two hours at a +time for you, so you may wait for me a minute. +Remember, Alexandrov, I will write you when to +come. But see that everything is ready, understand? +It is high time for you to stop being such +a fool—you have children. Well, let us go. I +hope we won’t meet Henry now. The devil take +your fancies, Liza!...</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>They go out.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Says to Carl in the corridor</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>The door shuts itself.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Carl’s</span> <i>Voice</i></p> + +<p>I know. Good-by.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Good-by.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Feklusha remains alone. He sits down at the +table, takes out of his pocket an envelope and +a carefully folded sheet of paper; reads</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>“I ask that no one be blamed for my death. I +leave no will. Give my servant Ivan five hundred +rubles. Henry Tile.” So. Very well. He thinks +that I prepared one note, but I made two—the +fool Karlusha. He is greedy, but foolish. And +he didn’t see that his note didn’t have the date, +while no one would write a note like that without +dating it—foolish Carl! And the <i>r</i> in the other +note is different from Henry’s <i>r</i>—he didn’t notice +that either in his greed. Such fools get caught.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Goes over to the mirror, takes out a comb, combs +his hair.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>They’re coming out! I suppose it’s consumption—I +feel cold and I perspire—but I’ll show you my +consumption!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He walks up and down the room, examining things +with contempt.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I’ll show you!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He tries to open the locked drawer in the table, +looks over papers, and pushes them aside +with contempt.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Order! Scoundrels! I’ll show you order!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sits down at the table and shakes his hands.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>It would be fine to put a bomb under the Nicholas +Bridge and blow it to pieces—so that all would +fly to hell. Yes. And I could put a bomb under +the whole city, a bomb of tens of thousands of +pounds—then I would also be blown to the devil. +No, why should I? A wire could be stretched as +far as Shuvalovo and a button placed somewhere +on a tree, in the woods—I could press it once—and +they would all be blown to hell! I think I’ll +wind up in a lunatic asylum—I was turning round +and round, and now I can’t disentangle myself. +Oh, fiddlesticks!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Thoughtfully</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>They’ll beat me there. They say they beat people +there—they break their ribs—that’s unpleasant. +And the food, they say, is poor there—the lunatics +don’t understand, but as soon as one of them +complains, they break his ribs. They say to him, +don’t lie! The lunatic has no rights whatever, +that is very unjust. Of course a lunatic may be +quiet, then no one will touch him. The wardens +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span>like the quiet lunatics. I suppose they also suffer +a great deal. Oh, yes! Of course—quietly.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Rises and walks ever faster.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>It’s easy for you to say, quietly. Yes. It’s easy +for you to say it, but for me, it’s dreadful—very +dreadful.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He turns around the room senselessly; muttering +indistinctly, without noticing that Henry Tile +has entered.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Good evening, Feklusha.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What? What?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I say: good evening. Why are you running round +like that?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I? Nothing. Good evening, Henry.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You were muttering. Are you ill?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Laughs.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Was I? There was no one to talk to, so I was +talking to myself. I have found myself a comrade +just as wise as I am.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>What were you talking about?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>My nonsense is of no interest to anybody. I was +just talking about domestic affairs. Is it raining?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, it’s raining.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sits down, fatigued.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Henry, Ivan has gone out. He said you sent him +away for the evening.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I sent him away. Sit down, please, and keep +quiet.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Silence.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>What is it, Henry? Why do you look so pale—are +you ill? Perhaps you ought to see the doctor.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>No. I am well. I suppose I am tired—I had to +talk a great deal at the conference to-day—I had +to discuss business. I argued with the fools and +I am tired. Are you going to stay long to-night?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>No. Just a minute. I am going soon.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>What a pity I have no fireplace. I thought of +everything, but forgot about a fireplace. It’s true, +we have steam heat. Well?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Henry! There has been a change in your plans. +Even if you swear to me!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes? Wait. What’s this odor of perfume? Yes, +I can smell it. Have you commenced to use perfume?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>You are inventing now! I can’t smell any perfume +here.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, there is. But that isn’t important. What +did you want to say to me? Tell me.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I have told you. There has been a change in your +plans. Tell me the truth, Henry, I will kneel +before you. I haven’t been in church in five years, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span>but I will go to church now and pray for you. +Tell me the truth!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are fond of kneeling. What truth? I am +tired to-night.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Why, my dear fellow! We have been friends—remember, +when we were small, when we were at +school together. Tell me! Spare my life, I can’t +endure it any longer!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Weeps.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You are also crying? Strange. For some reason +I see so many tears to-day. I was at the station +this afternoon.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Sighing, wiping his eyes with a soiled handkerchief</i>,</p> + +</div> + +<p>What were you doing at the station?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I was watching the trains. No, I was sending off +a letter. And there I saw an old woman in a +shawl, walking on the platform—she was alone—and +she was crying. Strange!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Thoughtfully.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>People rarely cry in the street. Only when they +are drunk or when they go to a relative’s funeral. +Henry, listen to me—or I am going to cry again!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Really? Don’t. No, there is no change in my +plan. And beginning to-morrow you will have +rest—I am leaving to-morrow.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Reddening</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>To-morrow? By what route?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Tss! It is hard for me at this moment to talk to +you, my old comrade, but come in to-morrow and +you will know everything.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Smiling</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>But don’t try to run after me—you’ll not overtake +me!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Why do you say that?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, yes, you are a sly little beast!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[134]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>A fool is not helped even by his slyness—he will +only fool himself. Shall I come in early—before +going to the office?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>You may come in early. Now go home and sleep +peacefully, Feklusha, my old comrade. Are your +children well?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I suppose they are well. Why have you stopped +drinking cognac? Henry, your face seems to have +grown darker.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>I don’t feel like drinking. Go.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>To-day is just a month since we had our last drink +of cognac. Remember? Well, I am going, I +won’t disturb you.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Quietly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Have you put the money away in a safe place?</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Ssh! Keep quiet. Good night, Feklusha, go. +Have you rubbers on? It’s raining hard. Good-by, +till to-morrow.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[135]</span></p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>If it’s till to-morrow, it’s not good-by, but <i>au +revoir</i>. <i>Au revoir</i>, Henry. Good night. And +I tell you, you are doing well to leave this apartment! +I never said anything before, but now I +may tell you: Leave it as soon as you can! If +one should stay here alone for one hour, he’d lose +his mind, by God!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I am leaving it. Good-by.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Good night. May I say another word? I understand +everybody and I can tell people by their +faces. I can tell their inclinations, but here I am +looking at you. You are very stern!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Softly</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>And if I didn’t know your thoughts——</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Ssh!</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>With sudden fury</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Don’t hiss to me! There are no strangers here! +What do you mean? I can hiss, too.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[136]</span></p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Pause.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Excuse me, Henry!</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Goes.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>The door shuts itself.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>I know, Henry.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Goes. Henry looks after him, suddenly stops.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Wait. It’s raining hard. Here’s money for a +cab. Take it.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Thank you. Why so much? You embarrass me, +really.</p> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>Never mind. Go.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Feklusha stops at the door, looks at his hand.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Feklusha</span></p> + +<p>Henry! I am looking at my hand and I wonder. +You gave me twenty-five rubles, but why am I not +rejoicing? Of course, it isn’t such a large sum, +but if this happened before, I would have felt +happy. And now, I feel—or does it seem so to +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[137]</span>me after my tears?—I feel as if I ought to get +more for my tears. Or is it figured out right?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Without raising his eyes</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>Excuse me.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Exit. Door is heard closing. Henry is alone. +He looks at the watch.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="character"><span class="smcap">Henry</span></p> + +<p>It’s eleven. I must take off my collar.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He takes off his collar, his cuffs, his coat, and +places them carefully on the armchair. He +walks up and down the room heavily and +slowly. He tries to wipe the window pane, +behind which the rain is heard.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Yes. It’s eleven o’clock now, and the sun rises +at about seven. How many more hours of darkness? +Many—never mind the exact number, +Henry! Henry Tile, say simply, many! Many +hours, much darkness! I have never given any +thought to what people do when they end their +life, when they kill themselves, and now I feel +very strange, I don’t know what to do. Perhaps +it is necessary to sit at the table, and I am walking? +I must sit down.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He sits down, but soon gets up and walks again.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>No, nonsense! Suicides don’t think whether they +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[138]</span>should walk or sit. I suppose they walk around. +But where does this odor of perfume come from? +Such sweet, strange, sad perfume. Women who +are young and who want love, use such perfume. +But their hearts are sad—sad perfume! Sad +women, and Elizabeth—now I don’t remember +her, but there was a time when I loved her—there +was something—there was sadness. My God! +Why do I say My God? My God! I don’t know +anything, I don’t remember anything, I don’t love +anybody! A murderer? A thief who has stolen +a million? Henry Tile who loved accuracy? I +don’t know. There was everything—and there +was nothing. Why did I strike the table with my +fists, why did I cry? Why did Henry Tile write +figures, columns of figures, an endless caravan in +an endless desert? There was everything—and +there was nothing. There was a strange man who +tossed about, who shouted, who donned a red wig +like a clown, who swallowed fire. And there was +another strange man who worked in the bank, +who dismissed clerks, who looked stern and who +was known as Henry Tile. What nonsense—“Henry +Tile!” And who will lie in a coffin—Henry +Tile or the other one? And where shall +I be? Here I have already thought about the +coffin—white, with tassels. I am terrified. Is +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[139]</span>it possible that all is ended? I am terrified. Has +<i>this</i> really come? I have lived and lived—and +suddenly this. <i>This!</i> How horrible! Horrible! +<i>This!</i> No! No! I am not afraid. I am not +afraid. Oh, beware of deception, beware of deception, +beware of deception! And so, the coffin, +white, with tassels, and some one is in it. Yes, +of course. It is dreadful to Henry Tile with his +figures, it is dreadful to that other one who wanted +to steal, to kill some one, to violate, who put on +the stupid red wig of a rogue. But where am I? +My God, great wisdom and love, answer me: +Where was I with my great, sad and lonely soul? +I am no more. There is no one. There is nothing. +There is only horror—and <i>this</i>.—<i>This.</i> +Henry, Henry, my dear, be calm; you knew how +to strike the table with your fist, now you must +be calm. Yes. Good. Yes. I am cold. No, +I am not cold, but it is cold here. Why did I take +off my coat? I must put it on again. These are +the kind of cuffs Henry Tile used to wear.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Forgets to put on the coat.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>But this is unbearable. These empty rooms have +such a terrible effect on me—as though there was +a murderer there. A murderer is hiding in every +room and waiting. It would be well to turn on the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[140]</span>lights there, but I am afraid to go in. But here +I can do it. Oh, here I can do it.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He turns on some more lights.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Now it is light. But what a queer strange room. +And there is absolutely no one here. I smell the +odor of perfume again—who has perfume here? +Have the murderers perfume here? May the +devil take the one who invented it. I must go +into the bedroom.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>Opens the drawer of the table, takes out a revolver +and examines it in a businesslike manner, +puts it on the table.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I must shoot myself where I sleep. I must cover +myself over my head with the quilt, as though I +were going to sleep; then I won’t notice it. Yes. +I must do something else—what? I have forgotten +everything. What? Oh, yes. I must write +a note. Paper, ink, ink? No! I don’t need any +notes. That’s nonsense. There was everything—and +there was nothing, and <i>this</i>. <i>This.</i> I must +go into the bedroom. What have I forgotten? +My God, why do I say, My God? My God, what +have I forgotten? What?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He sits down at the piano.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>Now I will play “The Waltz of the Dogs.” +Listen, Henry Tile, I will play for you for the last +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[141]</span>time my favorite “Waltz of the Dogs.” My +mother taught me to play it this way.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He plays, at first loudly, then ever more softly. +Towards the end, he breaks off a musical +phrase, his head falls on the piano, and he +sobs softly. Then he closes the piano silently +and carefully, takes the revolver and goes +to the bedroom. He stops, and says impatiently</i>:</p> + +</div> + +<p>What else? Oh, what else?</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He looks around the room perplexedly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p>I must—I must—what must I? I must shut off +the light, yes, I must do it. It will burn all night. +Let it burn.</p> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>He goes into the bedroom. A moment of silence. +He soon comes out of the bedroom, without +a vest—he looks for something silently, as +if he has either forgotten something, or could +not find it. He is looking for something and +not finding it, having stopped thinking of +what he was looking for, he goes to the bedroom +quickly.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="direction"> + +<p><i>The room is empty for a while. A dull shot is +heard.</i></p> + +</div> + +<p class="titlepage"><i>Curtain</i></p> + +</main> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78902 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/78902-h/images/cover.jpg b/78902-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a1634cc --- /dev/null +++ b/78902-h/images/cover.jpg |
