NADYA.  And I really am beside myself.  While she spoiled me, caressed me, then I thought that I was a person like other people; and my thoughts about life were entirely different.  But when she began to command me, like a doll; when I saw that I was to have no will of my own, and no protection, then, Liza, despair fell upon me.  What became of my fear, of my shame—­I don’t know.  “Only one day, but mine!” I thought; “then come what may, I don’t care to inquire.  Marry me off to a herdsman, lock me in a castle with thirty locks!.... it’s all the same to me!”

LIZA.  I think the master’s coming.

LEONID enters from the opposite side, in a cloak.

NADYA.  Well, Liza, isn’t he handsome, ha?

LIZA.  Oh, stop!  You’re either sick or half out of your head!

SCENE II

The same and LEONID

LEONID. [Approaching] I was thinking you would deceive me by not coming.

NADYA.  Why did you think so?

LEONID.  Well, you see, you said you didn’t love me.

NADYA.  No matter what girls say, don’t you believe them.  How could one help loving such a handsome fellow?

LEONID. [Surprised] Why, Nadya!  He takes her hand, for a short time holds it, then kisses it.

NADYA. [In fright withdrawing her hand] Oh! why did you do that?  Dear, kind master!  Aren’t you ashamed?

LEONID.  I love you ever so much, Nadya!

NADYA.  You love me?  Well, then, you might give me a kiss!

LEONID.  May I, Nadya?  Will you let me?

NADYA.  What’s the harm in it?

LEONID. [Turning about] Oh, and you, Liza, here....

LIZA.  I’m going, I’m going ...  I shan’t meddle.

LEONID. [Confused] I didn’t mean that.  Where did you get that idea?

LIZA.  Oh, don’t dodge.  We know, too....

[She goes out behind the shrubs.

LEONID.  And so you will let me kiss you? [He kisses her timidly] No, no, let me kiss your hand.

NADYA. [Hides her hand] No, no, how could you!  What do you mean....

LEONID.  Why not?  I’ll tell you what, you are the most precious thing on earth to me.

NADYA.  Is that really so?

LEONID.  You see, no one ever loved me before.

NADYA.  Aren’t you fooling?

LEONID.  No, truly!....  Truly, no one has ever loved me.  Honest to God....

NADYA.  Don’t swear; I believe you without it.

LEONID.  Let’s go sit down on the bench.

NADYA.  Yes, let’s. [They sit down.

LEONID.  Why do you tremble so?

NADYA.  Am I trembling?

LEONID.  You are.

NADYA.  Then, it must be that I feel a bit chilly.

LEONID.  Just let me wrap you up.  He covers her with one side of his cloak, embracing her as he holds it around her.  She takes his hand and holds it.