LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA.  Well, but what if they promise me to some one else?

MITYA.  Look here, Lyubov, one word!  To-morrow we must go together to Gordey Karpych, and throw ourselves at his feet.  We’ll say so and so—­whatever you please, but we can’t live without each other.  Yes, if you love me, then forget your pride!

LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA.  What pride, Mitya?  Is this a time for pride!  Mitya dear, don’t be angry with me; don’t remember my past words.  It was only girlish foolishness; I’m sorry that I did it!  I shouldn’t have joked with you; I should have caressed you, my poor boy. [Throws her arms round his neck] Oh, but, if father doesn’t consent to our happiness—­what then?

MITYA.  Who can tell beforehand?  It will be as God wills.  I don’t know how it is with you, but for me life is not life without you! [Is silent.

LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA.  Some one’s coming!  Go away quietly, dearest, and I’ll come later.

MITYA goes out quietly.  ARINA comes in with a candle; LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA goes to meet her.

SCENE III

ARINA, LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, and afterwards EGORUSHKA

ARINA.  Well, you!  You frightened me enough!  What are you doing here?  Your mother is looking for you there, and here you are!  Why are you wandering about in the dark!  Oh, you modest maiden!  Fairy princess. [LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA goes out] Well, really, wasn’t some one there with her? [Looks into the corner] But I’m a silly old woman, I suspected some one! [Lights the candles] Oh, deary me, some trouble will be sure to come in my old age. [EGORUSHKA enters] Go along, Egorushka, and call the girls in from the neighbors; tell them Pelageya Egorovna told you to invite them to come and sing songs.

EGORUSHKA.  Oh! how are you, Arina, my dear?

ARINA.  What are you so happy about, silly?

EGORUSHKA.  Why shouldn’t I be happy?  It’s such fun!  Ha, ha, ha! [Jumps about.

ARINA.  And maybe the mummers are coming; the young people wanted to dress up.

EGORUSHKA.  Oh, I shall die!  Oh, Lord, I shall die!

ARINA.  What’s the matter with you, you scamp?

EGORUSHKA.  Oh, I shall die of laughing!  Oh, granny, I’ve got such giggles!

ARINA.  Dress up yourself.

EGORUSHKA.  I will, I will!  Oh, Lord!  Oh, Oh, Oh.

ARINA.  Now you run along quickly and fetch the girls.

EGORUSHKA.  In a second! [Goes out.

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA comes in.

SCENE IV

ARINA and PELAGEYA EGOROVNA

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA.  Arinushka, did you send for the girls?

ARINA.  I did, my dear.

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA.  That’s right.  Let them have a song with our folks, and cheer up Lyubov and the guests.  This is the time for them to enjoy themselves—­while they’re young.  You know what a girl’s life is—­behind bolts and bars, never seeing the world!  Now’s their holiday!—­Yes, let ’em have a good time!