LUKERYA.  If you wish to see her, then where’s the obstacle?  She isn’t a princess imprisoned behind ten locks.  You’ll go for a walk, no doubt, as you can’t remain in your room?

BABAYEV.  I should like to go, but I hardly know in what direction.

LUKERYA.  You needn’t go far.  Stroll out of the rear gate to the river-bank, sit down on the bench and enjoy the beauty of nature.  It’s a quiet, secluded place; few people ever go there.  It’s a most delightful walk for sentimental young people.  Sister and I will go that way, and there you may be able to see her.  Good day! [She goes out.

BABAYEV.  What a surprise!  Could I have expected such good fortune?  Little Tanya, little Tanya!  I shall see her again!  I’ll go mad with joy.  She was so charming, so delicate.  Some people said that she didn’t have much sense, but is that a fault in a woman?  And then her beauty, her beauty!  It’s likely that instead of four days I’ll stay four weeks. [Goes out.

TABLEAU II

The bank of a river; at one side a fence and gate, at the other a corner of a barn; beyond the river stretches the countryside; sunset.

SCENE I

Enter ARKHIP and AFONYA

AFONYA.  Grandfather, let’s rest here awhile.  I feel ill to-day.  Sit down here, on the bench.

ARKHIP.  Very well, Afonya, we’ll sit down here.  You and I are unfortunate:  age is overcoming me and sickness you.

AFONYA.  I’m not ailing.  I was born so.  Grandfather, I shan’t live long in this bright world.

ARKHIP.  Don’t listen to old wives’ tales.  No one knows what fate awaits him.

AFONYA.  What do I care for old wives!  I know that I shall not live long.  My appetite is failing.  Others have such hearty appetites after working.  They eat a whole lot and want more.  There’s brother Lev, when he’s tired—­just keep giving him food.  But I don’t care if I never eat at all.  My soul won’t take anything.  I just swallow a crust—­and am satisfied.

ARKHIP.  That helps growth.

AFONYA.  No, it doesn’t.  Why should I grow any more, anyhow!  As it is, I am tall for my age.  But it’s a sign that I shall not live.  Just listen, grandfather; a man who is alive thinks of living things, but I don’t have any interest in anything.  Some people like nice clothes, but for me it’s all the same—­whatever rag is near at hand—­just so I’m warm.  For instance, all the boys have some hobby; some like fishing, others games, some sing songs; but nothing attracts me.  While others are happy I feel depressed.  Misery seems to grip my heart.