TATYANA.  Why should I fool you?  What’s the use?

AFONYA.  You came to your senses when brother frightened you a little.  You ought to have done it long ago.  If you’re in earnest, then drop your proud ways.  You ought to bow down to your husband’s feet, right to his feet.  And to all of us, to all.  You have wronged all of us.

LUKERYA. [In a low voice] That would be entirely too much honor.

TATYANA.  Why should I bow down to my husband?

AFONYA.  For everything that he’s done for you.  I saw myself how he kneeled before you!  It’s a shame! [Covers his face with his hands.

LUKERYA.  What of it, if he wanted to?

AFONYA.  He’s no worse than you, yet he bowed down to you; now you bow down to him.  Make up to him for his humiliation.  It won’t hurt you!  And bow down to all of us, even to our brother-in-law and sister.

TATYANA.  Bowing down to my husband has some sense in it, but why should I to you?

AFONYA.  Because brother insulted all of us on your account.  On account of you our family has been broken up.  You’re dearer to him than anybody, dearer than all his own.

ARKHIP.  Calm yourself!  Try to control this fit of anger!  We want to make peace, and you are starting a quarrel again.

LUKERYA.  He’s not even her husband, yet what awful things he says!  If you gave him his way, he would make our life unbearable.

ARKHIP. [Patting AFONYA on the head] What do you expect of him?  He’s a sick man.

KRASNOV comes in.

SCENE IV

KRASNOV, TATYANA, LUKERYA, ARKHIP, and AFONYA

LUKERYA. [In a low voice to ARKHIP] Lev Rodionych is here.

ARKHIP.  Lev, you haven’t had any dinner to-day.

KRASNOV.  I had no time.

TATYANA.  If you wish, we’ll serve you now.

KRASNOV. [Sitting down to the table] Certainly.  I can’t get along without eating!

TATYANA.  Set the table, sister! [Goes to the kitchen.  LUKERYA sets the table.

ARKHIP.  Lev, are you going back to the shop?

KRASNOV.  No, I’m all through there.

ARKHIP.  Will you stay at home?

KRASNOV.  I’ll be here for an hour, then I have to go across the river to make a collection.

TATYANA brings a plate of cabbage soup, puts it on the table, and goes out with LUKERYA.  KRASNOV, after eating several spoonfuls, is lost in thought.

ARKHIP.  Lev!  I can’t see you, but it seems as if you weren’t happy.

KRASNOV.  What’s there to be happy about?

ARKHIP.  Why are you so sad?  What’s your sorrow?

KRASNOV.  It’s my sorrow, grandfather, mine.  My very own.  It’s for me to judge of it.

ARKHIP.  Well, as you choose!  It’s your sorrow, and for you to bear. [Pause] If I say anything, you know I’m not your enemy; if you scold me, there’s no harm in it.  I’ve lived longer than you, and I’ve seen more sorrow; maybe what I say will be good for you.