Redemption and two other plays Part 80

[Goes upstairs.

[JACOB runs across the stage.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. What's the matter?

JACOB. There is no more thin bread and b.u.t.ter. I said....

[Exit.

SECOND FOOTMAN. And then our master's little son fell ill, and they sent him at once to an hotel with his nurse, and there he died without his mother.

FIRST FOOTMAN. They don't seem to fear sin! I think you cannot escape from G.o.d anywhere.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. That's what I think.

[JACOB runs upstairs with bread and b.u.t.ter.

FIRST FOOTMAN. One should consider too, that if we are to be afraid of everybody like that, we'd better shut ourselves up within four walls, as in a prison, and stick there!

[Enter TaNYA; she bows to the FOOTMEN.

TaNYA. Good afternoon.

[FOOTMEN bow.

TaNYA. Theodore Ivanitch, I have a word to say to you.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. Well, what?

TaNYA. The peasants have come again, Theodore Ivanitch....

THEODORE IVaNITCH. Well? I gave the paper to Simon.

TaNYA. I have given them the paper. They were that grateful! I can't say how! Now they only ask you to take the money.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. But where are they?

TaNYA. Here, by the porch.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. All right, I'll tell the master.

TaNYA. I have another request to you, dear Theodore Ivanitch.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. What now?

TaNYA. Why, don't you see, Theodore Ivanitch, I can't remain here any longer. Ask them to let me go.

[Enter JACOB, running.

THEODORE IVaNITCH (to JACOB). What d'you want?

JACOB. Another samovar, and oranges.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. Ask the housekeeper.

[Exit JACOB.

THEODORE IVaNITCH (to TaNYA). How is that?

TaNYA. Why, don't you see, my position is such....

JACOB (runs in). There are not enough oranges.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. Serve up as many as you've got. (Exit JACOB.) Now's not the time! Just see what a bustle we are in.

TaNYA. But you know yourself, Theodore Ivanitch, there is no end to this bustle; one might wait for ever--you know yourself--and my affair is for life.... Dear Theodore Ivanitch, you have done me a good turn, be a father to me now, choose the right moment and tell her, or else she'll get angry and won't let me have my pa.s.sport.[18]

THEODORE IVaNITCH. Where's the hurry?

TaNYA. Why, Theodore Ivanitch, it's all settled now.... And I could go to my G.o.dmother's and get ready, and then after Easter we'd get married.[19] Do tell her, dear Theodore Ivanitch!

THEODORE IVaNITCH. Go away--this is not the place.

[An elderly GENTLEMAN comes downstairs, puts on overcoat, and goes out, followed by the SECOND FOOTMAN.

[Exit TaNYA. Enter JACOB.

JACOB. Just fancy, Theodore Ivanitch, it's too bad! She wants to discharge me now! She says, "You break everything, and forget Frisk, and you let the peasants into the kitchen against my orders!" And you know very well that I knew nothing about it. Tatyana told me, "Take them into the kitchen"; how could I tell whose order it was?

THEODORE IVaNITCH. Did the mistress speak to you?

JACOB. She's just spoken. Do speak up for me, Theodore Ivanitch! You see, my people in the country are only just getting on their feet, and suppose I lose my place, when shall I get another? Theodore Ivanitch, do, please!

[ANNA PaVLOVNA comes down with the old COUNTESS, whom she is seeing off. The COUNTESS has false teeth and hair. The FIRST FOOTMAN helps the COUNTESS into her outdoor things.

ANNA PaVLOVNA. Oh, most certainly, of course! I am so deeply touched.

COUNTESS. If it were not for my illness, I should come oftener to see you.

ANNA PaVLOVNA. You should really consult Peter Petrovitch. He is rough, but n.o.body can soothe one as he does. He is so clear, so simple.

COUNTESS. Oh no, I shall keep to the one I am used to.

ANNA PaVLOVNA. Pray, take care of yourself.

COUNTESS. Merci, mille fois merci.[20]

[GREGORY, dishevelled and excited, jumps out from the servants'