Etext by Dagny
Etext by Dagny
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Mlle Roland
Do the chorus again, all three of you and don't shout so loud,
Grisha. And you, Vasya, why do you want to cry? Come on, sing like
little French children.
Grisha
Me, I am a colonel in the Russian Army. Colonel of the Guard, not
French!
Mlle Roland
But, of course, Grisha, you are a colonel. But a colonel must know
how to sing, to give an example to his soldiers. Come on.
(Mlle Roland holds hands with the children as they sing a song in
French about Marlboro.)
Grisha
This Marlboro's an Englishman, right?
Mlle Roland
Yes, Grisha. Come on! Sing.
(All sing again. Stiva enters and joins hands with them.)
Stiva
La Treinte se passe.
Grisha
Papa, Papa!
Stiva
Hush. Let's finish the song.
All
La Treinte se passe Marlboro, ne sevient pas.
Stiva
Brava, Mademoiselle.
Vasya
You know the song, too, Papa?
(The children applaud and embrace Stiva.)
Grisha
But, of course, Vasya! A Prince knows everything. Papa is a Prince.
Everybody else knows nothing, but he knows everything.
Mlle Roland
Grisha is very proud.
Stiva (laughing)
Bah! It's a Russian characteristic, Mlle Roland. It's necessary for
every race to have its national fault. Are you sure that you don't have
three or four?
Mlle Roland
I don't know, sir.
Stiva
Hum! You don't know! I could perhaps mention some of your pretty
national faults.
Mlle Roland
Ah!
Stiva
Yes! Hum!
(During this short exchange the children have approached their
father's bureau.)
Stiva (to the children)
Grisha, stay out of my bureau. (to Mlle Roland) Why do the children
always want to play there, Mademoiselle?
Mlle Roland
The playroom has been done over for the reception and Madame
advised me to use your study. “Go there,” she said, “it's a study where
my husband never works.”
Stiva
Oh, very nice! You mock me.
Mlle Roland
Pardon me, sir.
Stiva
Of course, of course. It's charming. (to the children) Grisha,
Tania, Vasya, come over here. Wait—go to the dining room. Yes, the
buffet is ready and no one's here yet. Mlle Roland will follow shortly.
(All the children go out by the center door. Stiva prevents Mlle
Roland from following the children.)
Stiva
Stay here.
Mlle Roland
But, I assure you—
Stiva (pressing her hand and laughing)
Come on—the right of passage. You know very well that you madden
me with your charm. It's inebriating. Ah, pretty French girl. Come on,
a little kiss. Let's see.
Mlle Roland (protecting herself rather poorly)
Leave me—the children—the Princess. Let's see, sir. (she laughs)
This is governess abuse.
(Stiva takes Mlle Roland in his arms and embraces her, despite her
resistance. At this moment Dolly enters and screams in indignant
stupefaction.)
Dolly
Oh! Oh! (to Mlle Roland) Get out! Get out!
Mlle Roland
I assure you, Madame—
(Mlle Roland begins to exit by the center door.)
Dolly
Not that way. Not to the children. You must never see them again.
It would soil them. The mistress of their father. Oh, fie, how ugly it
is.
(Dolly begins to cry, suddenly, heavy tears. Stiva makes a sign to
Mlle Roland to leave. He is very annoyed, and after the governess
leaves, he tries smiling naively and explaining to his wife.)
Stiva
Listen, Dolly. Listen to me.
Dolly
No—you are base—without a heart—without morality. I wish to
leave you immediately, to never see you. Oh—no—never to see you.
Stiva
A minute of straying!
Dolly
I, who put you on a pedestal like a god. I, who gave you three
beautiful children. I, the most scrupulous of women. Is it possible
that you can be so vile? The lowest—the lowest of men.
Stiva (smiling)
I assure you, without being the lowest of men, one can—
Dolly (stupefied by his smile, more indignant, more violent)
You can laugh. You have the strength to laugh. Oh, coward, coward,
villain. Leave me. Don't touch me. Leave me.
(Dolly exits quickly and leaves Stiva disconcerted. Stiva goes to
a
mirror and looks at himself.)
Stiva (after a short pause)
It's true. I smiled. It's the smile of an animal who has lost
everything. She'd commenced to weaken—and all was going so well. Bah!
Everything will sort itself out. (still in front of the mirror, looking
at himself complacently) No one would believe I'm my wife's age.
(calling) Matvei, Matvei! Where are you, imbecile? (suddenly, in a bad
temper) How everything is going wrong today!
(Enter Matvei, an old family servant. He is fifty years old and
wearing livery.)
Matvei
Your Excellency rang?
Stiva
Where have you been?
Matvei
With Vasily, Excellency, setting up the green plants in the hall.
We hardly have time before the guests arrive.
Stiva (very upset)
The guests! Ah, devil! I have completely forgotten them. Everything
must be arranged—at least in a provisional way.
Matvei
We are doing our very best, Excellency.
Stiva
Yes, yes. That's not what I meant to say. Anna Arkadyevna—is she
at home?
Matvei
What does your Excellency wish to say?
Stiva
I'm asking you if my sister, Madame Karenina is home. Go find her.
Tell her I must speak to her immediately.
(Stiva pushes Matvei toward the door.)
Matvei (returning)
I forgot to tell you, Excellency, Constantin Dmitrievich Levin is
here to see you.
Stiva
Levin, Levin. It's the right moment. Go quickly where I told you
and bring back her reply!
(Matvei leaves. Stiva goes to the center door.)
Stiva
Levin! Levin!
(Levin enters. He is in a kafrain and boots. He has a timid,
modest
demeanor.)
Levin
Good day, Stiva.
Stiva
Hello, old roughneck. (pointing to his costume) Eh! Eh! Always
faithful to tradition, huh? A true peasant. I can give you a minute.
Tell me, what brings you to Moscow?
Levin
I'm glad you're so pressed. I will tell you simply—it's this way—
Stiva (laughing very hard)
Really, truly? You wouldn't prefer a nice fashionable jacket and a
flower in your buttonhole? No? That's always secondary. (passing from
one subject to another in a disconcerting hurry) Do you know that my
household is ruined? I stupidly let myself be surprised by my wife
while I was tickling Mlle Roland's chin.
Levin
Oh, Stiva—the governess of the little ones?
Stiva
Then, you know, Dolly—cries, tears, nerves. At four o'clock in the
afternoon, a tragic breakup. “I am going to my mother.” For a silly
kiss—nothing at all. Ah, if my sister Anna doesn't step in at this
moment, I can only hope for a miracle to save me.
Levin
Anna Arkadyevna is a woman of great sense.
Stiva
My sister is of an unbounded intelligence and of a rare virtue.
(laughing) It's a family trait! And, to tell you, that at five o'clock
we have a reception— It's absolutely necessary for society for me to
get back with my wife—at least between five and seven.
Levin
I came intentionally a little in advance.
Stiva
True. You'll be one of us one day, naturally. Well, tell me later
the reason you've abandoned the handle of your plough. Would you like a
cigar?
Levin (trying to regroup before this wave of words)
No, no. You know it's a question of— My most dear desire would be
to become your brother-in-law. It's some months since I've first adored
Kitty Shcherbatskaia—without daring to tell her. Then—should I throw
myself before her today? I still haven't said anything to Kitty. But
perhaps, your wife—her sister—or you, even your mother-in-law—for I
am not sure of the sympathy of the Prince. Anyway, you understand me.
Stiva (laughing)
Yes, though you're still not very clear. But, go on—you please me.
You are a perfect man. We understand each other so well and you will
help me on your part in the future, vis-a-vis, my wife.
Levin
Then, on your advice, I ought to declare myself?
Stiva
You ought to! One always ought to. First, because one risks
nothing, and if it happens, one can have no regrets.
Levin
That's not the way I look at the thing.
Stiva (pulling him)
My God, you are amorous. Really, you can't spend a minute here, in
my little smoking room. I will come back to you. I am not going to
upset myself with you. Well— (Anna enters) Ah, Anna.
Anna
Well, Mr. Levin. Do I make you flee? Good day.
Stiva (pushing Levin towards the door of the little smoking room)
You can say hello later.
Levin (laughing)
What can one say to that? He's pushing me out the door.
Anna
Excuse him.
Levin
But I don't mind.
(Levin leaves.)
Anna
You were not very polite to your friend.
Stiva
Right now I haven't the time. Something is happening, right now.
Anna
Yes, I am informed.
Stiva
What?
Anna
Your wife saw you kissing Mlle Roland and intends to leave you. She
judges this action very severely. She's right. What you have done is
shameful. I can't find words to defend you. And if I pardon you in the
depths of my hart because you're only an overgrown child, stupid but
not evil, despite all—still I can only deplore such a lack of moral
sense.
Stiva
Yes. This is not the time to speak of moral sensibility. It's
necessary to conceal things immediately. The reception is nearly upon
us. She's giving it in honor of your stay here in Moscow. Dolly must be
here to receive guests. What will your husband think? What will the
world think if she doesn't appear?
Anna (ironically)
It's always the world's opinion that preoccupies you.
Stiva
Ought it not to be first of all the others in the mind of high
state bureaucrats?
Anna
Well, what do you want me to do?
Stiva
Go find Dolly and convince her to safeguard appearances. Tell her
it's her duty—that she ought to make this sacrifice. After all, she's
never been unhappy—and it's only a question of a kiss. That's all.
Just a kiss.
Anna
How can you be so gay, Stiva?
Stiva (flippant)
Gay! Gay! I am not gay. I've got a nature different from yours,
more adventurous. You—you're as virtuous as you are pretty. And you
are certainly to be praised for remaining faithful to your husband,
minister of State, Alexei Alexandrovich Karenin, who is really the most
cold—
Anna
Stiva!
Stiva
Right! Absolutely right! Go speak to Dolly. You have a pretty
dress. Oh, an idea! If Dolly—one must foresee things—if Dolly won't
hear reason, you will do the honors. We will pretend my wife is ill.
Anna
We will see. Wait for me here. It won't be a happy solution.
Stiva
Hurry! Here's a carriage already arriving. (at the window) My
father- in-law—the family, Kitty.
(Anna leaves in haste. Stiva accompanies her to the door.)
Stiva (calling)
Matvei! Matvei! You'll bring Prince and Princess Shcherbatsky in
here. (alone) All this is very troublesome. (at the mirror) Still, I
have an excellent appearance.
(Enter Princess and Prince Shcherbatsky and Kitty.)
Princess Shcherbatskaia
We've come a bit ahead of time. Kitty's got it into her head to be
helpful to Dolly and Anna so they can receive the guests.
Stiva
Eh! It's a good idea. Good day, mother, my dear father-in-law. Good
day, little sister.
Prince Shcherbatsky
Plague take the pigheadedness of women to drag me to this type of
reception.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Where are Dolly and Anna?
Stiva
Not quite ready yet, naturally.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
We could go to them, Kitty and I.
Stiva
Not at all—not at all. They are aware you're here. I saw you get
out of your carriage and mentioned it to Anna.
Princess Shcherbatskaia (to Prince Shcherbatsky)
But, my dear, you look very angry.
Prince Shcherbatsky
In fact, I am. You have neither pride nor dignity.
Stiva (to Kitty)
Fire burning.
Kitty
What?
Stiva
Things are not right between your father and mother. There's an ill
wind blowing in both households.
Kitty
Oh, Stiva.
Stiva (low to Kitty)
Come on. Let's leave them alone. Come with me. It's better if they
fight before the guests arrive. (aloud) We are going to see if
everything is ready.
(Stiva and Kitty leave.)
Prince Shcherbatsky
Fine! Neither pride, nor dignity. You lose your daughter with this
base and ridiculous way of finding her a husband.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
But, in heaven's name, Prince! What have I done?
Prince Shcherbatsky
What have you done? First you have attracted a suitor of whom all
Moscow is speaking. And what is worse, a type of parade-ground officer,
this Vronsky that I don't like by half.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Count Alexei Vronsky is a man absolutely worthy of esteem.
Prince Shcherbatsky
His mother wielded a broom during my day at Court.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Her son cannot be responsible. He's an accomplished officer who has
a brilliant future, thanks to his own merit and his relatives at Court.
He's a superb catch for our daughter.
Prince Shcherbatsky
Agreed!
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Besides, the children love each other.
Prince Shcherbatsky (clapping)
Oh, I was waiting for the great argument! That our Kitty has the
image of him in her head and heart, I don't question at all. But, who
can promise me that he reciprocates?
Princess Shcherbatskaia
You will be reassured soon. Count Vronsky is already morally
engaged to Kitty and ought to declare himself this very day.
Prince Shcherbatsky
Praise to God! But I would have preferred Levin. Now there's an
honest man.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Without doubt, an honest man. But, also a type of gentleman-farmer
who dresses like a Russian and smells like a peasant. Can you see this
peasant as the husband of our exquisite, our worldly Kitty?
Prince Shcherbatsky
I would prefer a peasant for a son-in-law than another Stiva.
Good— everything's fair. I'll shut up.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Dolly is very happy.
Prince Shcherbatsky
She isn't hard to please.
(This discussion is interrupted by the entry of Anna.)
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Good day, Anna Arkadyevna.
Anna
Good day, Princess. Good day, Prince.
Prince Shcherbatsky
Madame.
Anna
Kitty is here, too?
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Certainly, with Stiva and the children.
Prince Shcherbatsky
Have you good news of the Court, Madame Karenina?
Anna
Excellent, thanks.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
And your dear little Seriozha?
Anna
He writes me every day.
Prince Shcherbatsky
At twelve years old! It's remarkable.
Anna
He's very intelligent and he loves me. How have I been able to stay
so long without embracing him? My little dear. Now, soon, I can get
ready.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Your stay in Moscow draws to a close?
Anna
Eh, yes! Just think, I've been here more than fifteen days already.
I've never been separated from my little Seriozha that long.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Is Dolly ready?
Anna
Almost. She only asked me to hurry her husband. (smiling) She
wanted him to have the satisfaction of being the first to see her new
toilette.
(Anna begins to move toward the door to the grand salon.)
Princess Shcherbatskaia (to Prince Shcherbatsky)
Well—you see—your ridiculous pessimism! They are more amorous
than in their first days.
Prince Shcherbatsky
Hum! So much the better!
Anna (in the distance)
Do you permit me to call Stiva?
Princess Shcherbatskaia
But, yes! And Kitty, and the children. I want to embrace all of
them.
Anna
Stiva! Stiva! Kitty! Children! They love you, oh, yes, they love
you. They're pillaging the buffet. Well, when mamma finds out.
(Enter Kitty, Stiva and the children.)
Grisha
It's Papa and Kitty. We started—
Stiva
Oh, the little liar, fie!
Prince Shcherbatsky
Come, my little angels. Come hug grandfather and grandmamma.
Grisha
Yes. You, grandfather, but grandmother pinches.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
What do you mean I pinch?
Grisha
Yes, your chin pinches.
Anna
Grisha!
Prince Shcherbatsky
Ah! Ah! Ah! The little bugger—he's right.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
That's an absurd joke. Besides, these children ought to be in their
room with their governess.
Anna (low to Stiva)
Go, Stiva! Go to Dolly! She's expecting you. And try to obtain her
pardon.
Stiva (low)
You have been able to obtain that! Ah, Anna, you are—you are a
great man.
Anna (low)
And you—a great fool! Come now, go quickly. (aloud) You are
excused. I've already explained to the Princess that your wife wants to
show you her new toilette first.
Stiva
Then, I am going quickly. (low to Anna) Thanks, the reception will
be cordial, intimate. There's such a joy in living after wiping out an
argument.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Stiva, are you taking the children to Mlle Roland?
Stiva
Huh? Yes— No— Oh! No, impossible! Well, for goodness sake—you
have unusual ideas.
(Stiva leaves.)
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Why so unusual?
Anna
Because Mlle Roland is no longer here, as of today. She was briskly
recalled to France—because of the sudden illness of a close relative.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Oh, that's a bizarre thing. And who's going to take care of the
children now?
Anna
Dolly and I—until a new regimen is established.
Kitty
And I! Oh, yes, mamma. I love them so much.
Grisha
Me, too. I love you.
Anna
What pretensions, Kitty.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Fine, you take care of them, that's agreed—until you've found a
new governess. For the moment, they must be sent to their chamber with
their nurse.
Prince Shcherbatsky
Or with me! It would amuse me more than to listen to the chatter of
you silly women and all your greenhorns over the tea cups.
Grisha
Yes, yes! Grandpapa, come with us. We will play at hunting.
Prince Shcherbatsky
That's a good idea.
Grisha
Hunting a bear.
Tania
You will be the bear!
Prince Shcherbatsky
Naturally!
Anna
What a love, this little Tania.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Get going, all four of you. The biggest child, it's always you,
Prince.
Prince Shcherbatsky
Eh! Eh! You're so youthful in character and tastes. It's necessary
to put me in tune.
Anna
I am taking Kitty for our last preparations, if it doesn't bore her
to stay alone with her old friend.
Princess Shcherbatskaia
Nothing will be more agreeable to her, Anna! If you knew how fond
she is of you. Well, come little ones. Go on ahead.
(Prince Shcherbatsky, Princess Shcherbatskaia, Grisha, Tanya and
Vasya leave, center back.)
Anna
Is it true, Kitty, that you love me to this extremity?
Kitty
It is true. And I admire you, too, because you are what I want to
become—a real woman.
Anna
You have real taste, Kitty. You are beautiful.
Kitty
Less beautiful than you!
Anna
No, no. It's not necessary to make me blush from an excess of
compliments.
Kitty
That's not a compliment!
Anna
Ah, young girls—what a happy outlook they have on life—when they
have their heart pleased. How everything appears seductive to the eyes
of one in love!
Kitty
Oh—that makes me blush.
Anna
Come on, don't dissimulate. I am up to date. Stiva has told me. I
met Vronsky several times in society; he pleases me a lot. I know he
has a very beautiful nature, loyal and chivalrous. I'd be enchanted if
it came about.
Kitty
Me, I admit to you that I saw nothing for a long while—and I know
that today will be decisive. Mama has told me that he will make a
declaration—without a doubt.
Anna
That's why you are happier than ever. You have the beauty of joy to
come.
Kitty
And you, the beauty of joy that is.
Anna
Ah, I give such an impression?
Kitty
Without a doubt! Are you unaware of it?
Anna
No, no.
(Matvei opens both wings of the door to the grand salon. One can
see
Stiva and Dolly talking amicably. One can hear the voice of Stiva.)
Stiva
Then your father absolutely insisted on playing the bear with Tania
and your mother took Grisha's joke very badly.
Dolly
What did he say to her then?
Stiva
That she pricked him on the chin when she embraced him. Ah! Ah!
Dolly
How crazy you are, Stiva, to repeat that.
Stiva
Crazy? No, I find this appreciation so judicious.
(Stiva and Dolly come into the main acting area.)
Stiva (low to Anna)
All is saved!
Anna (low to Stiva)
Except for honor!
Stiva
The reception will be pleasant and cordial. That was the essential
point.
Dolly (going to Kitty and embracing her effusively)
Hello, my little sister.
Kitty
Hello, my dear Dolly. How beautiful you are! And how your eyes
shine.
Dolly
How do you like my gown, Kitty? Oh, but yours is delicious. There's
simply no question of resisting such a pretty temptress.
Matvei (announcing in the grand salon)
The Princess Miaghkaia.
Princess Miaghkaia (entering, a little pretentious)
What a pleasure. I am so happy to be the first to arrive. (to Kitty
with a confidential tone) You are exquisite. I believe that I met him
in society, my dear. I am sure he's absolutely mad about you.
Stiva (approaching)
Saints abroad! Princess, you have the most admirably sensitive eyes
that I know.
Princess Miaghkaia (to Dolly)
You have a perfect husband—and so gallant.
Anna
Yes! Stiva is one of the perpetual gallants.
Dolly
Perhaps it would be more correct to go to the grand salon to await
the arrival of our guests?
Princess Miaghkaia
Ah, my God. We are very numerous. I am such a great savage.
Stiva
It is true, with such pensive eyes.
Anna (irritated)
Stiva, do you know exactly who is coming today?
Stiva
Yes, yes. Well, naturally Vronsky, Lieutenant Makhotin—
Matvei (announcing)
The Countess Nordstone.
Countess Nordstone (entering)
Long live the army!
Stiva
Here's a triumphal arrival.
Dolly
Stiva, we numbered the invitations today.
Countess Nordstone
And he forgot me?
Stiva
How can one forget you, once one has seen you?
Countess Nordstone
Thank you. With me, they don't succeed.
Stiva
What?
Countess Nordstone
The insipid ones.
Princess Miaghkaia
That's right. You won't put up with them.
Countess Nordstone
Hello, delicious Kitty. What a fresh outfit. A real rose bud.
Matvei (announcing)
The Lieutenants Yavshine and Makhotin.
Countess Nordstone
He hasn't come yet. Are you coming, pretty Kitty?
(In the grand salon, a group is forming for a reception. The
Princess
Shcherbatskaia, Dolly, Anna, Stiva, Countess Nordstone, the
Lieutenants, the new arrivals all leave Kitty with Princess Miaghkaia
who brings Kitty toward the rest.)
Princess Miaghkaia
Shall we stay here a bit? I have to speak with my little Kitty
about something dear to her.
(At that instant, Stiva reenters, laughing)
Stiva
Am I stupid! Am I stupid. I left him, completely forgotten, in the
smoking room.
Princess Miaghkaia
Who, Stiva?
Stiva
Eh, my friend Levin. Constantin Levin, who has been there all alone
for an hour.
Princess Miaghkaia
Constantin Levin! My intimate enemy! The lover of my pretty Kitty!
Stiva
Himself, Princess. And I am going to put him between your claws in
delivering him.
Kitty
God, how unhappy I am going to be.
Princess Miaghkaia
Why, my dear?
Kitty
He prowled around me with such supplications. And then, today—
exactly—he treated me in such a way as seemed to me particularly
guilty.
Princess Miaghkaia (suddenly very coquettish)
Oh. Stiva?
Stiva
Princess?
Princess Miaghkaia
How is she behaving now?
Kitty
Languorously and maddening.
Princess Miaghkaia
Hum! Kitty, don't listen! (to Stiva) Suppose you decided to do a
little thing to earn some gratitude in her eyes?
Stiva
Tell me what I must do. I will do anything—a miracle!
Princess Miaghkaia
Good! Go back to the grand salon.
Stiva
Huh? But, Levin. I am going before—
Princess Miaghkaia
No, no, go back to the grand salon and continue to forget Levin.
He's ruining our plans today.
Stiva
But, why?
Matvei (announcing)
The Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky.
Kitty (radiant)
Ah!
Princess Miaghkaia (pointing to Kitty)
Wait! Hear my response.
Stiva
The devil! Levin is my friend and—
Princess Miaghkaia
And here—the reward as promised, with a tip.
(Princess Miaghkaia gives Stiva her hand to kiss.)
Stiva (sadly, looking at the smoking room door)
Let's get going! Just now, Constantin Levin, I sold you out.
Princess Miaghkaia
For more than thirty pieces of silver.
Stiva
For a smile. (laughing) At least there's a good wine cellar there,
a divan and some excellent cigars. Should I go find my friend Vronsky?
Princess Miaghkaia
They call that going over to the enemy, bag and baggage.
Stiva
I don't do anything by half.
(Stiva leaves.)
Kitty
How good Stiva is.
Princess Miaghkaia
Yes, my Kitty, you find him good because he serves your projects,
but he serves them to your detriment with his perfect dignity. Still, I
don't wish to moralize—we profit too much from his attitudes— You
aren't listening to me.
Kitty
Am I really very well dressed?
Princess Miaghkaia
Adorably.
(Enter Stiva with Vronsky.)
Stiva
I bring you a handsome officer. Vronsky, you know the Princess—and
you know Kitty. To the devil with ceremony. Here, we are in the corner
of no ceremony.
Princess Miaghkaia
Aren't they going to find our isolation extraordinary?
Stiva
Absolutely in order. We are here with the tacit agreement of
everyone. We two chaperons, and these two—these two to look in each
others' eyes. Come here, Princess.
Princess Miaghkaia
Yes, but take care! You've already had from me a glove, a kiss on
my hand. I'm not disposed to give you anything else.
(Little by little the other guests arrive in the grand salon which
has
the joyous animation of an elegant and frivolous reception. The
isolation of the office is almost absolute because of this.)
Vronsky (to Kitty)
Do you know that I have almost persuaded the Princess to take you
to Tsarkoe Selo for the races in the next two weeks?
Kitty
Oh! How happy I am! I will see your pretty Frou-frou whom you
abandoned at St. Petersburg with such regret! That little skirt holds a
great place in your thoughts, Alexei Kirillovich.
Vronsky
No—not in my thoughts, rather in my favorite occupations. My
thoughts are occupied by more noble images—more beautiful.
Kitty
Ah! Without a doubt, your ambitions as a soldier.
Vronsky
Why not try to speak a little less of my thoughts than of my heart?
Kitty
Because a young girl is very ignorant of these things. Hush! And
when are you returning to St. Petersburg?
Vronsky
In three or four days.
Kitty
At the same time as Anna Arkadyevna! And, you will return?
Vronsky
But it depends on a single person—if my return will be very soon.
Stiva (to Princess Miaghkaia)
I believe we are completely unnoticed.
Princess Miaghkaia
That's the moment to reappear in the eyes of the world.
Stiva
But, on the contrary! Ah, wait, Countess Nordstone is at the piano.
What is that scatterbrain going to play for us? Some little French
ditties?
(Prelude in the corridor.)
Princess Miaghkaia
Yes, by Beethoven, “Sonata du claire de lune.” She plays it much
differently—with great feeling. She is a little hysterical.
Vronsky (to Kitty)
You haven't answered my question.
Kitty
Because my reply would be—so serious that—I prefer—not to give
one at all and then, I thought that a young girl—
(Anna comes in unexpectedly.)
Anna
Pardon me for interrupting your conversations. I am very impressed
by that music.
Stiva
I thought you were better balanced, Anna?
Anna
Nice. For you then, equilibrium resides in passivity and
indifference?
Vronsky
Stiva has disconcerting opinions.
Anna
Isn't that true, sir?
Vronsky
One can be perfectly normal and sane, yet vibrate strangely to the
depths of one's being before a perfect work of art or a prodigious
spectacle of nature, or a play, or in hearing Beethoven—as at present!
I don't believe I'm a degenerate, my dear Stiva, and my profession
ought to make me control my emotions. Yet, it often happens to me that
I am the slave of my impressions.
Stiva
Comic officer!
Princess Miaghkaia
Shut up, then, you materialist.
Anna
Then, truly, I am not very troublesome? I admit that I was a little
tired out by the manners of your friend Lieutenant Makhotin.
Stiva
Oh—him. He's a true soldier, eyes at ten paces, speaks at a
gallop, and argues with a bayonet.
Princess Miaghkaia
What a Cossack!
Stiva
Do you say so! Just what you need, Cossacks. Don't mistake!
Princess Miaghkaia
You talk to me like one of your friends, the French singer at the
Alhambra. You are much too—Russian!
Stiva
That's it—deny your country now!
Anna (to Kitty and Vronsky)
Yes, I understand that very wall. Everyone, in his life, has a
mysterious corner—a sort of forewarning that— It won't bore you if I
tell you I was struck by something when I first came to Moscow two
weeks ago? I left St. Petersburg, quite sad about leaving my son, my
little Seriozha—a mother exaggerates so many things. And also, I left
my husband with the conviction that here, in Moscow, something would
happen that would upset me profoundly. I had the great joy of traveling
with your mother, the Countess Vronsky—who is an adorable woman. We
spoke of our children—of you and my little Seriozha, right into the
night. It goes without saying that you each have the quality of your
age. I went to sleep a little reassured and I had a strange vision in
my sleep. I was alone, in the night, in a white robe—near a railway
line. It was very cold. I don't know why I felt, in my heart, an
inexpressible anguish. Then, on the railway line, I saw a sort of old
Mouzhik with a thick beard, with dead eyes—who, carrying a large sack
on his back, stopped from time to time to dig into his sack, and while
looking, he spoke hastily, in French, rolling his r's: “It's necessary
to beat the sword, to pound it, to mould it,” he said—and he was so
hideous, so repugnant to look at. A train whistled in the distance. I
saw it coming towards us, the growling locomotive. The little old man
paid no attention and continued on his way with singular carelessness.
The train came closer and seemed larger. I saw the big eyes of the
machine rush towards us. Then, fifty, thirty, ten, the Mouzhik wouldn't
swerve. I awoke screaming. Had the little Mouzhik been hit and
flattened? I was only able to get to sleep just as we got to Moscow.
Then I found you, Stiva, with Count Vronsky who came to meet his
mother.
Stiva
Which ought to reassure you! Two men of our stamp put bad dreams to
flight.
Anna
Yes, I was reassured. But, the explanation of my dream came even
before we left the station.
Vronsky
Truly. One of the railway workers fell on the tracks right before
our eyes. The train crushed the head of the poor wretch.
Stiva
Resembling the little Mouzhik of your dreams.
Anna
No! He was young, very young!
Stiva
Then, the little Mouzhik still lives. Long live the little Mouzhik.
Princess Miaghkaia
Is it possible to find a spirit less respectable than that of your
brother, Anna Arkadyevna? One cannot, with him, raise a subject of art
or psychology without exposing it to sarcasm.
Anna
I am not the guardian of my brother, dear Princess.
Princess Miaghkaia
What a shame for the world. Your influence would be so profitable
to him.
Stiva (to Princess Miaghkaia)
You, you must have a weakness for my humble self. You attack me too
often not to be falling in love with me.
Princess Miaghkaia
Stupid! Insupportable and ugly.
Vronsky (to Anna)
I will return soon to St. Petersburg, Madame. Dare I put myself at
your service for this long trip? You came to Moscow with my mother. If
the company of the baby you were discussing is not too boring, I would
be happy to—
Anna
Thanks. No, thanks Alexei Kirillovich. The day for my departure
isn't yet settled. It would be an indiscretion.
Kitty
And, if I insisted, my good friend. Let him be your cavalier
servante. (low) You could look into so many things on which my
happiness depends. You could speak of me.
Anna
I am not yet old enough, little Kitty, not to be compromised.
Kitty
Oh—your behavior is so perfect.
Vronsky
I could protect you, perhaps, from the little Mouzhik—if
Mademoiselle Shcherbatskaia desires it.
Anna
I will see, I will see. If my little Kitty were to be jealous—
Kitty (low to Anna)
No. Listen to me, I am so happy. I wouldn't spoil the trip with
remorse.
Anna
What have you to reproach yourself for, little girl?
Kitty
You know Constantin Dmitrievich Levin?
Anna
Yes. Didn't he come today?
Kitty
He did. He seemed—a little in love with me.
Anna
I know. But, it is too late, isn't it? The prize is taken.
Kitty
And—just now—I did something bad.
Anna
As bad as that?
Kitty
Stiva made him wait in his little smoking room.
Anna
I know. That's when I came.
Kitty
And, on my advice, at my request, Stiva forgot to go get him.
Anna
What are you telling me?
Kitty
So I could be alone with Vronsky—with my fiancé.
Anna
Why, you're very villainous.
Kitty
I know, but I don't love him.
Anna
And, is he still there? Stiva, is it possible that you've made a
fool of your friend Constantin Dmitrievich Levin?
Stiva
Huh? A farce! A joke.
Anna
Cruel. You have no heart.
Stiva
I did it without malice. To please the Princess.
Anna
Oh, it's an idea of hers. Never mind. We must make amends
immediately. Now, Kitty, and you, Stiva, go away. I will take it on
myself to make the excuse. I will say you left and I forgot.
Stiva (to Princess Miaghkaia)
The moment of punishment has come and the victim runs away.
Princess Miaghkaia
Leave, if you wish. I have the interests of my dear Kitty to
protect. You are the only one—and you alone have betrayed—
Stiva
Oh, very nice. I should have expected that.
(Levin enters.)
Anna
How many excuses we owe you, Constantin Dmitrievich Levin. My
brother is so inept. I just realized your absence. You know everybody
here.
Vronsky
I haven't the honor.
Anna
Then permit me to introduce you to each other. Monsieur Constantin
Dmitrievich Levin. The Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky.
Vronsky
Enchanted, Monsieur.
Levin
Very happy, sir.
Princess Miaghkaia (low to Levin)
Engaged officially—Kitty from today, I tell you this, so you will
be au courant.
Levin
I understand why they forgot me in the little smoking room.
(In the grand salon, there is applause for Countess Nordstone, who
has
finished playing.)
Kitty (to Anna)
You will permit Alexei Vronsky to protect you against the old
Mouzhik?
Anna
Yes.
Kitty
How happy I am. Thank you, my good friend. I know that you will be
a sort of beneficent genus.
Vronsky
A charmer! Anna Arkadyevna ought to have a slightly Bohemian soul.
(Stiva enters unexpectedly with Yavshine, Makhotin and the
Countess
Nordstone.)
Stiva
Hoopla! The young folks—a great news. Will you permit them to
waltz? Everything alright here?
Levin
I don't have the heart to dance, Stiva.
Stiva
Why, Constantin Dmitrievich Levin? Oh, the devil. To the contrary!
Distract yourself. Distract yourself! Pardon! Makhotin! Makhotin!
Makhotin
Huh?
Stiva
Have a dance. Invite your Princess?
Princess Miaghkaia
You are mad! If someone heard you!
Makhotin
Bah! Everybody is au courant.
Princess Miaghkaia
How do they know?
Makhotin
I told them!
Princess Miaghkaia
Brute!
Makhotin
I was.
Princess Miaghkaia
Go away. They're looking at us, go away.
(Prelude to a waltz in the corridor.)
Makhotin
Come on, come on, my little Columbine. Not so many moods!
Levin (to Kitty)
Would you give me this last waltz? The waltz of parting?
Kitty
Well, I don't know. (looking at Vronsky and Anna, who are speaking
low and smiling) They're talking about me. (aloud) Yes.
(Kitty takes Levin's arm and the waltz begins.)
Stiva (to Makhotin and Princess Miaghkaia)
Really, Makhotin, you are irritating. The prettiest woman in the
world.
Princess Miaghkaia (furious)
Will you dance with me, Stiva?
Stiva
Gladly.
(Stiva and Princess Miaghkaia go off, laughing before the
discontented
Makhotin. Matvei passes by with a tray of drinks. Makhotin takes a
drink and philosophizes.)
Makhotin
To forgetfulness.
Vronsky (to Anna)
Allow me not to waste this exquisite minute with a banal invitation
to waltz. Let's talk, shall we?
(The waltz continues as the curtain falls. Vronsky and Anna,
absolutely isolated, are talking.
CURTAIN
First Spectator
Suvarov! Suvarov!
Second Spectator
Lisbeth! Lisbeth!
First Spectator
Suvarov!
Third Spectator
Swell!
First Spectator
Suvarov!
Third Spectator
Swell! Swell!
First Spectator
Suvarov!
Third Spectator
Swell! Swell!
All
Swell! Swell! Swell! Swell! Swell! Bravo!
Third Spectator
Hurrah.
Stiva
Vive Swell.
First Spectator
And I had a hundred rubles on Suvarov.
Third Spectator
Yes, fifteen to one.
Second Spectator
Tom Sterne shows.
First Spectator
In the enclosure. Some comfort for not placing first.
Stiva
Yes, in placing. But dangerous on the obstacle if the horse
receives nothing.
First Spectator
Go then and collect, you lucky dog.
Second Spectator
I earned five hundred rubles, by my estimate, since it was only ten
to one.
Third Spectator
Cord told me right.
Stiva
Yes, from enthusiasm to anguish; there are our masters in the
party.
Princess Somatoff (to Prince Somatoff)
I told you so, imbecile!
Prince Somatoff
What? What did you tell me?
Princess Somatoff
That Swell would win.
Prince Somatoff
You told me that? When did you tell me that?
Princess Somatoff
I certainly did. But you never listen to me?
Prince Somatoff
I never listen to you, that's right. But when I win, don't reproach
me!
Countess Nordstone (to Vronsky, who is absorbed with Anna)
Do you know who won the race, my dear Count?
Vronsky (starting, as if from a dream)
Countess? The race? But Suvarov, I think. The favorite.
Kitty
Why no, Alexei Vronsky.
Dolly
Suvarov was second. The winner was Swell.
Anna
Swell? Princess Tverskot's horse?
Vronsky
What about that?
Countess Nordstone
If you were a little less absorbed in your discussion, you would
have understood without effort the clamors of Swell's supporters. But
then! Anna will make you lose sight of everything, as her charm
isolates you from the exterior world. Kitty, in your place, I would be
jealous! These two act like they are engaged.
Dolly
Ah, Countess, what a singular joke.
(A group at the right, Princess Betsy Tverskaia, Yavshine,
Makhotin.)
Makhotin (rising)
Yavshine. We won! Are you coming?
Yavshine
I'm coming. Besides, we are late.
Makhotin
Bah. We're ready! Princess, look at your at your beautiful cousin,
Anna Arkadyevna.
Princess Betsy
Well?
Makhotin
She's preventing my friend Vronsky from sensing his duty. He's
forgetting he is riding with us in the steeplechase.
Princess Betsy
He's forgetting worse than that.
Makhotin
What else?
Princess Betsy
Oh, oh. All St. Petersburg is talking about it. Every day he's
squirreled away with the Karenins. But, not for the husband, nor for
his fiancée Kitty Shcherbatskaia.
Makhotin
Come on!
Princess Betsy
Yes, yes! Our virtuous Anna Arkadyevna!
Yavshine
Then, poor Karenin.
Makhotin
Because he's a minister, he's no less a man. Ah! Ah! Ah! But, tell
us, Princess, you don't spare your relative.
Princess Betsy
We have fallen out. They are enemies.
Makhotin
In every respect, my friend Vronsky is an imbecile. Are you coming,
Yavshine?
Yavshine
Yes. I'm upset. I'm going to see my horse. Excuse me.
(Yavshine leaves by the right.)
Princess Betsy
Why do you think that Vronsky is a fool?
Makhotin
Because this is going too far. I'm sure there's still nothing
between Anna Arkadyevna and him. I am his close friend. I know him!
Princess Betsy
The world doesn't have your confidence.
Makhotin
Come on. We live together. He wouldn't be able to hide it from me.
To hang around with for three weeks. But, to seduce a woman—I've tried
it— it takes two days siege.
Princess Betsy
Not for every woman.
Makhotin (laughing)
You're right. In general, it takes a lot of time.
Vronsky (rising, smiling)
And, I almost forgot I was in the last race.
Anna
Your trainer Monsieur Cord has come three times to hurry you. You
are going to be late.
Vronsky
Bah. I still have twenty good minutes and I prefer not to tire
myself before the race.
(Monsieur Cord, the trainer, has approached.)
Vronsky
Well? How is Frou-frou?
Cord
All right, sir! But a little restless. Monsieur M—M—
Vronsky
Makhotin.
Cord
Makhotin. Yes, sir. He's going to walk Gladiator for a half hour.
If you ride Gladiator, you might do better.
Vronsky
Oh, thanks! But Frou-frou is nervous. It's more fun to win with a
capricious beast than with a tame horse. It's more of a duel.
Anna
A peaceful duel
Kitty
You won't be in any danger, will you?
Stiva
There's always some danger in a steeplechase. But not for a
horseman like Count Alexis Vronsky.
Countess Nordstone
Let's go and take our seats again.
Stiva and Kitty (turning back together)
Not yet!
(Exit Stiva. Anna is the first to regain her sangfroid.)
Countess Nordstone (to Vronsky, ironically)
You don't need to win—a double upset will recompense you.
Vronsky
There's an enigma I'll try to solve during the race—if you will
excuse me.
Countess Nordstone (to Kitty)
Are you satisfied with your stay in St. Petersburg, pretty Kitty?
Kitty
Yes, Countess. But, I am a little dull. At first, because I had
never been separated from my family before. Certainly Dolly and Stiva
were full of care for me and also my great friend, Anna Arkadyevna, but
for a young girl, I prefer our Muscovite existence which is more family
oriented, less worldly, less shallow.
Dolly
It's true. Existence here is very vain, very pretentious.
Countess Nordstone
I am desolated that you hold this impression of our society.
Anna
But I am sure that my dear Kitty will try with all her heart to
improve us when she ties the knot. Soon, right?
Kitty
Oh, nothing is yet definitely fixed. That is to say, the exact
date. Isn't that true Count Alexei Kirillovich?
Vronsky
You know very well that on this subject we must follow the wise
advice of our parents and the approval of the Emperor.
Kitty
I am afraid. I am a little worried, Alexei, about the influence of
your old habits on your resolution which was so joyously taken.
Vronsky
Kitty! Is it possible? It seems to me you are questioning my word
as an officer and a gentleman.
Kitty
Is it a question of honor which dictates your present arts, Alexei
Kirillovich? I don't accept that.
Vronsky
You know quite well my feelings are the same, always deep.
Kitty
Of course! Of course! Don't say any more and don't listen to them,
Alexei Kirillovich.
Countess Nordstone (to Anna)
Look at that. Vronsky and his fiancée are as angry as if they were
already married.
(Stiva enters from the right and goes to Vronsky.)
Stiva
Hey! Vronsky!
Dolly
Stiva, don't play any more; you're spending money without counting.
I have many things to buy for the children, and our trip to St.
Petersburg has already cost us too much money.
Stiva
Don't worry, you know very well these sacrifices are necessary.
Kitty has got to be married well. I will leave you a moment with Anna,
if you permit.
Dolly
Of course! I will be with my Kitty, too.
Stiva
Vronsky, you aren't ready? Ladies! Soon you will bet on me during
the next race. Vronsky!
(Vronsky goes toward the right. Constantin Levin, center back with
his
brother, has watched Vronsky leaving. At the moment Stiva seeks to
rejoin Vronsky, Levin interposes.)
Levin
Bonjour, Stefan Arkadyevich.
Stiva
The devil take me! Constantin Levin! You, at Tsarkoe Selo, at the
races. You must intend to become a man of the world—like your brother
Sergei Ivanovich. Good day, subtle psychologist. Your last book was
marvelous.
Koznishev
You have read it, Stefan Arkadyevich?
Stiva
No, of course not! But my sister Anna has spoken to me of it. I
haven't the time to read it, I am too much absorbed in my work. Come
with me, come—I am very happy to see you.
Levin
Where are you intending to take us?
Stiva
I'm running the race with my friend Vronsky! A charming fellow—the
fiancé of—oh, I beg your pardon.
Levin
That's all right! That's all right! As you know, Stiva, I should
never have indulged in such a dream. I know, I am only a peasant, and
he is a brilliant military man who runs obstacle races. I was unable to
prevent myself from coming—to see her, perhaps, and to see him, too.
It's been too much for me, Stiva.
Stiva (bored)
That's annoying. But, you see, everything is falling into place.
But really, I know what I'm saying. There had been something—my good
fortune had received something very compromising when you came to see
me the last time. You know—I had just given Mademoiselle Roland a
kiss. Well, by a sort of miracle, and thanks to my sister Anna,
everything is reestablished. Dolly is happier than ever, you can quite
see.
Levin
Perhaps the quality of our suffering is not the same.
Stiva
Come on! Look a little in that direction. I sacrifice Vronsky to
you. You see how I love you with all my heart. I must show you a little
singer from the Crystal Palace which is near the pavilion. I will tell
you about her. You didn't wish to greet the princess? She is with my
sister, some witty friends and our samovar.
Levin
Your samovar?
Stiva
Yes, that's what we call Countess Lidia Ivanovna. She's always
percolating over the most futile subjects. Ah, Ah, come here. No, wait
a minute.
(Enter Alexei Karenin.)
Stiva (to Karenin)
Hey! Hey! Karenin! Alexei Alexandrovich, my bear of a
brother-in-law. Anna Arkadyevna is here too.
Karenin
Stefan Arkadyevich!
Koznishev (to his brother)
Stiva is, in effect, a very busy man.
Levin
He isn't bad, but—
Stiva (to Karenin)
In fact, brother-in-law, while I hold you for a minute, is it true
that there was a meeting of workers in the port of Kronstadt? Pure
imagination on the part of the journalists, right? What are they saying
in the Imperial Palace?
Karenin
Pardon me, Stefan Arkadyevich—don't raise a question of State in
such a place. Suppose some police agent heard my words and reported
them, quite twisted, to a prefect who transmitted them to the Emperor.
I am a serious man, Stefan Arkadyevich.
Stiva
Naturally, I am also.
Karenin
That's why, I tell you plainly not to speak with me in a place like
this of anything but frivolities—which for you won't be very
difficult.
Vronsky (passing by)
I present my respects to you Count Karenin.
Karenin
I salute you, Captain.
Vronsky
Excuse me for leaving you a little hastily. But I am riding in the
next race.
Karenin
Go, go, sir. Those are the pleasures of your age group.
(Vronsky leaves. A group of ladies pass Karenin.)
Karenin
Ladies, I greet you.
Countess Lidia
Bonjour, Alexei Alexandrovich.
Karenin (to Anna)
You see my tenderness for you is as deep as in those first days,
Anna. I left very serious business to spend the end of the day with
you.
Anna
I'd appreciate your tenderness better, Alexei, if you didn't always
take such care to point out to me each of its manifestations.
Karen
You're a bit ironical. At these moments you have the facial
expression of that fool Stiva.
Anna
My brother is not a fool.
Karenin
He is worse!
Anna
Did you see Seriozha before you left?
Karenin
Yes, he was studying his history lesson with Vassilii Lukich. Also,
he told me to kiss you, which I cannot do here, and I regret it.
Anna
That's how you atone for your official tenderness all the time. (to
Countess Nordstone and Kitty, who are passing by) Where are you and
Kitty off to?
Countess Nordstone
To the betting stalls. We are going to bet on Count Alexei Vronsky,
you may be sure.
Kitty
You come too, Anna Arkadyevna.
Anna
No. I prefer staying in my place. I dislike crowds.
Dolly
Me, too. I certainly would not have come if mother hadn't confided
Kitty to my care.
Countess Lidia (to Karenin, who is getting ready to leave)
Listen, Alexei Alexandrovich, for the hundredth time, listen to the
advice of an old woman. Anna, who I esteem to be a very honest woman,
is on dangerous ground. She's finding real pleasure in the conversation
of Captain Vronsky, Kitty's fiancé. It is becoming much too serious.
Use all your resources to hasten Kitty's marriage, or indeed—
Karenin
Pardon me, my dear friend. You know the extent to which I listen to
your sage advice—and in all things, certainly—but here is neither the
time nor the place to discuss such a delicate subject.
Countess Lidia
One must subordinate one's acts to the circumstances. I haven't
chosen my moment.
Karenin
Well, I—my dear friend, I always pick my moments. (laughing)
Permit me now to offer you my arm to go to the buffet, if you don't
regard me with rancor.
Countess Lidia
How could I?
Karenin
You are a woman!
Countess Lidia
Exactly. Are you leaving Anna alone?
Karenin
Yes. She expressed the desire to come and watch my brother-in-law
who's making calf's eyes at the young girl in the cloak room. Ah, one
can say that he wastes no time.
(Karenin and Countess Lidia leave towards the buffet.)
Princess Miaghkaia (who talks to Anna after a moment)
You aren't going to bet, Anna Arkadyevna?
Anna
No. I never bet.
Princess Miaghkaia
You are wrong. You miss some very savory sensations.
Anna
I'm just a bourgeoise.
(A clock strikes slowly.)
Princess Miaghkaia
Oh! Oh! Excuse me. I have just enough time.
Dolly
I will come with you to the pari-mutuel. I want to watch my
husband. You permit me, Anna?
(Dolly and Princess Miaghkaia leave. The Prince and Princess
Somatoff
enter. Vronsky enters, unexpectedly, from the left, dressed for the
race; he is pale and nervous.)
Princess Somatoff
You should play Fenette this time.
Prince Somatoff
No, Gladiator.
Princess Somatoff
Fenette.
Prince Somatoff
Gladiator.
Princess Somatoff
You just lost one hundred rubles because you wouldn't listen to me.
Why won't you bet on Fenette?
Prince Somatoff
Because Major Dimitri is a charming man who gave me this advice at
the sea shore.
Princess Somatoff
That doesn't prove Gladiator will win.
Prince Somatoff
Yes! Yes!
Princess Somatoff
No, no, and no. So there!
Anna (spotting Vronsky)
What, is it you?
Vronsky
Yes.
Anna
And the race? And Frou-frou?
Vronsky
I am the last at the weigh-in and they've not started weighing in
yet. I have ten minutes ahead of me.
Anna
And you come here, instead of preparing to win?
Vronsky
Yes.
Anna
You seem very nervous!
Vronsky
In effect, I'm very—anguished. Listen, Anna Arkadyevna, I have
resolved, rapidly, just now, to put an end to a dangerous situation.
Anna
Dangerous?
Vronsky
Yes, for three people at least.
Anna
I don't understand you, my friend.
Vronsky
Because you don't wish to understand me.
(Anna is anguished. Time passes.)
Anna
Well—I am listening.
Vronsky (passing his hand over his face)
Yes, soon, after all is forgotten, near you, in the charm of your
conversation, and of your presence.
Anna
Vronsky!
Vronsky
A small woman's hand is resting on my arm. Ah, this hand here, it
is a call of duty, exacting as my conscience. I am the keeper of the
good of this little hand, and suddenly I understood that I cannot keep
my word vis-a-vis the young Princess Shcherbatskaia—because of this
little hand resting on my arm.
(Anna rises brusquely. Then sits again.)
Anna
Oh, she will die of it.
Vronsky
No, she won't die. She will be ashamed, a great shame for a young
girl. One doesn't die of puppy love.
Anna
Then, you don't love Kitty? You played with her young, confiding
heart? It's vile! It's cowardly.
Vronsky
I am not master of my fate. At Moscow, in the familial atmosphere,
in the monotony of a provincial existence, I sincerely believed I loved
her, right up until the day—
Anna (trying to joke)
Up until the day when, coming to St. Petersburg, your comrades,
your horses, and your girl friends reclaimed you. Blind, poor blind man
who cast aside a real joy for a joy to come, who had only to extend his
hand to open his soul to the joy of love.
Vronsky (very grave)
No, Anna, you deceive yourself. I extended my hand towards the only
joy, the only love of my life. (he extends his arms towards her and she
recoils) And if it is taken from me, with a mysterious face and lowered
eyes whose thoughts I cannot read, as you separate yourself from me
without looking at me—
Anna
Shut up! Shut up!
Vronsky
Anna!
Anna
Go away. It's a cowardly thing to have spoken where the fear of a
public scandal prevents me from protecting myself properly and my honor
is at the mercy of a raised voice or glance.
Princess Miaghkaia (returning)
Oh, pardon me if I interfere with you. I am looking for Stiva.
Anna
He must be with the tribunes.
Princess Miaghkaia
Thank you. Excuse me, I am in love with betting.
(Princess Miaghkaia passes on, laughing with Princess Betsy.)
Anna (to Vronsky)
Go away. Irreparable words have not yet been spoken.
Vronsky
Anna! Here they are! I love you. Do you understand? I love you.
Anna (triumphant and tragic at the same time)
Ah, go! Go! Leave me! I hate you!
Vronsky
You cannot hate me. I have not done anything to deserve your hate.
Anna
Just go!
Vronsky
You must know that on your trip from Moscow to St. Petersburg—that
night—in the car carrying us—I sensed—in every fiber that my heart
was giving itself to you. It didn't fail to witness itself in even the
most banal cordiality, it showed itself to me and all the possibilities
of happiness. Anna, in five minutes a clock will strike. And perhaps I
won't see you again. Steeplechases are dangerous for those who want
them to be dangerous.
Anna
You threaten? I am not afraid!
Vronsky
I threaten only my own life. I know very well it won't move you.
Anna
Mere words!
Vronsky
Yes, before the last act. But, I want to tell you what you have
guessed. I love you, I love you, I love you. Nothing else matters—not
even my life. If you had been able to love me, we could remake our
lives—far from here.
Anna
No. You belong to Kitty. I—I belong to my husband and son—and I
don't love you. It's that—the sole, unique reason. I pardon you in the
name of what was our confident friendship, for the outrage of your
words, of your love. I pardon you for offering to Anna Karenina what
your comrades offer to the sad women who accept it—a guilty love, a
shabby liaison—this horrible thing they call adultery.
Vronsky
I offer you my whole life! Get divorced, Anna, I love you.
Anna
Shut up, shut up! You have destroyed in this minute all the purity
of our reciprocal affection.
Vronsky
Anna, Anna, don't do something violent to yourself. Are you
listening to your heart or to your reason?
Anna
My heart, Alexei Kirillovich. I don't love you.
Vronsky
Anna!
Anna
I don't love you!
Vronsky (recoiling)
Ah, well, then! Goodbye, Anna Arkadyevna.
(A clock sounds slowly.)
Vronsky
Goodbye, forever.
Anna
Where are you going?
Vronsky
To race. To race. Goodbye!
Anna
Alexei, listen!
Vronsky
Well?
Anna
Think of Kitty—who loves you.
Vronsky
Adieu!
(Vronsky leaves by the right. Anna, immobile as a statue, watches
him
go.)
Anna
And yet, I, too, I love you. I love you! I love you!
(Alexei Karenin and Countess Nordstone arrive. Anna sits down very
quietly and smiles at them. The clock sounds at a greater distance.
The other characters return.)
Countess Lidia
You appear very upset, Anna.
Anna
As a matter of fact, it's the hot air which troubles me a bit. I
will watch the race from the tribune. It's better sheltered.
Countess Lidia (to Karenin)
I swear to you, Alexei Alexandrovich, that Vronsky has been with
her.
Karenin
Come, come, since Vronsky is running in this race, he couldn't be
here at the same time. Do you know, you will end, dear friend, by
earning the sobriquet your friends give you of “the Samovar”?
Countess Lidia
From you, it cannot anger me.
(Little by little, groups return, with some preference for the
tribune
at the right where each takes his measures to follow the race.)
Princess Miaghkaia
I've got Frou-frou for fifty rubles. And you, too, my Kitty?
Naturally.
Kitty
Yes, but for much less money.
Dolly
It's true. You are right in every instance.
Anna (to Karenin)
Are you staying with us, near the tribune, Alexei. It's very easy
to see the race from here.
Karenin
I didn't come to see the race.
Stiva (laughing)
Just like me, who didn't come to see the ladies!
Karenin
No, to speak the truth, Oblonsky, I didn't come for that reason
either.
Anna
You are crazy, Stiva. Dolly's only two steps away.
Stiva
Bah! She has such confidence in me.
Karenin (ironically to Anna)
You were right before. Stiva is not a fool.
Princess Somatoff (standing on a chair, looking at the track)
Well! What did I tell you? Look, my Fenette! What a pretty filly.
Prince Somatoff
Yes, you're looking at the rider.
Princess Somatoff
And your Gladiator! You are going to see—a nanny goat.
Prince Somatoff
Evidently Lieutenant Makhotin pleases you less.
Princess Somatoff
Yes. He's a guard of the Empress.
(Constantin Levin and his brother Sergei Koznishev appear.)
Koznishev
What pleasure can you find in this sort of feast, Constantin?
There's plenty of lost ground where one can—the horses don't work—an
entire society which smells of perfume and not a Mouzhik in sight.
Levin
To be sure, Sergei, I am not here for my pleasure, but to extract
irrevocably a dream from my heart.
Koznishev
Ah, you're indeed amorous, poor Constantin, although you speak like
a poet.
Levin
It's true. I speak and you write.
Stiva (to Princess Miaghkaia)
When I am by myself, separated from you by ten meters, I find
myself disoriented.
Princess Miaghkaia
Then go to the cloak room where there is a very pretty person who
said to me: “Pouah to back door lovers.” You are no better than your
friend Makhotin.
Stiva
Ah, slander! I will go find your cloak so as to slide a letter in
the pocket. Don't make me say any more.
Princess Miaghkaia
Liar. My cloak! A letter for me. A letter with ten rubles, yes, for
the cloak room lady.
Stiva
You are exquisite. One can hide nothing from you. I am going to sit
near you just the same.
Princess Miaghkaia
If you wish. You are what they call in France a coquette.
Stiva
Detestable joke.
Prince Somatoff
Oh, look! The horses are breaking into a gallop!
Princess Betsy
Oh, Gladiator, the pretty beast.
Countess Lidia (to Anna, who is to her left on the stand)
How nervous Captain Vronsky seems. Don't you think so, Anna?
Anna
I hadn't noticed, Lidia Ivanovna.
General (to Karenina, whom he has taken by the arm)
Grotesque! Useless! Dangerous to risk his skin on the green turf.
It's energy stolen from the Emperor.
Karenin
For officers' races danger is an indispensable element. The sport
has a profound feeling. It is irritating that we only see the
superficial side of it.
General
Very pretty, all that, my dear Minister, but then—why don't you
race?
Karenin
My race is of a more difficult type.
General
Bravo! Very deep! Well, as for me, I am in a bad humor with the
races because I am too fat. That's the truth. I am a frank person.
Prince Somatoff (counting the horses)
Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen and seventeen. Exactly seventeen
officers in the race. This will be a very beautiful steeplechase.
Stiva
There will be some surprises.
Countess Nordstone
Oh, the horse of Lieutenant Yavshine seems like a grasshopper.
Stiva (laughing)
That will serve her well in the jumps.
Karenin (to General)
The Emperor takes a lively interest in the sport. Soon he's going
to be here.
General
So that's why there's such a crowd! But we know quite well
First Spectator
Come, come over here. We can see better.
A Lady
Are they already on line for the start?
Second Spectator
Good! A captain thrown from his saddle.
Stiva
It's an Infantry Captain! That will teach him.
Koznishev (to Levin and Alexei Karenin)
My Minister, I am happy to present my respects to you.
General
Excuse me, gentlemen, but it's my custom to be at the buffet during
these spectacles.
Karenin
Go, go, General, and get thinner.
General
I am going to continue my diet.
(In the distance, fanfares, trumpets, followed by the clamor of
the
crowd.)
Some voices (distant)
The Emperor! The Emperor! The Emperor has come! Hurrah!
Levin (to Karenin)
Why aren't you in the imperial box? You, a Minister.
Karenin
These are the Grand Dukes.
(More fanfares.)
Levin
Here the arrival of the Emperor makes less of an impression than
down there, listen.
Karenin (smiling)
They see him in the distance.
Koznishev
You are very skeptical in all things!
Karenin
No, but the crowd is poor and amuses itself at the races. The
Emperor becomes part of that spectacle and the crowd acclaims him. Here
interest is the main thing. It's the clan of gamblers. The Emperor
irritates them the most. He delays the departure of the horses in the
race. And then, our loyalty doesn't applaud him—it suffers him.
Koznishev
How much of your observation is original?
Stiva
It's the devil to line up seventeen horses.
Koznishev
The starter is very inept.
Gambler
By God, he is Russian. What's needed is an Englishman. Come on,
come on. Let them go. He could easily give the signal.
A Lady
Watch Gladiator.
Second Gambler
Star wants to start too soon, inept brute, imbecile. It's the
Lieutenant of Hussars who's making his horse nervous. Ah, no. Let's go!
Let's go!
Karenin (smiling)
That's one of the essential duties of the riding class—lining up
horses.
Levin
Go on. I might, perhaps, make a good romantic novelist.
Koznishev
Rather an excellent psychologist. Your field of observation is so
vast and your faculties so penetrating.
Stiva
There they go!
(Lengthy murmurs from the crowd which takes a passionate interest
in
the spectacle. The clock of departure rings slowly. The last
bettors return from the betting booths to watch the race.)
Stiva (watching the first jump)
Attention! The jump! Hoopla!
Kitty
Brava, Frou-frou.
Gamblers
It's poorly done. He lost his stirrup. Hands down. Hurrah! Bravo!
Bravo, Makhotin! There's a wall in the earth. He's made a mistake! Ah!
Crowd
Oh, oh!
(In the tribunes, a woman screams.)
First Gambler
A rider has fallen.
Second Gambler
It's Major Kouslow.
Karenin
It's Countess Nordstone who screamed. We know why, don't we,
gentlemen?
Koznishev
If we followed the race with our glasses.
Karenin
We could follow it better here, turning our backs.
Koznishev
In turning our backs?
Karenin
Absolutely.
Koznishev
How's that?
Gambler
Frou-frou's in the lead!
Princess Somatoff
The last! Your horse is the last!
Kitty
Yes, yes, Frou-frou!
Gamblers
Bravo, Vronsky! What madness. He's going to kill his horse! Use the
whip, Makhotin, use the whip.
Karenin
Absolutely! On the faces of the spectators, and wait, it's an
attempt at observation which I give you gratis for your next novel.
There are seventeen officers in the race, all celebrated, all brilliant
riders, the most choice, and not one who has not a flirt or a mistress
in this elegant gathering. You get my method?
Koznishev
It must be very up to date.
Karenin
I am from taste and profession—
Gamblers
Frou-frou's losing ground. Gladiator gained five lengths. Ten
lengths.
Stiva
Star's back in the running. Use the bridle, Dimitri, use the
bridle.
Levin (to his brother)
See how Kitty Shcherbatskaia trembles for her Vronsky.
Koznishev
Anna also appears troubled. I will end by believing what they say.
Levin
What are they saying?
Koznishev
The husband! Hush!
Princess Miaghkaia
Bravo, Makhotin.
Karenin
You see, indeed, gentlemen. My method was foolproof. Besides, look
how the Princess Miaghkaia is radiant. She is very much the friend, I
believe, of Lieutenant Makhotin.
Stiva (laughing)
It's Gladiator who's in the lead.
Gamblers
Frou-frou is finished! The whip, Vronsky, the whip! Fenette is
last. Harrah, Makhotin.
Karenin
And Lieutenant Makhotin rides Gladiator. You see!
Koznishev
Bravo! This is marvelous.
Levin
I find the game a little immoral.
Karenin
Bah! Our so called immorality of observation depends on their real
immorality. There's Princess Somatoff, who appears a little nervous to
me.
Voice (in the distance)
Fall! At the stream!
Karenin
Major Dimitri of the Guard on Fenette.
Gamblers
Frou-frou's coming on strong! They near the little woods! Dimitri!
Thief! Clumsy! He did it on purpose. Yes, yes, he's fallen on purpose.
Fenette is without a rider.
Stiva
She's going to annoy Frou-frou.
Gamblers
It's abominable. There are three riders out of the race, injured.
Dangerous, perhaps. What barbarism! Delicious barbarism which you enjoy
like a cruel cat lapping stolen milk.
Countess Nordstone
Me, I am enjoying it! I am.
Dolly (to Kitty)
Be calm, dear. He's an excellent horseman! Have confidence!
Karenin
Eh, well, Sergei Ivanovich. Isn't it as good as living a good
novel?
Koznishev
Talk of drama! For even here's my brother Constantin, who is
suffering a thousand deaths to see young Princess Shcherbatskaia
suffering for her fiancé who's in the race.
Karenin
It is true! The purest love has the same expressions as the other
kind.
Stiva
Gladiator! Gladiator!
Gamblers
No, Frou-frou! Runs beautiful. He's lost his stirrups! It's a mad
fury! It's a duel to the death! She's passing, she's passing. She's
ahead. Brava! Frou-frou!
Stiva
Brava!
Gamble
Bravo, Vronsky!
Stiva
She's won!
Gamblers
Watch out for the stream. Look out, Vronsky! Frou-frou! Frou-frou!
Kitty and Anna (crying out at the same time)
Oh! Oh!
Karenin
Eh! What's this mean?
(Great tumult in the tribunes and corridors. Kitty faints. Anna
cries
without constraint while the majority of the public follows the
race with growing anguish.)
Karenin
His horse has fallen on him!
Stiva
Vronsky has fallen.
Anna
Stiva, Stiva! Tell me he is not injured!
Karenin
In heaven's name, Anna, shut up!
Anna (without hearing him)
Stiva! Stiva! Please, tell me he is not injured!
Countess Lidia (to Karenin)
What an abominable scandal this will cause. Get her out of here.
Karenin
Anna, Anna. I order you to follow me.
Anna (recognizing her husband)
God! Now I am lost!
(They crowd around Kitty who has fainted. Karenin pulls Anna, who
wants to run off and is listening to the words of Princess Betsy.
Karenin holds her.)
Karenin
No public scandal! Come.
(Anna follows him, weeping loudly. The tumult of the gamblers
continues until the curtain at the end of the scene.)
Gamblers (with an intensity that keeps mounting until the end of
the
scene) Yavshine has fallen. Vronsky doesn't get up. Gladiator is in
the lead. Frou-frou is hit. Two riders on the ground again. Gladiator!
Gladiator! Gladiator! Bravo! Bravo! More than seven horses in the race.
Ha, ha, Gladiator. Gladiator, Gladiator!
Stiva
Hurrah! I win a thousand rubles.
Countess Nordstone
But, Vronsky! Vronsky!
Gamblers
Gladiator! Gladiator! Gladiator! Gladiator! Gladiator! Gladiator!
CURTAIN
Seriozha
Hee, hee.
Vassilii's voice
Seriozha Alexeivitch. Monsieur Seriozha.
Seriozha
Hee, hee.
Vassilii (entering)
What? In spite of His Excellency forbidding you, you dare to come
and amuse yourself in his office. Where are you, villainous little
devil? Come on, answer your tutor.
Seriozha
Hee, hee.
Vassilii
Ah, there you are! Well, suppose now that the Minister and Anna
Arkadyevna return from the races and find you here. Who will be
reprimanded? Me, without a doubt.
Seriozha
Bah! It's only five o'clock. The races aren't finished yet.
Vassilii
Monsieur Seriozha.
Seriozha
And we risk nothing, playing all over the house.
Vassilii
You think so? We, at least, risk feeling guilty.
Seriozha
What's guilt?
Vassilii
We risk even more. Alas, as I predicted—
(Alexei Karenin arrives unexpectedly, followed by Anna.)
Karenin
What's this mean, Vassilii Lukich? You and Seriozha in my cabinet?
Vassilii
Excellency, you see me desolated.
Karenin
Tell me the real reason, without embellishment.
Vassilii
Well, His Excellency, Seriozha Alexeivitch, after his lesson,
wanted to play hide and seek and he just got here.
Karenin
Did you remind him that his entry here was forbidden?
Vassilii
But—
Karenin
Answer!
Seriozha
Yes, Papa, Vassilii did remind me.
Karenin
And you disobeyed him?
Seriozha
Yes, Papa. It's not his fault we are here.
Karenin
You admit that you alone are guilty?
Seriozha
Yes, Papa.
Karenin
You will then be the only one punished.
Anna
Oh, Alexei! He has so graciously admitted his fault.
Karenin
Good manners after a mistake do not excuse it. The guilty must be
punished.
Seriozha
It's nothing, Mama, don't cry.
Anna
My dear.
Karenin
Would you kindly accompany Seriozha to his room, Vassilii Lukich?
He will dine alone this evening.
Vassilii
As you wish, Excellency.
Anna
My little Seriozha.
Seriozha
Mama?
Anna
Hug me!
Seriozha
Oh! Yes, Mama.
(Vassilii Lukich and Seriozha leave. Anna continues to cry
silently.
Karenin walks up and down, nervously, then brusquely.)
Karenin
I beg you to cease crying instantly. From this moment, no useless
tears; remember to what extent tears exasperate and indispose me.
Anna
That doesn't matter at all. I know, in spite of all, I will receive
no indulgence from you.
Karenin
Before speaking of indulgence, let's concern ourselves with
justice. I don't know everything. I am listening to you.
Anna
What do you want to know? It isn't a question of confessing; I have
nothing to confess.
Karenin
You made me ridiculous just now.
Anna
I believe in having feelings besides those some ridicule.
Karenin
Don't jest! You manifested an anguish at Captain Vronsky's fall
that only a spouse or mistress could dare to show. Do you deny it?
Anna
I will not deny the evidence.
Karenin
You admit you are the mistress of Captain Vronsky?
Anna
I did not say that. I haven't said anything which isn't true.
Karenin
You are frank. I am ready to believe your word if you will swear to
me.
Anna
I swear it.
Karenin
It is then absolutely infuriating that you have created that
impression before the world today.
Anna
That is, then—the most serious aspect—
Karenin
Would you expect me to ask reparation from Captain Vronsky for an
injury he didn't commit?
Anna
I think I ought to be asked?
Karenin
That's fair. Pardon me. (a pause) I've always felt so strong
morally and my spirit of justice such that I never dreamed I could be
placed in such a cruel situation. I suffer greatly.
Anna
Alexei—
Karenin
I suffer—from your fault. It is just that you suffer in your turn.
I have nothing to reproach myself with.
Anna
You want everything to be resolved by the logic of your reasoning?
Karenin
I owe it to myself.
Anna
You have no heart, Alexei Alexandrovich!
Karenin
I have a conscience, Anna! It is that which has dictated and always
will dictate my line of conduct. Does Vronsky love you?
Anna
Yes.
Karenin
He told you so?
Anna
Yes.
Karenin
And you—love him?
Anna
I only realized I loved him today.
Karenin
Ah! Excuse me, one doesn't learn such news without emotion, when
one has long had the impression of serenity in happiness.
Anna
Alexei—
(A pause.)
Karenin
Have you thought about what you could do at present?
Anna
Yes, Alexei. It would be loyal—honest to separate without scandal.
We no longer ought to be husband and wife.
Karenin (violently)
Divorce! Ah, ah—never that!
Anna
Why not?
Karenin
Because, once free, you will marry the man you love! Because you
will be happy and he will be happy. Happy at my expense. Ah, never
that—a thousand times no. You are my wife by law. You will remain my
wife.
(A knock at the door.)
Karenin
What is it?
Voice
A despatch for you, sir.
Karenin (going to the door and opening it slightly)
Give it to me. Thanks. (closing door, to Anna) You will allow me—
(reading) Ah! (throwing the despatch on his desk and pausing) Pardon
me, the violence of my words—first because violence is never helpful
in a discussion and then because I envisage something henceforth
impossible. I have just received news of Count Alexei Vronsky.
Anna
What?
Karenin
Well— (gesturing)
Anna
He is dead. Oh, oh! (she swoons into Karenin's arms) It's I. I am
responsible for his death.
Karenin
Anna!
Anna
Yes, I killed him. I killed him. He died from despair.
Karenin
How can that be?
Anna
Earlier today, before mounting his horse, he came to me to tell me
of his love. Never before had he spoken of it to me, I swear it. And
I—I replied that I did not love him. I told him to marry Kitty. And
then he left—like a fool—and now he's killed himself. He killed
himself because he thought I didn't love him.
Karenin
Calm yourself, Anna. Calm yourself. I know you are a loyal
creature.
Anna
Yes, Alexei. I struggled with all my strength. Forgive him, he is
dead. You cannot remain angry with the dead. I understand the courage I
will need.
Karenin
You will console yourself, Anna, in the foyer, near your son, our
little Seriozha; you are not without fault, but you are not guilty. You
will leave tonight for the country with little Seriozha. There, in
isolation, you will regain peace in your heart, and when you do you
will also regain your husband, who knows how to love you. You agree to
this?
Anna
Yes. Yes.
Karenin
You promise to do just as I have decided?
Anna
Yes, yes.
Karenin
You will leave this evening with your son.
Anna
Yes.
Karenin
Without seeing anyone, without speaking to anyone about what has
happened.
(Anna is crying on her husband's shoulder. She casts a glance at
the
fatal despatch. Suddenly her expression changes. She pushes Karenin
and seizes the paper.)
Anna
You lied to me! He is alive.
Karenin
Anna—
Anna
Captain Vronsky only fainted. I pardon you your abominable lie for
the joy this gives me.
Karenin
Unfortunate woman!
Anna
Happy woman. Because I love him and he loves me. Thanks to you, my
lord and master. You have torn my scruples from me. Ah, you cleverly
planned your frightful trick to discover if I had been his mistress—
or if I had been true to you. Oh, a clever diplomatic noose—and a
complete profanation.
Karenin
Have you so clearly understood?
Anna
And you, you have never understood me. You, who for many years
lived near me, carrying on with your mistress, expecting me to follow
your example, your advice. There's your wife and your mistress—and
your method, your superiority. Your cold look is not going to rekindle
in my eyes any love for you! Now comes love, great, immense, the sole
love of my life; I struggled as an honest woman against my own forces.
I brought to despair the man that I love and who loved me to the point
of committing suicide—and you let me think him dead so as to know the
depth of my feeling and to impose on me a course of action that would
make you feel comfortable! In truth, Alexei Alexandrovich, I knew you
were diplomatic, but not until such a lie—
Karenin
And—what do you propose to do now?
Anna
To separate from you.
Karenin
I already told you why I won't divorce. My reasons are greater than
before. I don't intend for you to marry your accomplice.
Anna
You insult me; he is not my lover.
Karenin
As long as I live, he will never be your husband.
Anna
Then we will be loyally free from one another since the law is in
the service of your unswerving will.
Karenin
It's not only man's law in my camp; there's also the moral law.
Anna
Moral law is against lying! You lied to me just now!
Karenin
Who are you to blame me? In an organized society, the most elevated
ought to be an example. We must remain examples! My duty today, despite
the fact I've learned, a sad fact, is to point out to you the ruin
which will follow from a mad act on your part. My career, our
situation, will collapse under this ridicule. Never! I don't deserve
it! I won't accept it!
Anna
You are right, my freedom will be a catastrophe.
Karenin
Understand me! It is impossible for you not to return, from
conscience, to your duty, to society and to me. Are you listening to
me, Anna?
Anna
Yes, yes. I am listening.
Karenin
We cannot divorce, you understand? I say so. I don't wish it. I
repeat—we cannot.
Anna
In fact. Such a scandal.
Karenin
It isn't. I am happy at this return to reason, Anna. You return to
yourself. Thank you, and I now regret having provoked such storms just
now, which are all so hateful to me after your admission—and for which
I remain solely responsible.
Anna
I know you prefer gentleness and I give you credit for such
gentleness.
Karenin
All that there is, is justice—a justice due—without reserve to
your fidelity. Well, I ask you to finish with a single blow this sad
subject and to decide, from today, what is to be done. Captain Vronsky
doesn't know that you love him. It is preferable that he never know it.
The incident earlier at the races may pass unperceived. Will you
promise me never to see him again?
Anna (fiercely)
No!
Karenin
Anna!
Anna (sitting down)
How to promise you such a thing! We are exposed to each other every
day. The scandal would be as visible to the world if you don't receive
him without having a valid reason than if I ran away with him.
Karenin
Anna!
Anna
Then, I ask you, in my turn, to what point are we going, since we
are to remain husband and wife? What is the solution you offer me?
Karenin
Wait.
Anna
Wait! So I can become his mistress! That might be tomorrow,
tonight, immediately. What must be done, must be done now. Decide
quickly, Alexei.
Karenin
The circumstances inspire me. I cannot make decisions in the face
of a fait accompli.
Anna
I love him! Is that a fait accompli?
Karenin
If I let you commit this irreparable madness today, it will be
shame and disgust for yourself and your love, and everyone's scorn,
while you will find your existence on the margin of society.
Anna
But, what do you offer me in exchange? A facade of virtue and a
heart full of lies to be your wife and to be your enemy? Stay for the
world and the Court, Anna Karenina, a good wife and good mother, and
here at home, adultery, hypocrisy, odious to you—and especially to
myself. Your spirit of justice admits this rather than a separation. I
cannot debase myself to that degree, Alexei. I will not be your
accomplice!
Karenin
You cannot leave, Anna. You don't belong to this man.
Anna
He loves me—and I love him. You are not going to stop our
destinies.
Karenin
I will employ with you the ways that must be used against a harlot
or such women. I will care for you as they care for mad women, with a
straightjacket, if necessary. And I will break your pride and your
love, because I will it.
Anna
I am not afraid!
Karenin
As for him—I swear to you—he will disappear.
Anna
You are going to kill him?
Karenin
Anna!
Anna
Oh, properly, within the law, without a doubt, by sending him to
some distant butchery for God and the Emperor. You are a Minister, he
is a soldier, he will obey. Unless you provoke him right away and kill
him yourself. Fight—tomorrow! Kill him. Do it openly. But, not with
false despatches, nor with political pretexts. But, perhaps you are
afraid!
(Karenin passes his hand in front of his face very coldly. He
opens
the door at the right.)
Karenin (pointing)
Got to your man! You are free!
(Anna is stupefied by this development. Obeying her husband's
glance,
she leaves. The door remains open. After she disappears, Karenin,
with an indefinable smile goes to the door.)
Karenin (calling)
Vassilii, Vassilii!
(Karenin goes to the window and watches.)
Vassilii (entering)
Excellency.
Karenin
My son, bring him right away.
Vassilii
Yes, Excellency. (exits)
Karenin (alone at window)
No carriage about. That's good.
(Hearing the noise of a door closing, Karenin struggles and opens
the
window. Seriozha enters from the door.)
Seriozha
Papa!
Karenin
Come here. To the balcony. What do you see on the street in front
of our door?
Seriozha
A woman. It's Mama!
Karenin
Call to her.
Seriozha
Mama! She's turning. Mama!
(Seriozha sends Anna some kisses.)
Karenin
Call again.
Seriozha
Mama!
(Noise of a door closing. Karenin closes the window and taking
Seriozha by the hand, leads him to the door at the right.)
Karenin
Sit still.
Seriozha (very gay)
Mama!
Anna (off)
Seriozha!
(Karenin releases Seriozha who stays happily at center stage.
Karenin
steps to the door. Anna reenters like a mad woman, arms extended
towards her son.)
Anna
My treasure!
(Anna is totally lost. She holds Seriozha in her arms. She sobs
uncontrollably.)
Anna
My dear, my son! My Seriozha. My love.
(Karenin closes the door and goes over to Anna and Seriozha.)
Karenin
You see clearly, Anna, that you cannot leave.
CURTAIN
Gondolier
Ho, hi! Ho! La! La! La! La! Ho! Hi ho!
(The voice and the sound of the oars slowly die away.)
Golenishchev
It's pretty, isn't it?
Vronsky
What?
Golenishchev (embracing the entire decor in a gesture)
All this! Venice, the misty water of the canals, the gondoliers who
sing the old romantic songs of love and Romeo and Juliet.
Vronsky (irritated)
Golenishchev!
Golenishchev
Have you got some cigarettes?
Vronsky
Yes. There, on the chimney, in the big box.
Golenishchev (opening the box)
Care for one?
Vronsky
Yes, thanks.
Golenishchev
Would you like to smoke, Madame?
Anna (smiling)
Merci, no. I am not a true Russian. I've never cared to smoke.
Golenishchev
Then, truly, it's decided? You are leaving for Naples in eight
days?
Anna
Irrevocably. Right, Aloysha?
Vronsky
Yes, yes. We've had enough of canals and sleeping under the
Adriatic sun and the Tower of Saint Mark. Two months of humidity! Brr!
We are heading south.
Golenishchev
That sounds quite gay. What will I do, left all to myself?
Vronsky
Whatever you were doing before we arrived. After two or three years
in exile, you must be accustomed to solitude. There's something to do
every day, you have a pliant enough character. Tomorrow, who knows? You
may meet a Muscovite family.
Golenishchev
I don't believe it, Vronsky. Few of our compatriots are willing to
pass company with a democrat expelled from Russia for being subversive.
Anna
Here! Here in Venice!
Golenishchev
Precisely. Civic courage is not a very widespread virtue.
Anna (laughing)
Then we are heroes, Vronsky.
Golenishchev
Oh, you two! It's not the same thing. You are not married. You are
irregulars.
Anna (rising, very pale)
Pardon me, Aloysha. I'm a little tired. I need to rest.
Vronsky
And the portrait? Are you going?
Anna
A little later, a little later. Excuse me.
(Anna leaves by way of the loggia.)
Golenishchev
She's rather fantastic, your comrade, but one can overlook little
things. She's a model fit for a king.
Vronsky
Enough! I am angry to be obliged to tell you, but you are lacking
in tact with regard to her. I love her. She is my wife before God and
she is to everyone Countess Vronsky, and I demand that you consider her
as such, you from whom we have hidden nothing.
Golenishchev
That's fine. Don't be angry.
Vronsky
I am not angry. I merely explain to you. I had to resign to leave
with her. I love her above all things. We left Russia because it was
impossible for us to live there like husband and wife. The world kept
us apart because of the cruelty of Karenin, who although aware of our
love, would never agree to a divorce.
Golenishchev
Right, right, my dear comrade. You are happy, that's the essential
thing. You know me. I am a philosopher. One doesn't need to furnish me
with explanations. You've known me since college. I have always been
so.
Vladimir (entering)
My Captain?
Vronsky
What is it?
Vladimir
The agent is here with someone who wishes to look at the palazzo to
rent.
Anita (entering after Vladimir)
Si, Signour! Il Signour Campanetti et une bellissima signora—
Vronsky (aside, to Golenishchev)
Ah, the devil! And no way to avoid them. (aloud) Anita, the
Countess is in her room. Go tell her that someone is going to visit the
palazzo and also tell her that I am going to leave with Golenishchev.
Anita
Bien, Excellenza.
Vronsky
And you, Vladimir, you can tell Campanetti that we are going to
leave the place. Go, why are you waiting?
Vladimir
My Captain.
Vronsky
You have something to tell me?
Vladimir
I believe the lady who wishes to rend the palazzo is Russian.
Vronsky
Well, what is so astonishing about that? Does that please you?
Vladimir
Oh yes, my Captain.
Vronsky
Well, so much the better! March at present, my boy.
(Vladimir leaves.)
Golenishchev
Another one who misses his country.
Vronsky (going towards the gallery)
Come this way, will you? We will avoid our compatriot by leaving
this way.
Golenishchev
Speaking of compatriots, General Serpukhovskoy arrived in Venice
yesterday. Do you know him?
Vronsky
Do I know him? We were cadets together. He's gone a long way. Are
you coming?
(Vronsky leaves, back right.)
Golenishchev (shouting)
I am going to bring your cigarettes. I have no more Russian
tobacco.
(No response. Golenishchev methodically fills his cigarette cases
with
cigarettes, lights one, goes to the door and disappears as Princess
Miaghkaia comes in with Campanetti.)
Princess Miaghkaia
Was that gentleman the actual owner of the palazzo?
Campanetti
No, Excellenza. He's a parasite, a Russian nihilist. The actual
owner is—
Princess Miaghkaia
Fine. I won't ask any more. What room is this that we are in?
Campanetti
This is the grand reception hall of the Palazzo del Signour
Bragadinio, Senator of the Republic of Venice in the seventeenth
century. The palazzo was built for him, but he died of natural causes,
after having left all his fortune to the illustrious Chevalier Casanova
de Seingalt, celebrated for his escape from the Piombi and a thousand
other admirable and superior things.
Princess Miaghkaia (irritated)
What became of it then?
Campanetti
Then, the Signour Casanova de Seingalt sold one by one all the
chief art works the Senator Bragadinio had here. He only kept the
frescos in the ceiling—which are still here. Watch your head, Signora,
because he couldn't take them away. Ha, ha, ho. Here is a masterpiece
of Carpaccio, a very illustrious Venetian painter who pictures the
Archangel Saint George knocking down a dangerous dragon.
(Fatigued by this verbosity, Princess Miaghkaia is looking over
the
furniture. She has come to Vronsky's easel with Anna's portrait.
She lets out a cry of astonishment.)
Princess Miaghkaia
Well, for goodness' sake!
Campanetti
No, no. This is a crudity of an amateur painter. The Carpaccio is
over here.
Princess Miaghkaia
But, this portrait isn't finished. Who painted it?
Campanetti
Pooh! The tenant of the palazzo, a Count, very rich. It's the
portrait of his wife. She's a Russian Excellenza.
Princess Miaghkaia
What's his name?
Campanetti
Count Vronsky. Former Captain in the Imperial Guard.
Princess Miaghkaia
Ah, Vronsky, it's unheard of!
Campanetti
You know the Signour?
Princess Miaghkaia
Yes, I know him. He's an old friend.
Campanetti
He is here with his wife, a bellissima Excellenza.
Princess Miaghkaia
But, he's not married! Still! Yes, with his wife. I know, I know.
Will you tell them I am here?
Campanetti
Ah!
Princess Miaghkaia
Tell them immediately.
Campanetti (loud)
Anita! Anita! (to Princess Miaghkaia) Don't tell him I'll let you
have the palazzo for one thousand a month. He pays two thousand. (Anita
enters) Tell the Comtessa immediately that a lady wishes to see her.
(low) Tell her not to say she's paying five hundred a month, this lady
will pay one thousand.
(Anita leaves)
Campanetti
You understand. The season is over. I've been able to get this
enormous price reduction from the—
Princess Miaghkaia
Fine. Fine. Will you leaven me and wait for me below?
Campanetti
And then, if they are not married, sure, because the owner of the
palazzo is an apostolic proto-notary. I am not sorry to see them leave.
You understand?
Anita (returning)
The Comtessa is coming now.
Campanetti
I'll go down with you, Anita.
(Campanetti and Anita leave, talking with animation. A pause. Anna
enters.)
Anna
Madame? Ah, Nadine Miaghkaia!
Princess Miaghkaia
Good day. You weren't expecting my visit today.
Anna
What a surprise! And what luck!
Princess Miaghkaia
Indeed, miraculous luck. I just arrived in Venice yesterday. I
intend to stay some months. And now, in the first apartment to rent
that I visit, I see the unfinished portrait of my friend, Anna
Karenina.
Anna (upset)
Nadine, my dear, don't give me that name. Here, to all, I am the
Countess Vronsky.
Princess Miaghkaia
I know, I know. Pardon me, Anna. I am excusable. I wasn't in Saint
Petersburg when you left and I've been badly informed about you and
Vronsky. I only knew, in general, of the break with Kitty.
Anna
Poor little Kitty.
Princess Miaghkaia
She has been very, very sick. But at present, she is cured and
Constantin Levin, whom I don't like, appears to me ready to marry her.
Anna
May she be happy. My God, I don't wish her any harm.
Princess Miaghkaia
I know, Anna. Love is a terrible master. One can do nothing about
it— and sometimes it grows among the ruins.
Anna
Your indulgence touches me, Nadine.
Princess Miaghkaia
Not for a minute have I stopped pitying you and admiring you, Anna!
I have always uncovered the truth in all the gossip. I was in the
Crimea and Yalta when the news of your departure began to spread. I
will let you imagine what became of such an event at a distance and in
the milieu of a frivolous fashionable beach society—all the sympathies
of the Saint Petersburg crowd were with your husband, this glacial man
who has never understood you. What made undertaking your defense
difficult was Kitty's illness, for which you cannot be held
responsible, and the abandonment of your son, about which I did take
your part. Your son was thirteen years old and no longer a baby
demanding maternal care every minute. He was a little man, intelligent,
healthy and completely educated.
(From the moment that the Princess mentioned Seriozha, Anna was
hardly
able to contend with her emotion. She now speaks in a voice totally
changed.)
Anna
Don't go on, Nadine. It's a question of conscience that concerns no
one but me and which no one needs to plead.
Princess Miaghkaia
My intention was not to cause you pain. My intention was only to
prove how well I understood you.
Anna
Thank you, thank you. (a pause) Vronsky will deeply regret having
missed your visit.
Princess Miaghkaia
But we shall see each other again. You aren't going immediately?
Anna
No, in fact. Not immediately.
Princess Miaghkaia
I will have great pleasure in seeing him! And our dear Stiva—have
you had news of him often? What a charming companion, isn't he?
Anna
Dolly writes me often. There are only a few people with whom I
remain in correspondence.
Princess Miaghkaia
What! Nobody writes you news of Saint Petersburg?
Anna
Matrona, my old nurse writes me every month. “Your son is doing
fine, Anna Arkadyevna.” And that suffices for me—almost.
Arkadyevna (eagerly)
Then, you don't know? You hear nothing from Alexei Karenin?
Anna
Nothing.
Princess Miaghkaia
The newspapers must have told you he is no longer Minister. But
what they don't say is that our Samovar, Lidia Ivanovna, has taken a
high hand in his house. Imagine a directress of conscience—and it has
resulted in some strange doings in your home. Everything is preoccupied
with God and the saints of religion. There is a kind of frenzy to
everything between them; there's an amusing, pious pretext to hide the
reality of this relationship. (silence) Apparently, this leaves you
cold—and you are correct. When are you leaving this palazzo?
Anna
In five or six days, I think.
Princess Miaghkaia
Good, then I will finish the visit tomorrow. It's getting late. I
am so talkative. Will Vronsky still be glad to see me? We shall come,
Alexander and I, at five p.m.
Anna
Nadine!
Princess Miaghkaia
Yes?
Anna
Who is Alexander?
Princess Miaghkaia
Oh, you are not au courant? Alexander Ivanovich, my friend, is a
great composer whom I love. We are in Venice for a kind of honeymoon. I
dare say that Alexander and Vronsky and you and me, we will make a
perfect quartet.
Anna
Nadine.
Princess Miaghkaia
How stupid I've been. You're upset that I haven't told you
everything. But everybody knows we split up, Makhotin and me. Oh my
dear, he was impossible. You will see that Alexander is quite
different—and what an artist! You will be crazy for hours after having
seen him.
Anna
I don't think—
Princess Miaghkaia
You will see. You will see. Until tomorrow.
Anna
Tomorrow we are going to go out, and I'm not sure—
Princess Miaghkaia
After tomorrow then, whenever you wish.
Anna
I'd like it better and Vronsky also, without a doubt, not to meet—
Princess Miaghkaia
You don't wish to receive us?
Anna
You, Nadine, very willingly, but this gentleman—
Princess Miaghkaia
He's the man I love! And I don't understand your reticence at all.
Especially on your part, in your situation. I love him the way you love
Vronsky. We travel together the way you travel with Vronsky, but he is
free and I am a widow. Vronsky was engaged and you were married, you
have a strange idea of which of the two of us ought to be more proud!
You don't wish to receive us? You, you frequent every day, here even,
men who are worth nothing. Nihilists! Ah, ah, you don't wish to receive
us!
Anna
It's just not possible.
(Anna rings.)
Princess Miaghkaia
Then, adieu, Anna. I regret having defended you so well—and from
today I will do as everyone else (Anita enters) and give all my
sympathy to your husband, Count Alexei Karenin, and my tears for the
son you have abandoned.
Anna
Escort this lady out, Anita.
(Princess Miaghkaia leaves very quickly.)
Anita
Santa Madonna! An abandoned son?
Anna
I told you to escort this lady.
(Anita leaves. Anna remains, quite pale, before the entrance to
the
loggia.)
Anna
She's right. Which of us ought to be more proud?
(Vronsky approaches softly.)
Vronsky
Take me into your dream.
Anna
My dear!
(Anna puts her hands on Vronsky's shoulders and looks longingly
into
his eyes.)
Anna
Do you love me?
Vronsky
With all my heart! All my thoughts are of you.
Anna
You must love me without reticence, without measure. When I feel
myself carried away, as in a torrent of passion, then all the ugliness
disappears and all the shame is forgotten.
Vronsky
What! This is because of Golenishchev's ineptness which upset you
so much.
Anna
No, no. It's something else.
Vronsky
Something else?
Anna
Yes, someone came. A woman who represents to my eyes all that is
light, frivolous and low—a woman who has had first one lover, then
another, then still others at the taste of her caprice and immorality
—and—she treated me like an equal—and she proved to me in the eyes
of the world that I am worse than she is—less respectable even, since
I abandoned my son and my husband for you, while she is a widow and
free, and she has always been able to follow her caprices without
injuring anyone!
Vronsky
Anna, who was it?
Anna
What does her name matter? She told me the truth! That's why I ask
you, my love, my dear, to love me with all your strength—to the point
where I cannot think of anything but our love. I ask you to leave here,
to flee from everything which can recall our past so that we can be in
a new country and be reborn.
Vronsky
We will leave tomorrow for Naples. Then we will go further still.
True liberty is in our hearts and in our hearts it is we who know the
truth—since we love each other.
Anna (in Vronsky's arms)
Ah! Yes, yes, yes. Speak to me of this. Reassure me, carry me off.
I will close my eyes and I will still see you—and I will forget, I
will forget. There's only one reality which—may be a dream.
Vronsky
I love you.
The voices of some gondoliers (in the distance)
Ho! Hi! Ho! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ho! Hi! Ho!
Vladimir (entering)
My Captain. My Captain.
Vronsky
It's you, Vladimir? What's wrong? Why are you so happy?
Vladimir
A visitor! My Captain! The General, His Excellency is here—I am
going to bring him.
Vronsky
Who? What Excellency? Speak clearly.
Vladimir
The General Count Serpukhovskoy. He's here to see you.
Vronsky
Well, let him in, let him in.
(Vladimir leaves.)
Anna
I will leave you, my dear.
Vronsky
I am so happy to see him.
Anna
Don't be quite so happy. I am jealous.
Vronsky
Jealous! Of a General!
Anna
Soon!
(Anna goes out at the rear. Vronsky goes joyously towards the door
and
the right.)
Vronsky (calling)
Serpukhovskoy!
Serpukhovskoy (entering, followed by Vladimir)
Vronsky, my dear Vronsky!
(Vronsky and Serpukhovskoy embrace with great emotion.)
Vronsky
General!
Serpukhovskoy
Quiet down! No General here! It's over three years since we were
Captains together—it's twenty years since we were comrades in college.
Ah! You are looking fine!
Vronsky
You, too!
Serpukhovskoy
Me? Exhausted, crushed, but solid enough. I have three months
leave. I came to spend them in the sun. After two years in Siberia and
military tumult—it's nothing to turn your back on.
Vronsky
You are the hero of the day. The papers are full of the noise of
your exploits.
Serpukhovskoy
Oh, it's boring enough!
Vronsky
Come on! I know you're ambitious and you've proven you were right
to be so. Glory is nothing to fear. Will you have something? Yes? Good.
Vladimir. Some champagne, two glasses.
Vladimir
Yes, Captain.
(Vladimir remains in contemplation before Serpukhovskoy.)
Vronsky
Well, stupid! Yes! He's not in uniform, but he's a General all the
same. Go! Trot!
(Vladimir tears himself away from the sight of Serpukhovskoy.)
Serpukhovskoy
You took him away?
Vronsky
I got two years leave for him. He is very devoted to me, but he
misses the regiment.
Serpukhovskoy
You are nicely set up here.
Vronsky
Yes, it's picturesque.
Serpukhovskoy
And you have a romantic allure which almost makes one forget you
were a soldier.
Vronsky
It's the influence of the country.
(Vladimir reenters.)
Vronsky
Put that here on the table. Thank you.
Serpukhovskoy
Wait. I am going to uncork it. You know that I excel at this type
of sport. We jumped enough in the private offices of Saint Petersburg
when we were lieutenants together. Hoopla!
Vronsky
To your health, brother!
Serpukhovskoy
To your health, brother!
Vronsky
To Russia, as before.
Serpukhovskoy
To Russia.
(Vronsky and Serpukhovskoy kiss on the mouth in the Russian way
and
drink.)
Vronsky
To your glory!
Serpukhovskoy
To your loves!
Vladimir
And to our father, the Emperor.
Serpukhovskoy
You are still here, straggler?
Vronsky
Why didn't you leave us?
Vladimir
I have something to ask of you, my Captain.
Vronsky
What? What is it?
Vladimir
I want to return to Russia with the General.
Vronsky
You are unhappy in my service?
Vladimir
Oh, no, Captain. But—I'd like to have my horse back. Here one
cannot ride. Water is everywhere.
Vronsky
You want to desert? Savage!
(Vronsky kicks out at Vladimir.)
Vladimir (laughing)
That's all right with me, Captain. You know what I think.
(Vladimir leaves.)
Vronsky
And now, let's talk! Wait—smoke!
Serpukhovskoy
As you like.
Vronsky
I have nothing to tell. I am a happy man.
Serpukhovskoy
I know. I have always known what concerned you through my wife. I
am glad that you continued to see her often while you were in Saint
Petersburg.
Vronsky
She's a friend of Betsy—and the only woman at Saint Petersburg I
had the pleasure to see.
Serpukhovskoy
Not absolutely the only one.
Vronsky
Without doubt, without doubt! I wouldn't be here otherwise. And on
my side, I have not lost you from sight. I have been very happy over
your success. It did not surprise me. I expect even better yet!
Serpukhovskoy
Well, I—I don't hope for any more, I assure you in all frankness.
It is true that I am happy. I am ambitious, it's a weakness, without
doubt, but I don't hide it.
Vronsky
You will hide it even less if you succeed.
Serpukhovskoy
Perhaps! Besides, my opinion is formal on this subject—and I can
open my heart to you, a friend always. I feel myself that it isn't
logical that my joy grows and also my will to conquer. I reproach
myself every day for being ambitious!
Vronsky
There was a time, friend, not long ago, when I had some opinions on
the subject, but at present—
Serpukhovskoy
You still have it, like a fire which smolders under the ashes.
Vronsky
No, I assure you! I live without ambition, or at least with the
sole ambition of protecting my happiness.
Serpukhovskoy
Ah! Ah! There we are!
Vronsky
What do you mean to say?
Serpukhovskoy
Nothing! You permit me to speak frankly? Are we alone?
Vronsky
Of course.
Serpukhovskoy
You won't misconstrue my intentions?
Vronsky
Not for a minute.
Serpukhovskoy
Then, I'll let myself go. I'm not going to play diplomat with you.
I reserve such attitudes for my enemies. You refused a mission in
Central Asia?
Vronsky
Yes.
Serpukhovskoy
You were free to do so—but you were wrong in my opinion. But, why
did you send your resignation to the Emperor? From love?
Vronsky
Yes.
Serpukhovskoy
What a stupidity. My poor Alexei, couldn't you have asked for a
leave? A long leave? What the devil! You are enough, you were enough,
in Court to obtain a year's leave, if you wished it. You see the
country, you have some feeling for it, and you tire of it.
Vronsky
Shut up! It's true I resigned abruptly, and in a kind of
madness—but I regret nothing. Ah, God, no! You yourself agree that I
was free not to go to Central Asia—Tashkent. My mother would have died
of it and you know also, the one you know I could not, and ought not,
to abandon her. These are profound human reasons which they cannot
comprehend at Court. They made a bad face. They made life difficult. I
didn't like their manner of giving me a lesson in courage.
Serpukhovskoy
Oh, it wasn't anybody's intention—
Vronsky
Yes! Yes! I tell you plainly. They believed that I was inferior to
my reputation as a good officer. I surrendered my sabre—and that was
that!
Serpukhovskoy
If it is true they misjudged you at that time, it is no less true
that they regret you today, deeply!
Vronsky
Really?
Serpukhovskoy
Yes, yes! All—from your soldiers who adore you—to your comrades.
Yavshine has grown thin. He doesn't drink equal to his thirst except
once a week. But I must tell you, his thirst is great.
Vronsky
Oh! The great Yavshine. What a fine boy! And Kouslov, the major?
Serpukhovskoy
He repeats ceaselessly: “There isn't a cavalier left in the
regiment since Vronsky left.”
Vronsky
And our old fogy of a Colonel Gritzby?
Serpukhovskoy
He cries quite openly when they speak of you.
Vronsky (moved)
The good old brute.
Serpukhovskoy
And that isn't all. I have tested the water—and very
diplomatically the Minister, on the possible reinterogation of an
officer of your worth.
Vronsky
Why did you do that? Who put you up to it?
Serpukhovskoy
Only my friendship—and my conviction that officers like you are
needed.
Vronsky
By whom?
Serpukhovskoy
By whom? By society! By Russia! Russia needs men. She needs
protectors. You haven't already gone to seed, have you?
Vronsky
One would have to be blind—
Serpukhovskoy
There must be, near the Emperor, a group of powerful
men—independent men—who will enlighten him—who will aid him to
direct his people, who can teach him how to make himself loved—and
show him how. It's necessary for us to light the way. But, it's also
necessary to pitilessly root out this rabble of lying functionaries,
officers of the antechamber, anchored in their privileges, lying to
all, to God, to the Emperor, to the people! As dull in their base
luxuries as the worst of our mouzhiks in his crassness and his
ignorance! Vronsky! The Russian people need enlightened leaders and
liberty!
Vronsky
You're right. I have often thought this way. But, I no longer
belong. Nevertheless, I thank you for having judged me worthy to help
you in this task.
Serpukhovskoy
You belong even more now, Alexei, but this won't always last.
Vronsky
That may be—but—
Serpukhovskoy
You said: “That may be.” Me, I say, certainly not. Don't say any
more about it. I am sure, at present, of not having come in vain, and I
know that when I say to you: “Vronsky, I need you” that you will come
to your senses.
(Vronsky does not reply.)
Serpukhovskoy
Well, I came to tell you today. Vronsky, return with me to Russia.
I have need of you.
Vronsky
I ask for nothing, friend, except that the present continue.
Serpukhovskoy
Listen to me. We are the same age. Perhaps you have known more
women than I have, but I am married, and as someone said, a man who
knows his wife and loves her, knows more about women than someone who
has known a thousand.
Vronsky
Why do you say this to me?
Serpukhovskoy
Women, in my opinion, are the stumbling block in a man's career.
When one loves, you see, it is difficult to do good. At least to be
married, with the one love—in this case, the only love—does not
condemn you to inaction. As far as explaining this to you, admit you
carry a weight on your shoulders. Your hands are of no use to you so
long as the weight remains there. That's what I found out when I
married. My hands became suddenly free. But to drag this weight around
without marriage condemns you to inaction. Look at our comrades
Mazoupof and Kroupof. Thanks to women, they lost their careers.
Vronsky
But, what women? Third rate actresses, French whores.
Serpukhovskoy
Yes, I agree with you. Nonetheless, those weights are easier to get
rid of. One can be brutal. But, with a woman of high rank, who has
failed to attach herself to someone—
Vronsky
You have never loved.
Serpukhovskoy
Perhaps, Alexei, but don't forget this. We have a grandiose idea of
love, whereas women always remain down to earth.
(After several seconds Anna enters, without being seen by
Serpukhovskoy and Vronsky. She has listened with a growing emotion
to this diatribe by Serpukhovskoy which she now interrupts with a
scathing voice.)
Anna
You are deceived, Monsieur, women know how to love.
Vronsky
Anna!
Serpukhovskoy
Madame!
Anna
Women know how to love better than you—
Vronsky
Anna! You don't understand.
Anna
Yes, I know. I am committing a mad act and a quite improper one.
You have not presented me to General Serpukhovskoy. No matter. We
understand each other perfectly—and then, we are not exiles, except
from the moral law. Listen to me! Let's leave these worldly
constraints. In spite of myself I heard your conversation. All, at
least of the end of your conversation. You made amusing comparisons,
General. We are, poor women, heavy burdens to those we love— and we
remain down to earth in our love! Pretty excuse for your cowardliness
and your lassitude. You have, you say, a grandiose conception of love.
But we, who have no conception, neither grandiose nor shabby, who love
simply with all our instinct, with all our heart, we sacrifice in a
minute our repose, our honor, our rank, our sad motherhood—and we
go—confident—towards the heart we have chosen. Never—never, do we
have the idea of analyzing or dissecting our sacrifice. We love, we
don't reproach. We love, we don't regret. We love, we never cry over
the ruins of our motherhood. We love.
Vronsky
Anna! Anna! What have I done to deserve such vehemence on your
part?
Anna
You were listening to him, Alexei, and your protests were so weak,
so little categorical, that I suddenly became afraid, my dear, my love.
I love you so much. I am almost a mad woman thinking of it.
Serpukhovskoy
Pardon me. I am going.
Anna
No. No.
Serpukhovskoy
Yes, Madame. I must go. But not without expressing to you, from the
depths of my heart, all the regrets I feel for having provoked this
great emotion, these tears.
Anna
I don't wish it. You love him, too. You are only looking out for
his good.
Serpukhovskoy
I have faith in him, it's true.
Anna
Then, take my hand, General. I believe we shall know each other
better.
Serpukhovskoy
Madame.
Anna
Rest easy. I know how to love him.
Serpukhovskoy
I am sure of it.
Anna
Yes, yes, I know how.
Serpukhovskoy
Adieu, Vronsky.
Vronsky
Adieu, General.
Anna
Not adieu—a bientot.
(Serpukhovskoy leaves. A long silence.)
Anna
You forgive me, Alexei?
Vronsky
I have nothing to forgive you. I love you.
Anna
I thank heaven for sending me the strength to see things as they
are in their true colors.
Vronsky
What do you mean?
Anna
We've got to leave.
Vronsky
We will leave tomorrow.
Anna (interrupting him)
For Russia. For Saint Petersburg! You must resume your work, so you
can be ambitious. I must get my husband to consent to a divorce, so
that I may be your wife before everyone, so that your hands may be
free. This weight—do you accept it with joy, Alexei?
Vronsky
My dearly loved one!
Anna
Then, let's go. Let's leave immediately. We weren't made for this
existence on the margin. We didn't count on our pride, on our honor
which suffers in this errant life of our doubtful relations, on these
lies, more vile than those we left behind. We've got to start our true
life again! Do you want to?
Vronsky
Your will is my will, Anna.
Anna
Hold me tight—tight—tight. Are you happy with me?
Vronsky
I love you!
CURTAIN
Seriozha
And then?
Kapitonich
And then, Excellency— Boom! A great explosion like an earthquake
and everything—pell-mell, English, Russians, French. The devil himself
could not have seen the color of his soul. I got a sharp knock on the
heard and then I didn't think any more.
Seriozha
And then?
Kapitonich
And then—that's how I earned my medal—and there it was—swear to
God and our emperor, as it happened to Malabehoff.
Seriozha
There were dead and wounded?
Kapitonich
Thousands of dead and hundreds wounded!
Vassilii (joking)
I myself will teach history to Seriozha Alexeivitch, old veteran.
Return to your post.
Kapitonich (threatening)
Little shrimp! Bad little Russian. Teacher of penmanship.
Seriozha (laughing)
There, there. It's my relaxation. Kapitonich can stay with me. Papa
permits him.
Vassilii
If His Excellency Alexei Alexandrovich knew what nonsense this old
fool tells you—
Seriozha
Right! You must not listen, Vassilii Lukich! What is your medal,
Kapitonich?
Kapitonich
It's the Saint George.
Seriozha
Ah. Is your daughter well?
Kapitonich
Yes, Excellency.
Seriozha
She is happy with her job?
Kapitonich
Oh, yes and no. It's living to jump and turn—one—two—three. And
the ballet master, who is French, is terrible. Anyway, that's what she
says.
Seriozha
You know how to dance, too?
Kapitonich
I knew.
Seriozha
What? The trepak?
Kapitonich
No, the kazachouk. And I could sing, too.
Seriozha
Then dance the kazachouk for me.
Kapitonich
Truly, Excellency—
Seriozha
Dance. I wish it!
(Kapitonich tries to dance and then lets himself fall slowly.)
Kapitonich
Aie! Aie! Aie! My rheumatism.
Seriozha
You cannot dance.
Kapitonich
Not any more. But I can still sing.
Seriozha
Well, then, sing. Sing.
Kapitonich (with a thunderous voice)
There was a little black dog—
Vassilii
Hush! Hush! Enough! Enough!
Seriozha
Oh, oh, bravo! Continue! Continue!
Vassilii
If His Excellency Alexei Alexandrovich hears you—God protect me.
What a voice!
Kapitonich (laughing)
Fine, let him shut up then. He's jealous.
Seriozha
That's it. Get down on all fours.
Kapitonich
What, Excellency? Ha! Ha! Ha! On all fours?
Seriozha
You will be the horse and I will be the rider.
Vassilii
In five minutes recess will be over.
Seriozha
Yes, yes, but until then I am the master. The office is mine for
now. I can do what I please. Hoopla, gallop! (jumping on Kapitonich's
back) Yah! Yah! (to Matrona who enters) Niania! Niania! Look how well
your husband gallops.
Matrona (to Kapitonich)
Merciful God! Are you still amusing yourself, you old beast?
Rascal, and you sang so loud the windows in the house were shaking. But
think, if His Excellency Alexei Alexandrovich came and you were not at
your post, at the door below—
Kapitonich
But, my little mother—we must have a little fun. Get down,
Monsieur Seriozha.
Seriozha
No, no.
Matrona
Get down, get down. Right away.
Seriozha
Yes, but on one condition. Listen to this, Matrona.
Matrona
What, my God. What, scamp?
Seriozha
You'll talk about Mama again.
Matrona
Yes, yes. That I promise.
Seriozha
Then I'll get down.
Matrona
About time!
Kapitonich (rising, to Matrona)
And what did His Excellency say when he saw I wasn't at my post?
Matrona
He said nothing, old fool, because he hasn't yet returned from the
cabinet meeting.
Kapitonich
Good, I will save myself. Good day until tomorrow, Excellency. We
will do it again. (pointing to Vassilii) It will be his turn to go on
all fours.
(Kapitonich leaves, laughing.)
Vassilii (furious)
Ah, if he wasn't so big and— Two more minutes, Seriozha
Alexeivitch.
Seriozha (to Matrona)
You know what you promised me? Have you got a letter, some news? Is
she coming to see me soon? Is she still in Moscow?
Matrona
There, there, softly, my little soul. Your mother wrote me. She's
fine and she prays God that you will be worthy—
Seriozha
Then she is not dead! That old Lidia Ivanovna told me she was dead.
Why did she tell me that?
Matrona
She is lying! Anna Arkadyevna isn't dead, praise Christ!
(Seriozha and Matrona have been speaking in hushed tones. Vassilii
steps unexpectedly between them.)
Vassilii
Why do you speak so low? His Excellency forbids it! He wants me to
hear everything that people say to Seriozha Alexeivitch.
Matrona
Come, then and listen! You know, indeed, of what I speak and you
think like all the old retainers in this house—like Kapitonich—like
me.
Vassilii (hiding his emotion)
Leave us! The recess is over.
Matrona
Fine! Fine! Your eyes shine, you are only a little Russian, but you
have a good heart. Goodbye, little one.
Seriozha
Goodbye Niania.
(As soon as the old nurse leaves, Vassilii Lukich claps his
hands.)
Vassilii
Come! Come! You've got to get to work now, Seriozha Alexeivitch. It
is already ten o'clock. You'll never finish your lesson about the
history of the saints.
Seriozha
No geography, Vassilii Lukich. What difference does it make?
Vassilii
For goodness sake!
Seriozha
Tomorrow is my birthday. Papa will not have the courage to punish
me. Neither will the “living horror.”
Vassilii
Monsieur!
Seriozha
Good! That's what I am going to tell her. Countess Lidia
Ivanovna—the dirty pig!
Vassilii
Why do you detest her so? She's good to you.
Seriozha
No, she's severe and mean. And then—
Vassilii
And then?
Seriozha
And then, she wishes to make me believe things which are not true.
Vassilii
It is impossible that Lidia, who is a person so pious, told a lie,
even the smallest.
Seriozha
She is a liar!
Vassilii
Monsieur!
Seriozha
Yes, we have proof of it, Matrona and I! Why does she tell me that
Mama is dead when Matrona, who was Mama's nurse, told me she was alive?
Mama is in Moscow, living with Uncle Stiva. I know it, I saw her leave.
She kissed me. And, it's true, since you say nothing!
Vassilii
Learn your patriarchs, Monsieur Seriozha. In five minutes, His
Excellency will come to test you and you won't know them.
Seriozha
Bah! If I studied, I wouldn't know any more. Papa knows the Old
Testament only because he tests me with the book open in front of him.
Besides, Papa won't be severe. He received a decoration today so he
must be happy.
Vassilii
Why not be happy to receive recognition from the Emperor? Isn't it
proof he deserved it?
Seriozha
Yes! This decoration is the Alexander Nevsky, isn't it?
Vassilii
Yes.
Seriozha
What other decorations does he have?
Vassilii
The Vladimir.
Seriozha
And, besides that?
Vassilii
Above all, the Saint Andrew.
Seriozha
When I grow up, I intend to have all the medals.
Vassilii
You must work hard to deserve them.
Seriozha
I will.
Vassilii
Your lesson, then, Seriozha Alexeivitch.
Seriozha
Yes, yes. Listen, Vassilii Lukich, yesterday, in the summer garden,
I saw a beautiful, oh, so beautiful lady with a blue veil. I thought it
was Mama. I looked at her with such a desire to kiss her and say to
her: “I am your little Seriozha, Mama.” She wasn't there when I went
back, instead the living horror was there.
Vassilii
You are a bad boy, Monsieur.
Seriozha
Me, oh?
Vassilii
Here's His Excellency.
(Alexei Karenin enters. Seriozha runs to him and kisses him.)
Seriozha
Bonjour, Papa.
Karenin
Bonjour, Seriozha. Bonjour, Vassilii Lukich.
Vassilii
Excellency.
Karenin
You can leave us, Vassilii Lukich. Seriozha studied hard? He wasn't
too restless?
Vassilii
He has been very peaceful, Excellency.
Karenin
Fine.
(Vassilii leaves.)
Karenin
Did you take a nice walk yesterday? I haven't seen you because I
was dining with the minister at his home.
Seriozha
Yes, Papa, very nice. I am much amused with Nadinka in the summer
garden. Nadinka told me that you received another medal. Are you happy
with it, Papa?
Karenin
First of all, don't calculate like that. I've told you twenty
times. As to the medal, remember that only the work can make you happy,
not its reward. Truly, one has to work. Work will seem useless if you
want only the reward, while, if you love your work, you will always
have your reward. Do you understand?
Seriozha
Yes, Papa.
Karenin
Good. Now, tell me your lesson. Let's see. The Patriarchs. Who
where they?
Seriozha
First of all Enoch.
Karenin
No, not the first. Still, Enoch. Who was Enoch?
Seriozha
He was Methuselah's father.
Karenin
Good. Who was Methuselah?
Seriozha
He was an old man.
Karenin
What are you saying?
Seriozha
He was an old man who didn't want to die. He was right, Papa. Do
you believe in death?
Karenin
What a singular question!
Seriozha
Me, I don't believe in death. For example, I don't believe that
Mama is dead. And you, Papa?
Karenin
One doesn't discuss such questions with a child of your age. The
Patriarchs?
Seriozha
Enoch, father of Methuselah—Enoch.
Karenin
Is that all you know?
Seriozha
Yes, Papa.
Karenin
That's bad, Seriozha. That's bad. If you don't take care of
instructing yourself with things essential for a Christian to know,
then what will you occupy yourself with? I am going to be obliged to
punish you. You will lunch alone here this morning.
Seriozha
All right, Papa.
(Vassilii enters.)
Karenin
What is it, Vassilii Lukich?
Vassilii
The Countess Lidia Ivanovna would like—
Karenin
Come in, come in, dear friend.
(Lidia Ivanovna enters.)
Karenin
You are none too soon. (pointing to Seriozha) He is lazy. I am very
unhappy with him.
Lidia
I would like to speak with you alone, Alexei Alexandrovich.
Karenin.
All right. Vassilii, go to the greenhouse with Seriozha. I will
call you back later.
Vassilii
Fine, Excellency.
Seriozha
I'm happy, Vassilii. I am punished.
Vassilii
And that makes you happy?
Seriozha
I won't have to eat lunch looking that old hag in the face. Pouah!
She ruins my appetite.
Vassilii
Oh, Monsieur, Monsieur.
(Vassilii and Seriozha leave.)
Karenin
I am not happy with Seriozha. I find in him a certain coldness
toward the essential questions that ought to touch the human heart,
even in a child.
Lidia
But his heart—I find in him the heart of his father, and with
that, can he be bad? Anyway, that's not the question. May the merciful
God give you, in these circumstances, my friend, the strength of soul
that he has so often lavished on you many times before. They are in
Saint Petersburg—those villainous people have returned!
Karenin
Oh!
Lidia
I can't imagine they will dare to stay here for long. They will
soon take up their adventurous ways again. But now, at the moment, they
are here. Here's the letter that Anna Arkadyevna had the nerve to write
me.
(Lidia offers Karenin a paper.)
Karenin (very upset)
You read it. The words dance before my eyes. This writing recalls
to me so many painful memories.
Lidia
Courage! (reading) “Countess, you are a fervent Christian. You will
pardon my action, but for some time I have not seen my son. Understand
the anguish of my heart and permit me to see him once, alone, wherever
you wish, whenever you wish. Be my advocate with Alexei Alexandrovich.
I dare not address him directly. I have caused him enough sorrow
already. You won't refuse me this maternal kiss. You will accept my
sincere thanks. Anna.”
Karenin
How long have you had this letter?
Lidia
Since yesterday, during the ceremony for your medal. Christ imposes
his cross on you, but he gives you the strength to bear it.
Karenin
I don't believe I have the right to refuse her.
Lidia
My friend, you don't want to see the evil here—
Karenin
But, yes, yes, to the contrary. If you knew what a pessimist and
what a skeptic I am. Is it possible—is it just to refuse her?
Lidia
No, no. There are limits to everything. I understand immorality,
but I don't understand cruelty towards a man like you. Why does she
come to Saint Petersburg to expose you to the chance of meeting her?
What baseness.
Karenin
But, since you know the depths of my heart, since it was you who
reawakened in me the Christian beliefs which allowed me to forgive
them—to judge that their punishment was in their own hands—in the
false situation they have created—have I the right to thwart her
maternal love?
Lidia
Seriozha believes she is dead! Each day I have him pray for
her—for the pardon of her sins. If he were to see her, what trouble
would this cause the young innocent child? What questions would he ask
you, which, if they remain unanswered, must debase a sacred memory?
Karenin
You are right. I didn't think of that.
Lidia
But I thought of it! Guided by He who gives us the courage to
submit to our fate without rebelling.
Karenin
You are my second conscience.
Lidia
Anna must understand that to see her child is a criminal thing.
Hasn't she done you enough evil already? And while the occasion serves,
I ought to mention something I have observed—this scandal has done you
no credit.
Karenin
I don't find that to be true, Lidia Ivanovna. I am still listened
to, God be thanked, at the Imperial Council and the Emperor has given
me proof of his satisfaction, but still—
Lidia
Yes, the decoration! But you know very well the governmental
procedures to ignore the meaning of your decoration. When a man who has
occupied a very high position is finished, they cover him with honorary
titles. They disarm him completely with a bauble. A month after their
departure, you were no longer Minister. You won't regain that position
soon—and it is because of ridicule—here, like everywhere, which will
put you in the wrong!
Karenin
You are right. We must refuse this interview.
Lidia
You know the bottom of your heart. I will reply to this woman as
soon as possible that you refuse to let her see Seriozha.
Karenin
Thank you. I might not have had the courage.
Lidia
Say the necessary clear-sightedness.
Karenin
Your vigilance gives me such a moral repose. Will you accept my
arm, Lidia Ivanovna? I believe it is time to think of lunch.
Lidia
I'm happy to carry out your ideas concerning this letter.
(Exit Karenin and Lidia. The stage is empty. A long pause.
Kapitonich
reenters. He goes to the door by which Lidia and Karenin left,
listens, then retraces his steps to the door by which he entered,
murmuring.)
Kapitonich
Good! It's just as I hoped. They are at lunch.
(Popoff, the coachman, enters. Anna is behind him in the doorway.)
Kapitonich (to Popoff)
Close your eyes. (to Anna) This way, Excellency. Here is the new
study hall of Seriozha Alexeivitch. Excuse if all is in disorder.
Anna
Merci, Kapitonich, merci. Go find him quickly. Please find him.
Kapitonich
He won't be too far away. His preceptor, Vassilii Lukich, told me
that he was being punished and had to eat lunch alone, here in his
room. Oh, don't worry. His Excellency Alexei Alexandrovich is having
his lunch now.
Seriozha (entering, aside low)
Kapitonich told me a lady! Good, as long as it is not the living
horror. I was afraid— (aloud) Bonjour, Madame.
(Anna rises excitedly, goes to her son and takes him in her arms.
She
is holding him; he can't say a word. Seriozha disengages himself,
then looks at his mother and hurls himself back into her arms.)
Seriozha
Mama!
Anna (embracing him almost to the point of suffocation)
Seriozha! Seriozha! My little Seriozha!
Seriozha
I knew very well that you were coming. I knew you weren't dead, my
pretty Mama.
Anna
How handsome you are! How you have grown!
Seriozha
Why are you crying, Mama? Tell me why you are crying.
Anna
Me? But, I am not crying. It's the joy of seeing you. It's been
such a long time since I last saw you. Now it's over.
Seriozha
How happy I am to be punished today.
Anna
You are being punished?
Seriozha
Yes. I have to eat here all alone. So much the worse—you don't get
to see the dining room. (kissing her) They told me you were dead,
but—I didn't believe them. I knew you were in Moscow with Uncle Stiva!
Did you bring something for me?
Anna
Oh, lord—toys! I was in such a hurry to see you, my dear. I left
them in the carriage.
Seriozha
That won't matter, Mama. Vassilii will go to get them later. Ah,
here's Vassilii. Look, Mama's come back. Why are you crying too,
Vassilii?
Vassilii
Excellency!
Anna
Bonjour, Vassilii Lukich. Don't worry, I'm going to leave. Five
minutes. Just give me five minutes with him.
Vassilii
Just five minutes, then, Excellency.
Seriozha
Mama! Grisha and Tania and Vasya come sometimes. You know, it's sad
here since you left.
Anna
Ah!
Seriozha
Yes! And Papa is so strict about my lessons. He's teaching me the
history of the Saints at present. Each time that I asked him where you
were, he only looked more sad. Then, there is that old living horror.
Anna
Who?
Seriozha
Lidia Ivanovna. I detest her.
Anna
Is she mean to you?
Seriozha
No. Sweet, sweet. Pouah! Too sweet. She's a liar! Why did she tell
me that you were dead? She is boring, too, you know.
(Old Matrona enters and listens, without moving.)
Seriozha
The house is not gay because of that dirty old pig. Let's go. In
the summer garden we can play. There we can do what we want.
Matrona
Madame! My love! Here's a joy sent by God to Seriozha Alexeivitch.
How pretty you are, my dove! More beautiful than ever.
Seriozha
Mama, she always told me you'd come to see me.
Anna
Oh, hold me, hold me truly, Nurse, if you still love me.
Matrona
Nothing in this world will stop me from loving you.
Anna
Niania, my dear! You must tell me something. (low to Seriozha)
Leave me a minute, dear. (to Matrona) Does Lidia Ivanovna come here
often?
Matrona
Yes.
Anna
Is she the mistress of my husband?
Matrona
Who told you that, my dove?
Anna
Everyone is saying so!
Matrona
And everyone is lying.
Anna
But, no! Don't hide anything from me, Niania, if you love me. Maybe
it must—let it be, so he can feel some guilt himself—so he will agree
to a divorce.
Matrona (firmly)
There's no truth in what they say about them!
Anna
You swear to me on the Saints and Lions?
Matrona
I swear to you, your husband is irreproachable.
Anna
Then all is lost, now. If he isn't guilty, I have no argument
against him. He will agree to nothing. He's right! He's right!
Kapitonich (entering)
Excellency. The valet de chambre to Alexei Alexandrovich has
informed His Excellency that you are here.
Anna
Oh, my God! My God!
(Anna prepares to leave.)
Seriozha
Don't go yet, Mama. He won't come so soon.
Anna
My dear! My little dear! You won't ever forget your mother? Take
him away, Matrona. Love your father, my treasure, love him well. He is
better than I am. When you grow up, you will judge. I've been guilty
towards him.
Seriozha
No one is better than you!
Anna
My little soul! My dear!
Kapitonich
His Excellency is coming!
Anna
Take him! Take him, Matrona, quickly.
Seriozha
Mama!
Anna
Adieu!
(Karenin enters. He is very pale and holds himself motionless and
glacial. Anna tries to speak.)
Anna
Alexei, I thought— My son! Pardon!
(Karenin just points to the open door. Anna, without a word,
lowers
her veil and leaves, shaking with tears.)
CURTAIN
Annoushka
Vladimir! Vladimir!
Vladimir
Is that you, Annoushka?
Annoushka
Yes. There are visitors from Moscow for Colonel Vronsky and Anna
Arkadyevna. Should I bring them here to the terrace or would it be
better in the house?
Vladimir
Wherever you wish, little mother. It's all the same to me.
Annoushka
I believe it is the brother of Anna Arkadyevna and his wife. Holy
archangels! Let it not be bad news for Count Vronsky.
Vladimir
Why's that, Annoushka?
Annoushka
Alas! The devil is so mean! Everything that concerns the Barinia
does not inspire me with confidence, you know. The priest told me she
is living in a state of perpetual sin.
Vladimir
The priest is an imbecile! Isn't she good to you and everyone?
Annoushka
Angels in heaven. How brutal you are since he became Colonel. Can't
one talk? One cannot say anything about her! You would deny she's
living in concubinage—that she's an adulterous spouse! And if I was
Count Vronsky, what wouldn't I be thinking?
Vladimir
Enough gossip! Bad beast! Old hag!
Annoushka
Ah, men. You are all on her side because she's pretty.
(Enter Stiva and Dolly.)
Stiva
Well, you forgot us in the park. Have you told Anna Arkadyevna of
our visit?
Annoushka
Not yet, little uncle. I was asking Vladimir if the Barinia was
there.
(Annoushka goes into the house which overlooks a railway track
leading
to Moscow.)
Stiva
In that case get going. (to Dolly) The evenings are cold this time
of year. I hope we return to Moscow before evening. We have a good half
hour by carriage.
Dolly
Perhaps Anna will want to keep us to dinner.
Stiva
Don't think of it! My official character—we must not lose sight
for even a minute of Anna's moral situation. I love her deeply, but our
family relations will only be publicly reestablished when the day
arrives that she is divorced and becomes Countess Vronsky.
Dolly
It seems to me, Stiva, that you should have more understanding and
less concern for public opinion.
Stiva
Pardon me. I came here as Alexei Alexandrovich's representative and
not as Anna's brother.
Dolly
You ought to conciliate matters.
Stiva
Duty must come before feelings.
Annoushka (entering)
Anna Arkadyevna begs you to wait for her here. She is coming right
away. Peter! And you, Nicolas! Haven't I told you a hundred times!
Stiva
What is going on?
Annoushka
It's my naughty boy, Excellency, and my nephew Nicolas. They help
in the kitchen and they are both villainous devils. (to Peter) I'll
make you eat with that scamp, Damavoi!
(Peter and Nicolas enter. Nicolas is ready to cry. He has two live
chickens which he is holding by their feet.)
Stiva
Where are these scamps coming from?
Annoushka
They're coming from Vassilii Mikaloff's, the Mouzhik, to get
chickens for dinner. And not to take a long detour around the railway
bridge. They crossed the view. (to Peter and Nicolas) And if Count
Vronsky had seen you?
(Peter laughs and makes a negative motion.)
Annoushka
Peter, you lead Nicolas into trouble. Vassilii traps in the woods
to catch rabbits. He will catch you one day.
Peter
No.
Annoushka
Go in, you devils. (she hustles them away) And that's for you,
Peter. (gives him a slap) If I catch you going there again, watch out.
Peter
You won't catch us.
(The children and Annoushka go out.)
Stiva
I hadn't noticed this little stairway.
Vladimir
It's a passage for the VIPs who know the train schedules. The Count
uses it to better watch his hunting grounds. You can see a long way
from there.
Stiva
It would be very dangerous for children if the door is left open.
Dolly
It would be firmly shut, without doubt, if Seriozha were living
with his mother.
(Stiva goes to the balustrade in the rear and looks at the view.)
Stiva
Doubtless this area near the railway line would be very
disagreeable. Is it the Nijni line?
Vladimir
Yes, Excellency. It passes through Obiralovka where Colonel Vronsky
goes to see his mother. When he goes there two or three times a week,
it passes under Anna Arkadyevna's window and they can see each other.
Stiva (looking at Vladimir for a moment)
Where have I seen you before?
Vladimir
At Tsarkoe Selo, Excellency, at the races three years ago. Oh, I
recognized you quite easily.
Stiva
But you didn't have this on your shoulder.
Vladimir
Oh, that! General Minister Serpukhovskoy had it given to me about
six months after Count Vronsky became a Colonel.
(While this colloquy is taking place in the center of the stage,
Dolly
goes toward the house and Anna comes out.)
Dolly
My dear, Anna. My dear, Anna, how happy I am to see you.
Anna
Dolly, my Dolly.
(Anna and Dolly embrace a long while with great emotion. Stiva
leaves
Vladimir and approaches Anna. Vladimir exits.)
Stiva
I embrace you very willingly, also, my dear sister.
Anna
Oh, Stiva, Stiva, it's such a long time since I saw you last. And
so very many things have happened since then. Just now, when they told
me you were here, I was almost sick with joy. Thank you Stiva! Thank
you, my dear Dolly!
Dolly
You've had some rough times to endure, dear Anna, but we all have
times in our lives which appear so dark that it seems we'll never find
the light. Time softens all suffering.
Anna
Time doesn't correct irreparable errors. No, my dear Dolly, don't
try to console me. I am clairvoyant, very clairvoyant.
Stiva (very irritated)
Hum! Hum! My dear Anna, my dear Anna. It seems that Dolly can tell
you better than I the purpose of our visit. If you will allow me, I
will go with Vladimir to meet Vronsky. Where is he, exactly?
Anna
He's riding with Captain Makhotin. Our cousin, Princess Barbe
Oblonsky, is following them in a carriage.
Stiva
You receive that old infatuated fool, Barbe?
Anna (with bitterness)
I have no choice in relations, but then I mustn't be choosy.
Stiva
I'm not saying this to anger you, but she has a reputation!
Anna (a little sadly)
But, I, too, have a reputation, Stiva.
Dolly
Anna!
Anna
It doesn't matter, Dolly. He didn't mean that exactly.
Stiva (calling)
Vladimir! Vladimir! Which way did your Colonel go?
Vladimir (replying from off stage)
Towards Moscow, Excellency—over here—on this side. I will show
you.
(Exit Stiva. Stiva's and Vladimir's voices fade. Anna and Dolly
sit on
a stone bench.)
Anna
Why did you come, Dolly?
Dolly
We came, Stiva and I, on behalf of your husband.
Anna
On behalf of— Oh! My son is sick! There is something, an illness,
a catastrophe which they are hiding from me. Tell me, tell me!
Dolly
But, no, my dear. Seriozha is well, very well.
Anna
You're not lying?
Dolly
Why would I lie?
Anna
I was afraid at first to see you. So moved by both of you.
Understand me, Dolly. You are a mother. You have beautiful children
that you keep in your arms. You have their first smile in the morning,
their kiss in the evening, their lessons, the shared meals, and all the
endless worries of maternity. I—I have nothing of my son—except
pictures and letters written stealthily which, alas, Matrona sends me
so rarely. Perhaps he will forget me. They speak to him of his mother
with scorn. Since I left my husband more than two years ago, I have
seen him only once for five minutes. They tore him from my arms. I was
like a thief in my own house.
Dolly
Be calm, Anna.
Anna
When I think that I can never reunite the two people that I love in
this world— Seriozha and Vronsky. Never, never.
Dolly
Yes, Anna! You can, soon perhaps.
Anna
What are you saying? It's impossible.
Dolly
No, Anna. Once married to Vronsky nothing will prevent you from
seeing your son. And that is exactly the purpose of our visit. Your
husband consents to a divorce.
(There is a long pause. Anna says nothing.)
Dolly
I hoped that would make you happy—and you are so quiet.
Anna
It's too late.
Dolly
How can you say such a thing?
Anna
Two years ago, a year ago, perhaps, I would have been happy—so
happy about this news—but today I am the mistress of Colonel Vronsky
and only that. He will never allow me to become his wife.
Dolly
You judge him wrongly, Anna.
Anna
He's a man, Dolly! I've made every sacrifice for him. Every
sacrifice. But that isn't what he won't forget. It's my modesty.
Dolly
Anna, Anna! You deceive yourself. Your situation is causing a
misunderstanding between you. But, think of the children that may be
born of your love. They need a father. They don't want to blush for
you.
Anna (violently)
I won't have any more children.
Dolly
How can you say that?
Anna
I won't have any more. I shouldn't be a mother, do you understand?
I am his mistress. Ah, Dolly, I have so much trouble to keep him
already. He knows so well how to find excuses to get away from me. With
what enthusiasm has he become a soldier again. If you knew. I am an
irritant in his life. He leaves me alone here for weeks and months. I
live from day to day—scorned by all—scorned by myself.
Dolly
I don't scorn you, Anna. I have never scorned you.
Anna
You are good! But the others, those whom I hurt, my husband, Kitty,
my pretty Kitty.
Dolly
Kitty has pardoned you. She is very happy. She has married Levin.
She owes her happiness to you. Sit down again, Anna. Accept the divorce
so you may marry the man who loves you and whom you love.
Anna
He doesn't love me any more.
Dolly
Anna, you are unjust! He wanted to die for you. He sacrificed
everything for you.
Anna
His life! His life is more brilliant than ever. He's begun it over
far from me—and each day pushes him further away! Little by little
this great love which ought to ennoble our existence has become a thing
that's low and repulsive, an ignominious habit. The end is complete
now. I am surrounded by people of ill repute; I was publicly insulted
at the Opera in Saint Petersburg like a low woman. There's nothing
worse to come.
Dolly
His duty is to marry you when you are free.
Anna
Don't speak to me of duty. That word horrifies me! Where was my
duty when I abandoned my son and my husband?
Dolly
Then, I will have come in vain.
Anna
No—since I've cried for you and now I've seen you. Who can tell
when I'll see you again?
Dolly (frightened)
Anna!
Anna
He doesn't love me anymore, but I love him—and I have him often
near me. You see how much I've become demanding. But, from the day I am
certain that he loves another woman, my duty will be to set him free.
He will be free.
Dolly (frightened by the resolution she sees in Anna's expression)
Anna, my dear. Someone told you—someone told you something.
Anna (suddenly tragic)
And you—you know something?
Dolly
Me? I know something? What are you saying?
Anna
They told you that Countess Vronsky wants to marry her son with the
daughter of Princess Sarokine. Don't lie.
Dolly
I swear to you, Anna—
Anna
Don't lie! It's useless! Besides, you owe me the truth. Don't worry
about hurting me. I'm used to it.
Dolly (hurt)
They told me—in fact—sometimes there's a slander of this type.
Anna
You see quite well—
Dolly
But, the scandal comes from below—from the Princess Miaghkaia—to
tell everything.
Anna
She has good reason to hate me!
Dolly
I answered that Vronsky was, above everything, a man of honor and,
in the meantime, your husband, on a governmental mission to Moscow,
having paid us a visit, Stiva and I obtained his consent to your
divorce. We ran here, full of happiness to bring you certainty, that
within six months you will be able to become the wife of the man you
love and who loves you.
Anna
Oh! If he still loved me! With what joy I would greet this news.
Dolly
Stiva is putting him in the picture right now; he will come back so
happy, I am sure of it.
Anna
If he loves me—with what vehemence he will force me to accept the
divorce!
Dolly (smiling)
He will do you this violence, Anna, my dear, Anna.
Anna
I wish I could partake of your confidence. Alas, look!
(Stiva and Vronsky appear in the distance. Vronsky is preoccupied
and
silent.)
Dolly
Madwoman! He doesn't know yet.
Anna
He knows!
(Vronsky kisses the hand of Dolly, then goes to hug Anna.)
Vronsky (to Dolly)
I'm happy to greet you here, Darya Alexandrovna!
Dolly
I, too, Alexei Vronsky.
Anna (to Vronsky)
You come back alone?
Vronsky
Princess Barbe and Makhotin went around the woods. They will be
here any minute.
Stiva
Yes. I met Vronsky alone a hundred meters from the rush gate. Now
we should leave.
Anna
What! Won't you dine with us?
Stiva
No, my dear Anna. It's impossible. We have an official dinner
tonight —my colleagues of the Court.
Anna
Then, let Dolly stay. Vronsky will take her back.
Vronsky
You know I'm dining with my mother tonight, Anna.
Anna
Ah, yes, yes. I had forgotten.
Dolly
In any event, I wouldn't have abandoned my husband, Alexei Vronsky.
Besides, this first visit doesn't count. Anna, we will return. (to
Vronsky) Anna will tell you why we came today.
Stiva
I have already told him, just now.
Dolly (to Vronsky)
You know?
Vronsky
I know.
Dolly
And, have you considered the reply we must take back?
Vronsky
But, it seems to me that the decision doesn't depend on me alone.
Dolly
In effect, the principal interest is Anna's?
Vronsky
Isn't it?
Dolly
Nevertheless—
Anna (with false gaiety)
But, why are you worried, Dolly? I've already told you everything
on this subject. The only response is this one: we are perfectly
happy— our joy is in our own keeping—we don't desire nothing that
would change our way of life. That's right, isn't it, Aloysha?
Dolly
Anna! Anna!
Anna (very much mistress of herself)
It's by your advice, Alexei, that we leave things as they are?
Vronsky
But, yes, let it be as you will, Anna.
(Stiva grabs Vronsky by the arm and pulls him aside, away from
Dolly
and Anna.)
Stiva
Think also of what I told you, Vronsky. Serpukhovskoy is all—
powerful— (they come back) If he wants to give me a little pat on the
shoulder, it's a fifty thousand ruble blessing!
Anna
You see. Everything is finished, indeed!
Dolly
Anna, don't worry yourself like this. You frighten me.
Anna
Adieu, Dolly. Hug your children for me—hug them—hug them—you are
happy.
Stiva
Come on, come on. Enough of these affectionate demonstrations. We
are in a rush, little sister. Soon—good health—good hopes.
Anna
Adieu, Stiva.
Vronsky
I will accompany you to your carriage.
(They leave. Anna stays motionless. The wind rises. The day starts
to
end.)
Anna
The night—already night—where is the Venetian sun?
(Vronsky comes back. He stands near Anna.)
Vronsky
I must hug you, too, my dear. I must leave in nearly an hour for
the Nijni station.
Anna
Where are you going?
Vronsky
To rejoin General Serpukhovskoy, with whom we must pass the evening
at my mother's house.
Anna
Don't go out this evening. Don't go.
Vronsky
Why this caprice, Anna? I promised them I would go.
Anna
Listen, I need to see you, to be with you, to discuss the
propositions that were made just now.
Vronsky
Haven't you decided already? You know very well that my will is
yours. Whatever you decided, my duty is to obey you.
Anna (furiously)
Duty! Always duty! With that word—and two or three others—
conscience, honor—all baseness is masked.
Vronsky
Why this violence, Anna?
Anna
Because I am very nervous and I am very afraid.
Vronsky
You are afraid?
Anna
Yes, you know—you know I'm like a child. I'm afraid to be alone
this evening.
Vronsky
A night is quickly over. I will be back tomorrow at ten o'clock.
Anna
Listen. I had my horrible dream yesterday. The one which always
tells me of misfortune. I've seen the little dirty old Mouzhik who does
invisible things in a sack. I've seen him twice already.
Vronsky
You are not being reasonable, Anna.
Anna
Oh, I know. But, you must treat me gently, like a sick child. I'm
afraid of this Mouzhik. You must stay to protect me.
Vronsky (trying to disengage)
I promised, Anna. Let me go!
Anna (suddenly pushing him away)
Well, go then, go! (then holding him again) Where did you tell me
you were going?
Vronsky
To meet Serpukhovskoy in Moscow and go to my mother's for a family
reunion.
Anna
You swear to me? That's really where you are going?
Vronsky
That's exactly where I am going. As for giving you my word on such
a silly subject, and for me to abstain, and besides, where do you think
I am going? Such a demand becomes an injury. I am angry, Anna, that you
accuse me of such a wrong.
Anna
Ah, you see my faults now. (trying to smile) And I, who still don't
know any of your faults? Stay Aloysha. Stay this evening. We have a lot
to talk about, to say to each other.
Vronsky
I promised. I must leave.
Anna
Are you the slave of your word? Well, you've sworn before to
satisfy all my caprices—and since I'm afraid of the little Mouzhik—I
insist you stay here.
Vronsky
Impossible.
Anna
Vronsky—
(Princess Barbe and Makhotin enter.)
Vronsky
You are not going to make a scene before them. Goodbye, my dear.
(Vronsky hugs Anna. She remains unmoved. Barbe, who has seen
Vronsky
embrace Anna, jokes ironically.)
Barbe
Well, well. It's your youth, I know, but you are not in your room
here.
Vronsky
A man can hug his wife when he's going on a trip.
Makhotin
You are going to your mother's, Colonel?
Vronsky
Yes, Makhotin. And I confide my wife and the Princess to you.
Barbe
Oh, don't bother to confide me any more. Really, am I a child that
needs watching?
Vronsky
You are slandering yourself. Till tomorrow, my dear!
Anna
Till tomorrow.
(Anna watches Vronsky leave and returns to Princess Barbe. On the
horizon, Moscow is red under the rays of the setting sun.)
Barbe
You've had some visitors, Anna Arkadyevna?
Anna
Yes. My brother and sister-in-law.
Barbe
They were in a hurry to return to Moscow.
Makhotin
All the world's in a hurry today. There's Vronsky, who's leaving in
the caboose at the end of the train. (to Anna) Is it possible he can
leave a woman like you in such haste?
(The dinner bell sounds softly.)
Barbe
Dinner? Already? Did they advance the hour today?
Makhotin
No, I believe not. It is, indeed, six-thirty.
Barbe
I'm not angry about it. Besides, our promenade has given me an
appetite. Let me go before you. (pointing to Makhotin) Here's another
one, dying of love for you, Enchantress.
Anna
Barbe Mekaelovna!
Barbe
All right, all right. I'll shut up. I'll shut up.
(Barbe goes into the house. Makhotin stands next to Anna who is
looking into the distance towards Moscow.)
Makhotin
Why do you have such a hard air with me? Haven't you any pity?
Anna
I have scorn. How dare you shake Vronsky's hand?
Makhotin
He shook the hand of Alexei Karenin.
Anna
Wretch!
Makhotin
And he's going to rejoin his princesses hell for leather. See who
is worthy!
Anna
You lie—he is going to rejoin General Serpukhovskoy.
Makhotin (laughing)
The General! Ah, that's a good story!
Anna (calling)
Vladimir!
Makhotin (still laughing)
The General, the General!
Vladimir (entering)
Excellency.
Makhotin
Vladimir, the Barinia is calling you.
(Makhotin enters the house, still laughing.)
Anna
What shame! What shame! Vladimir.
Vladimir
Excellency.
Anna
Saddle a horse and get to Moscow as fast as you can. Go to the
Nijni Station and get there before the train for Olsiralovka departs.
Vladimir
I will get there in time, Excellency.
Anna
You must get there in time. You will give this letter to Count
Vronsky. If you can't find him, if he cannot come—return without delay
to tell me. Knock on this window here. I will come. I don't want them
to see you speaking to me.
Vladimir
As you wish, Excellency.
Anna (writing the letter which she gives to Vladimir)
“Alexei, come in the name of heaven! I'm afraid. It's a question of
my life.” (sealing the letter and handing it to Vladimir) Go, Vladimir
and gallop, gallop all the way to Moscow.
(Vladimir leaves hastily.)
Anna
A quarter of an hour to go. A quarter of an hour to return. If
Vronsky isn't here at eight o'clock—
(Voices call to Anna from inside the house.)
Barbe's voice
Anna! Anna Arkadyevna!
Anna
I'm coming! I'm coming!
CURTAIN
Same décor. Black night. The open door of the house is brilliantly
lit. No one is on the stage, then some children run onstage.
Nicolas
Softly. They can see you from the window.
Peter
No danger! They are eating! Come, do you have your trap?
Nicolas
Yes.
Peter
We'll surely catch a rabbit tonight. What luck, huh?
Nicolas
Hush! No! If the Barinia were to see us—
Peter
Chicken! Let's go. In five minutes, we will be back. Annoushka
won't notice a thing.
Nicolas
Yes, let's go.
(The children disappear down the little stairway. A pause. Eight
o'clock sounds in the distance. Vladimir appears at the top of the
stair. He is covered with dust. He knocks on the window softly—then
goes off to the right. A pause, then Anna's voice.)
Anna's voice
No, no—just a little headache. I want to be alone in the air for
five minutes.
(Anna comes to the door and calls.)
Anna
Vladimir.
Vladimir
Excellency!
(Vladimir gives Anna a letter.)
Anna
Then, the train had already left?
Vladimir
No, Excellency. You heard it pass.
Anna
That's true.
Vladimir
A slow machine, a half hour late at least. I got there before him.
(Makhotin appears in the door on the veranda. Anna doesn't see
him. He
puts his finger to his lips and listens unseen.
Anna (reading the letter)
“I cannot return before tomorrow at ten o'clock.” (to Vladimir)
And, did he say anything to you?
Vladimir
He said: “Here, my boy, take this to Anna Karenina.” Then he went
to rejoin the ladies.
Anna
The ladies?
Vladimir
Yes, the Countess Vronsky, his mother, then Princess Sarokine and
her daughter. They all left for Obiralovka.
(Anna stifles a sob.)
Vladimir
Excellency?
Anna
What are you saying? Why do you tell me this? The Count was not
alone?
Vladimir
No, Excellency. The Countess Vronsky, his mother, was with him and
the Princess Sarokine and her daughter. I saw them choosing their
compartment.
Anna
Be quiet!
Vladimir
Certainly, Excellency.
Anna
And go away. Go away, Vladimir.
Vladimir
Excellency—
Anna
Leave me. I order you.
(Vladimir goes.)
Anna
The wretch! The miserable lair! It's to these women that he
went—the wretch—the coward.
Makhotin (near her)
He's an honest man, Anna.
Anna
You! You were listening! Spy!
Makhotin
There, there, pretty lady, no nasty words. I love you. Love excuses
everything.
Anna
Love! Oh, you speak of your love.
Makhotin
Eh, yes. It's the only true one. The only sincere one. The loyal
embrace, without phrases. Those who talk too much lie often. Only the
kiss alone exists for two young, beautiful, free beings.
Anna
Leave me!
Makhotin
Say yes! Tell me yes! You will see—
Anna
Leave me—coward—wretch!
Makhotin
And who would blame you? No one. The old girl there—she knows
it—she encourages me.
Anna
What a shame.
Makhotin
And then, you are only my friend's mistress.
(Anna recoils to the stone balustrade and lets out a frightened
cry.)
Anna
Ah, there—there on the railway track. There's someone. Help!
Makhotin
No one. There's no one.
Anna
Help! Oh, he doesn't hear me.
Makhotin
Oh, oh, useless. There's no one. We are alone.
Anna
Oh, he doesn't hear me. He cannot hear me. It's him! It's the
little Mouzhik. The little Mouzhik! (suddenly, very low) Ah, it's
he—who's calling me—he must iron it, mold it, crush it—
Makhotin
Come on, come on. I know this stuff. You want it. You want—it's
the last comedy, right?
Anna (her voice fixed)
Yes, the last.
Makhotin
About time. Come then.
(Makhotin reaches out to take her. Anna pushes him away.)
Anna (in a dead voice)
Yes, yes. We will go in the park. Both of us. But, I'm cold, I'm
very cold. Would you go find my cape?
Makhotin
I win! I adore you.
(Makhotin returns toward the house and disappears. Far, very far,
the
voice of the Moscow train.)
Anna (alone)
Here—nothing but mud. Down there—mud. Everywhere mud and shame.
(The voice of the train is heard in the distance.)
Anna
One must beat the iron. Yes, yes, you're right, old Mouzhik. (the
noise grows) They are there, both of them, in the same compartment—
the one beside the other—just like we were once. My little Seriozha!
(the train arrives) Forgive me, Lord!
(Anna is at the little door and starts going down the steps.)
Anna
Vronsky! I am coming. I am coming, Vronsky. You will be free.
(Anna has disappeared. The growling of the train peaks, then
passes
like a gust of wind. There are plumes of black smoke, reddened by
the fire of the locomotive. The smoke dissipates as the train passes
and the noise lessens. We hear the children let out screams of fright
and see them hurry towards the house which Makhotin is leaving,
whistling, the big cape of Anna on his arm. He stops the two children.)
Makhotin
Well, what? Naughty little devils. What's wrong?
The children
Anna Arkadyevna! Anna Arkadyevna—there—there! The train. Anna
Arkadyevna!
Makhotin
What! What! What are you saying? Why are you crying like this?
(The children are terrorized. They point their fingers toward the
train track.
The children
There! There! The train! Anna Arkadyevna!
(Makhotin pushes them brutally and hurls himself toward the track.
The
children are silent, frightened. In the distance, a long way off,
the whistle of the locomotive is heard.)
Makhotin
Oh, help! Help! Help!
CURTAIN