The Essential Chekhov: Plays, Short Stories, Novel & Biography. Anton Chekhov

[Laughing loudly] Oh, the cynic!

      BORKIN. Do you want to be a Countess or not?

      MARTHA. [Excitedly] Wait a minute; really, Misha, these things aren’t done in a second like this. If the Count wants to marry me, let him ask me himself, and — and — I don’t see, I don’t understand — all this is so sudden ——

      BORKIN. Come, don’t let us beat about the bush; this is a business arrangement. Do you agree or not?

      SHABELSKI. [Chuckling and rubbing his hands] Supposing I do marry her, eh? Hang it, why shouldn’t I play her this shabby trick? What do you say, little puss? [He kisses her cheek] Dearest chick-a-biddy!

      MARTHA. Stop! Stop! I hardly know what I am doing. Go away! No — don’t go!

      BORKIN. Answer at once: is it yes or no? We can’t stand here forever.

      MARTHA. Look here, Count, come and visit me for three or four days. It is gay at my house, not like this place. Come tomorrow. [To BORKIN] Or is this all a joke?

      BORKIN. [Angrily] How could I joke on such a serious subject?

      MARTHA. Wait! Stop! Oh, I feel faint! A Countess! I am fainting, I am falling!

      BORKIN and SHABELSKI laugh and catch her by the arms. They kiss her cheeks and lead her out through the door on the right. IVANOFF and SASHA run in from the garden.

      IVANOFF. [Desperately clutching his head] It can’t be true! Don’t Sasha, don’t! Oh, I implore you not to!

      SASHA. I love you madly. Without you my life can have no meaning, no happiness, no hope.

      IVANOFF. Why, why do you say that? What do you mean? Little Sasha, don’t say it!

      SASHA. You were the only joy of my childhood; I loved you body and soul then, as myself, but now — Oh, I love you, Nicholas! Take me with you to the ends of the earth, wherever you wish; but for heaven’s sake let us go at once, or I shall die.

      IVANOFF. [Shaking with wild laughter] What is this? Is it the beginning for me of a new life? Is it, Sasha? Oh, my happiness, my joy! [He draws her to him] My freshness, my youth!

      Enter ANNA from the garden. She sees her husband and SASHA, and stops as if petrified.

      IVANOFF. Oh, then I shall live once more? And work?

      IVANOFF and SASHA kiss each other. After the kiss they look around and see ANNA.

      IVANOFF. [With horror] Sarah!

      The curtain falls.