Redemption and two other plays Part 54

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. What d'you think, Theodore Ivanitch, is he flush of cash? Eh, what?

THEODORE IVaNITCH. I don't know. I hardly think so. But what does it matter to you? You drew a good sum not more than a week ago.

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. But didn't I pay for those dogs? And now, you know, there's our new Society, and Petristchef has been chosen, and I had borrowed money from Petristchef and must pay the subscription both for him and for myself. Eh, what?

THEODORE IVaNITCH. And what is this new Society? A Cycling Club?

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. No. Just let me tell you. It is quite a new Society. It is a very serious Society, you know. And who do you think is President? Eh, what?

THEODORE IVaNITCH. What's the object of this new Society?

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. It is a "Society to Promote the Breeding of Pure-Bred Russian Hounds." Eh, what? And I'll tell you, they're having the first meeting and a lunch, to-day. And I've no money. I'll go to him and have a try!

[Exit through study door.

FIRST PEASANT (to THEODORE IVaNITCH). And who might he be, respected sir?

THEODORE IVaNITCH (smiles). The young master.

THIRD PEASANT. The heir, so to say. Oh, Lord! (Puts away the money.) I'd better hide it meanwhile.

FIRST PEASANT. And we were told he was in military service, in the cav'rely, for example.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. No, as an only son he is exempt from military service.

THIRD PEASANT. Left for to keep his parents, so to say! That's right!

SECOND PEASANT (shaking his head). He's the right sort. He'll feed them finely!

THIRD PEASANT. Oh, Lord!

[Enter VASiLY LEONiDITCH, followed by LEONiD FYoDORITCH.

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. That's always the way. It's really surprising!

First I'm asked why I have no occupation, and now when I have found a field and am occupied, when a Society with serious and n.o.ble aims has been founded, I can't even have 300 roubles to go on with!...

LEONiD FYoDORITCH. I tell you I can't do it, and I can't! I haven't got it.

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. Why, you have just sold some land.

LEONiD FYoDORITCH. In the first place I have not sold it! And above all, do leave me in peace! Weren't you told I was engaged?

[Exit, slamming door.

THEODORE IVaNITCH. I told you this was not the right moment.

VASiLY LEONiDITCH. Well, I say! Here's a position to be in! I'll go and see mamma--that's my only hope. He's going crazy over his spiritualism and forgets everything else.

[Goes upstairs.

[THEODORE IVaNITCH takes newspaper and is just going to sit down, when BETSY and MaRYA KONSTANTiNOVNA, followed by GREGORY, come down the stairs.

BETSY. Is the carriage ready?

GREGORY. Just coming to the door.

BETSY (to MaRYA KONSTANTiNOVNA). Come along, come along, I know it is he.

MaRYA KONSTANTiNOVNA. Which he?

BETSY. You know very well whom I mean--Petristchef, of course.

MaRYA KONSTANTiNOVNA. But where is he?

BETSY. Sitting in Vovo's room. You'll see!

MaRYA KONSTANTiNOVNA. And suppose it is not he?

[The PEASANTS and PORTER bow.

BETSY (to PORTER). You brought a dress from Bourdier's?

PORTER. Yes, Miss. May I go?

BETSY. Well, I don't know. Ask my mother.

PORTER. I don't know whose it is, Miss; I was ordered to bring it here and receive the money.

BETSY. Well, then, wait.

MaRYA KONSTANTiNOVNA. Is it still that costume for the charade?

BETSY. Yes, a charming costume. But mamma won't take it or pay for it.

MaRYA KONSTANTiNOVNA. But why not?

BETSY. You'd better ask mamma. She doesn't grudge Vovo 500 roubles for his dogs, but 100 is too much for a dress. I can't act dressed like a scarecrow. (Pointing to PEASANTS.) And who are these?

GREGORY. Peasants who have come to buy some land or other.

BETSY. And I thought they were the beaters. Are you not beaters?

FIRST PEASANT. No, no, lady. We have come to see Leonid Fyodoritch about the signing into our possession of the t.i.tle-deeds to some land.

BETSY. Then how is it? Vovo was expecting some beaters who were to come to-day. Are you sure you are not the beaters? (The PEASANTS are silent.) How stupid they are! (Goes to VASiLY LEONiDITCH'S door.) Vovo?

[Laughs.