Works of Ivan Turgenev (Illustrated)

by Ivan Turgenev

  quainted with as many people of the upper classes, as you can. And that isn’t very hard to do. In society, Petr Ilich, people are always ready to accept an official, who is active, modest, and has a good education. And once having been accepted in good society, he has good chances to make a better marriage, especially, when he is a bachelor, and has absolutely no family ties.

  Vilitski: I quite agree with you, Eodion Karlych. But my ambition doesn’t run in that direction. I am afraid of society and I am perfectly willing to spend my life at the family hearth. Moreover, I do not admit that I have such great abilities. But devotion in an official, as you have said, does not remain unrewarded. Other thoughts are worrying me. It seems to me, that I am morally obliged . . . nay, more, I cannot even think of breaking our betrothal, without feeling some terror. And yet, the wedding frightens me so, that I cannot decide what to do.

  Fonk [seriously]: I fully appreciate your mental attitude. It isn’t as unintelligible as you think. You see, Petr Ilich, this is the transition period. It is, so to say, the crisis; understand what I say, the crisis. If you could get away from here now, for a month at least, I am sure that you would return an entirely different man. Then, if you would call the full strength of your character to your assistance, the matter would be settled.

  Vilitski [looking at him]: Do you think so? But how about Masha, Eodion Karlych, how about Majha? My conscience would torment me

  Fonk: That, of course, is a disagreeable feature. I sympathize with you. But what can be done?

  Vilitski: I am a hideous fellow, a hideous man!

  Fonk [severely]: Why do you use such words? Permit me to remark, that’s childish. You will pardon me, but the sincere interest which I take in you . . . [Vilitski presses his hand warmly.] Surely, it will be hard at first, for Maria Vasilevna; it’s possible that her sadness will last for quite a while. But let us look at it in a cold light. You are not as guilty as you think you are. Your betrothed, on her part, ought to be thankful to you. You gave your hand to her, and took her out of the darkness; you awakened her dormant abilities; you started her education; in fact, you have done even more than that, for you awakened her hopes, otherwise impossible — Admitting that you have deceived her a little, you have deceived yourself more. You, I repeat, did not pretend to be in love with her; you did not deceive her purposely.

  Vilitski [passionately]: No, never, never!

  Fonk: Then why do you worry about it? Why do you reproach yourself for it? Believe me, my dear Petr Ilich, that up to now, you have done nothing but good for Maria Vasilevna.

  Vilitski: My Heavens! But what shall I do? [Fonk looks at him silently.] You, yourself, will despise me.

  Fonk: On the contrary, I will pity you.

  Vilitski: But I assure you, Eodion Karlych, that I will still find strength enough in me to get out of this predicament. I am very much obliged to you for your advice. I don’t think, though, that I can agree with you in everything. I cannot accept all your conclusions. I still cannot see any necessity for changing my own decision, but

  Fonk: I don’t ask you to do that, Petr Ilich. Think your condition over, yourself.

  Vilitski: Surely, surely. I am extremely obliged to you.

  Fonk: I am an outsider in this matter.

  Vilitski: For Heaven’s sake, don’t say that. [Mitka comes in from the vestibule.’] Who is it? Oh, you! What do you want? [Mitka smiles.] What is it?

  Mitka: A lady is asking for you.

  Vilitski: Who?

  Mitka [smiling again]: A lady. She wants to see you alone.

  Vilitski [looking at Fonk in confusion, then turning to Mitka again]: Why didn’t you tell her that I wasn’t home? [Mitka smiles.] Where is this lady?

  Mitka: In the vestibule.

  Fonk [in a low voice]: You are not going to stand on ceremony with us? He and I — [points to Sozomenos] — can go away. Let’s wake him up. Alkiviad Martynych! Wake up! [Sozomenos grunts.] Wake up! [Sozomenos opens his eyes.] How can you sleep like that?

  Sozomenos: I really think I have had a nap!

  Fonk: Yes, you have had a nap, all right. Now, let’s go. It’s time.

  [Sozomenos gets up slowly.]

  Vilitski [who has been standing immovable all this time; quickly]: Why, why, gentlemen, are you going away?

  Fonk: What else . . .

  Vilitski: Perhaps, it isn’t anything at all. Maybe, it is no particular person, that’s asking for me.

  Sozomenos [loudly]: Well, perhaps we can remain.

  Fonk [to Sozomenos]: Ssh! Alkiviad Martynych! You must understand that a lady has come to see him.

  Sozomenos [staring]: A lady?

  Vilitski: That doesn’t mean anything. I assure you, it’s — nothing special. I don’t know; I don’t think it’s anything.

  Sozomenos [in the same hoarse voice]: Is she young? Vilitski: Really, I don’t know. Wouldn’t you like, gentlemen, to go into my bedroom for a while? If you should go out now, through the vestibule, maybe it would — just for a minute

  Fonk: Just as you like, but be frank about it. Vilitski: Well, if you are not in a hurry, if you don’t have to go somewhere else, I’d be glad to have you remain here. We’ll talk a little more.

  Fonk: All right. As you say. Come on, Alkiviad Martynych.

  [They both go to the door on the right.] Sozomenos [to Fonk, on the way]: Is she young? Fonk [smiling]: I don’t know.

  [They go into the bedroom.] Mitka [who has been standing with his hands behind his back, smiles]: What shall I do?

  Vilitski: Ask her in, of course. [Mitka goes out. Vilitski shuts the door on the right and returns to the centre of the stage.]

  [Masha enters. She wears a hat, and a thick veil over her face. She remains standing almost at the door.] Vilitski [going up to her]: May I know whom I have the honor of — [Suddenly] Maria Vasilevna! [Masha goes over to the sofa, with undecided steps, she sits down and lifts her veil. She is very pale.] You! Here, in my house!

  [During this scene with Masha, Vilitski watches the door of the bedroom and speaks very softly.] Masha [in a faint voice]: You didn’t expect me, did you?

  Vilitski: Could I ever think

  Masha: You didn’t expect me — Well, don’t be afraid. I will go away soon. Are you alone?

  Vilitski: Alone, but

  Masha: I thought I heard some voices. Vilitski: I had some friends here, but they have gone. Masha: I will go soon, too. How long have you been back in the city?

  Vilitski [confusedly]: Maria Vasilevna! I

  Masha [looking at him]: It’s true, then; it’s true, then, that you have been hiding yourself? Oh, Lord! Don’t worry! I haven’t come here, intending to create any unpleasantness for you. . . . [ - Stops.]

  Vilitski: Maria Vasilevna! Forgive me. I swear that I was going to see you to - day.

  Masha: Quite an honor! But I don’t reproach you. I have come to clear up the matter. I wrote a letter to you to - day

  Vilitski: Calm yourself, please. You are so pale! Are you well?

  Masha: I am well. That’s nothing; I am well. I am even stronger than necessary. I ‘have come . . .

  Vilitski [sitting down near her and interrupting her]: Listen, Maria Vasilevna! I am guilty, I am guilty all around. Forgive me. I have not been away from the city. I have avoided meeting you. If you should ask me why, I couldn’t say. Sometimes, I do things that I cannot account for. Foolish thoughts get into my head, and I don’t act at all like myself. You may be getting suspicious; you are suspicious, Maria Vasilevna! I

  Masha: I am suspicious, Vilitski? For five days, for five whole days

  Vilitski: Well, yes, yes. I am guilty, I am guilty. Now be magnanimous and forgive me. Masha: Not having said a word — [She is ready to cry.]

  Vilitski: For Heaven’s sake, calm yourself. It will pass. It will all pass, and everything will be for the best. You will see.

  Masha: No, Vilitski, it will not pass. Your love has passed. Could I ever have thought that two weeks before the wedding — But what
am I talking about the wedding for? As though I could believe

  Vilitski: Listen, Maria Vasilevna I We must have a talk; we must have a serious explanation — Of course, not here and not now. We must stop all these misunderstandings.

  Masha: Stop? They are stopped. As though I do not feel that you don’t love me any more; that I have become tiresome to you; that I have become a burden to you! I feel that very plainly, Fetr Ilich. Surely, I am not worthy of you. I haven’t had the education. . . . But you were the first — you remember, don’t you? — you were the first to propose the friendship. I only ask of you one thing now: don’t torment me any longer. Tell me that you don’t love me any more, and that everything is over between us, and I will know where I stand. Vilitski [grieved]: Why do you think . . . Masha: Why? Don’t you think I have noticed your coldness? An education is not needed for that. Before, you never left me. You brought me books; you read them to me; sometimes, you even called me Masha! [In a lower voice] You even ceased that and wished to call me “dear.” And now . . . Can’t I notice the change? Tell me yourself. What is it to me that you are my betrothed; that you are bringing me presents? . . . Oh, Vilitski, you don’t love me any more, you don’t love me

  Vilitski: Masha! How can you say that? Surely, I am guilty before you, but, I repeat, it will all be explained.

  We will have to have a talk, — just a little talk. I am an honest man, Masha, and you know it. I have never deceived you, and it is in vain that you are tearing my heart to pieces. Yes, I am guilty. Forgive me.

  Masha [dropping her head]: You don’t love me; you don’t love me.

  Vilitski: Again! That’s really cruel on your part. You know very well that I love you. Look at me! Don’t you feel that? . . . Calm yourself, please, and go home. This very evening . . .

  Masha: Oh, you want to get rid of me?

  Vilitski: Why do you say that, Masha? What pleasure do you get in tormenting me and yourself? However, I have no right to reproach you. I am guilty before you and I must keep quiet. But truly, listen to me

  Masha [not lifting her head]: What have I done, to make you so cold to me, Vilitski? Tell me. [Beginning to cry.] It is true, I haven’t received the education. . . . Your friend must have laughed at me. . . . The Lord knows what he has said about me! I know, you brought him in to examine me. [At the - word “examine,” Vilitski shuddered.] But at least, I . . . [»S7ie cries.]

  Vilitski [pleadingly]: Stop it, please stop it. That won’t help the matter. You are tormenting yourself in vain. How can you do that? Stop it.

  Masha [tearfully]: You don’t love me!

  Vilitski: And you said that you wanted to talk it over with me! You are in no condition for it. How will we live afterwards, if now, before the wedding, we are . . . [Masha softs.] Masha! For Heaven’s sake, your crying takes the life out of me. For Heaven’s sake, calm yourself. You’ll see. Everything will come out all right, believe me.

  must help one another, for in the future, we shall have greater hardships than this.

  Masha: You don’t love me!

  Vilitski [slightly provoked]: Stop it, stop it, for Heaven’s sake! Have you lost every bit of confidence in me? Well, I am guilty. Pardon me. See, I am on my knees before you. [Ee gets down on his knees.]

  Masha: It isn’t necessary, it isn’t necessary.

  Vilitski [somewhat sharply]: For Heaven’s sake, if you love me, stop it. You haven’t the faintest idea, in what a peculiar position you put me. [Whispering.] For Heaven’s sake, Masha, go away! I’ll be at your house this evening, positively. [Masha cries.] Stop it, for God’s sake!

  Masha [crying]: Good - bye forever, Petr Ilich! [She starts to sob loudly.]

  Vilitski [jumping up]: That’s too much! Masha, Masha! [She sobs.] Masha! [iSTie sobs. Ee is grieved.] Stop it! They may hear us.

  Masha [taking the handkerchief from her eyes suddenly]: Who?

  Vilitski [confused and vexed; points to the bedroom door]: There, my friends!

  Masha [straightening up]: And you didn’t tell me that right away? Oh, you hate me! [Runs out.]

  Vilitski [gazing in her direction]: Masha! Wait! Masha! . . . [He remains standing immovable for some time, then puts his hands on his head. Coming to himself, he goes to the bedroom door, opens it, and says, smiling vexedly and forcedly.] Gentlemen, you can come in. [Fonk and Sozomenos enter. Fonk is as calm and indifferent as if he had heard nothing. Sozomenos is red from restrained laughter.] Please come in.

  Fonk: Has your fair visitor gone? Vilitski: Yes. [He looks at them both as if he wants to find out if they have heard anything.] Yes, she has gone.

  You will pardon me. I have detained you

  Fonk: Not at all, not at all. [He signals to Sozomenos, who is ready to burst out laughing.] Not at all. Are you going out for a walk to - day? The weather is fine.

  Vilitski: Yes, I am going to the office. Where will you be this evening?

  Fonk [continuing to signal to Sozomenos]: I intend to . . .

  [Sozomenos bursts out laughing.] Vilitski [venomously]: I see, gentlemen, that you heard everything.

  Sozomenos [laughing]: Sure enough, sure enough! Fonk [severely to Sozomenos]: Alkiviad Martynych! Permit me to remark, that your laughter is quite inopportune. [Sozomenos chokes but continues to laugh. Fonk takes Vilitski by the arm and walks to one side with him.] Petr Ilich! Please don’t be provoked with him. All authors are crazy, anyway. And by right, they ought not to be allowed in a respectable house. They have no idea of decorum. Don’t find fault with me, Petr Ilich, . . . Please

  Vilitski [bitterly]: On the contrary, I am neither provoked, nor am I finding fault. Mr. Sozomenos is quite right. Such a foolish scene. ... I am not thinking at all of getting angry. On the contrary

  [Sozomenos sits down, sighs, catches his breath, and wipes his eyes.] Fonk [turning to Sozomenos]: Stop it, Alkiviad Martynych! [To Vilitski, pressing his hand.] You may be assured that no one will know

  Vilitski: Why, on the contrary, it is a most interesting anecdote.

  Fonk [reproachfully]: Petr Ilich!

  Vilitski: No, truly

  Fonk: Well, all right, all right. However, there wasn’t anything surprising in the occurrence. You yourself are to blame, let me tell you. Your absence — I find that quite natural. In fact, it is praiseworthy.

  Vilitski [venomously]: Do you think so?

  Fonk: Yes. In all that I can see a great deal of affection.

  Vilitski: Undoubtedly so.

  Fonk [after a moment’s silence]: Here is a living comment on my words. However, let’s talk about something else.

  Vilitski [bitterly]: Yes, let’s talk about something else. But what shall it be?

  Fonk [turning to Sozomenos]: Well, have you quieted yourself? [Sozomenos nods.] Look out, don’t fall asleep again.

  Sozomenos: As though I had been sleeping!

  Fonk: You ought to read us a few verses. I am sure you write poetry.

  Sozomenos: I have never tried it before, but I may now.

  Fonk: Take my advice, and try it. [Turning to Vilitski] By the way, have you heard Bubini?

  Vilitski: No, I intended to go to the theatre with my fiancee — [laughing loudly] — but now I don’t know when I shall have the chance.

  Fonk: Two days ago, I heard him again in “Lucia.” He moved me to tears.

  Vilitski: To tears? To tears?

  Fonk: Do you know, Vilitski, that you are quite a serious and exacting man?

  Vilitski: I?

  Fonk: Yes, you.

  Vilitski [loudly]: For instance?

  Mitka’s Voice [from the vestibule]: But he is not at home. He has gone out of town again.

  [Vilitski is silent, listening; also Fonk.]

  Moshkin’s Voice: If that is the case, I want to leave a note for him.

  Mitka’s Voice: He told me to tell you that he would be in to see you to - day. And a note, you can write here.

  Fonk [turning to Vilitski]: What’s the matter?

  [Vilitski doesn’t answ
er.]

  Moshkin’s Voice: But why don’t you want to let me go in there?

  Mitka’s Voice: I can’t. The door is closed and he took the key away with him.

  Moshkin’s Voice: And you wanted to go in there for the ink!