AFÓNYA. I will try to subdue my heart, grandfather. [BABÁYEV _comes in_] Let us go. Some strange gentleman is walking here; he would probably laugh at our talk. ARKHÍP. [_Following_ AFÓNYA] My soul magnifies God. _They go out_. SCENE II BABÁYEV _alone_ BABÁYEV. When you are waiting for something pleasant the time seems to drag! I purposely came by the longest road so as not to arrive too early, but nevertheless I got here before they did. How I hate to wait! What a foolish situation! Women generally like to torment: it's their nature; they like to have someone wait for them. Of course, that doesn't apply to Tánya; I believe she's very, very glad that I have arrived. I speak of women of our own sort. I think they torment, because--how shall I express it--the idea is entirely original--in order to compensate themselves in advance for the rights which they lose later. That's the result of being in a lovely landscape face to face with nature! What brilliant thoughts come to one! If this thought were developed at leisure, in the country, it might form a small novel, even a comedy on the order of Alfred de Musset. But such things are not played in our country. They must be presented delicately, very delicately--here the principal thing is the--bouquet. I think some one is coming. Is it they? How shall we meet? Two years of separation mean much. TATYÁNA _and_ LUKÉRYA _come in_. SCENE III BABÁYEV, TATYÁNA, and LUKÉRYA TATYÁNA. [_Extending her hand to_ BABÁYEV] How do you do, Valentin Pávlich! I was so happy when sister told me that you had returned. BABÁYEV. So, do you still remember me? TATYÁNA. Indeed I do! We frequently, that is, sister and I, very frequently speak of you. She tells me that you have forgotten us. BABÁYEV. No, I have not forgotten you. There are memories, my darling Tatyána Danílovna, which are not readily forgotten. My acquaintance with you was of that sort. Isn't that so? TATYÁNA. [_Dropping her eyes_] Yes, sir. BABÁYEV. Let me assure you that as soon as I could tear myself away from St. Petersburg, and come to the country, I continually sought an occasion to visit this city and to find you without fail. LUKÉRYA. Have you never found such an occasion before now? Don't tell me that! BABÁYEV. I assure you. LUKÉRYA. Much we believe you! Tánya, do not believe the gentlemen; they always deceive. BABÁYEV. Why speak so to me? LUKÉRYA. That doesn't apply just to you, but to all other fine young gentlemen. TATYÁNA. Shall you remain long in this city? BABÁYEV. Shall I remain long? At first I thought it would depend upon the clerks who have my affair in hand, but now I see that it will depend upon you, my darling Tatyána Danílovna. TATYÁNA. That honors me entirely too much. No, tell me, shall you be here three or four days? BABÁYEV. They promised to arrange my affairs in three days, but maybe I'll stay three or four days longer, if you wish me to. TATYÁNA. Certainly, I do.