Gorski [pointing to the rose]: I see you have been in the garden already.
Viera: Yes — Mr. Mukhin asked me for whom I picked the rose.
Gorski: What did you tell him?
Viera: I told him, for myself.
Gorski: And did you really pick it for yourself?
Viera: No, for you. Do you see, I am frank.
Gorski: Then give it to me.
Viera: I can’t now. I am forced to put it in my belt or present Mlle. Beinaime with it. How interesting that is! But to the point: why weren’t you the first to come downstairs?
Gorski: I was here before anyone else.
Viera: Why then didn’t I meet you here first?
Gorski: That unbearable Mukhin
Viera [looking at him askance]: Gorski, you are deceitful.
Gorski: How is that?
Viera: I’ll prove it to you later. Let’s go and have tea now.
Gorski [holding her back]: Viera Nikolaevna! Listen: you know me. I am not a trustworthy man and I am peculiar.
Apparently, I am funny and forward, but in reality I am timid.
Viera: You?
Gorski: I. Moreover, all that I am living through is new to me. You say that I am deceitful. Be a little indulgent with me, and put yourself in my place. [Viera lifts her eyes
Viera: Gorski! It is easy to fool me, — I was brought up in the country and have seen very little of people, — it is easy to fool me. But to what purpose? You would not become famous for doing it; and to play with me, No, I don’t want to believe that. I don’t deserve that and anyway, you wouldn’t want to.
Gorski: To play with you? Look at yourself: your eyes see through everything. [Viera turns away quietly.’] Do you know that when I am with you, I cannot, — well, I positively cannot express all I think. In your quiet smile, in your quiet look, even in your silence, there is something commanding
Viera [interrupting him]: And you don’t want to express yourself. You want to be sly.
Gorski: No, — but listen: Who, in truth, expresses everything between us? You, for instance
Viera [interrupting him again and looking at him with a smile]: That’s just it. Who speaks everything?
Gorski: No, I am now talking about you. For instance, tell me frankly: are you expecting anybody to - day?
Viera [calmly]: Yes, Stanitsyn is most likely to come to - day.
Gorski: You are a terrible person. You have the gift of telling me all, and not saying anything. La franchise est la meilleure des diplomatics, perhaps because one does not interfere with the other.
Viera: That means that you knew he was coming. Gorski [slightly abashed]: I knew. Viera [smelling the rose]: And your Mr. Mukhin also knew?
Gorski: Why do you always ask me about Mukhin? Why do you
Viera [interrupting him]: Well, enough. Don’t get mad. If you want to, we’ll take a walk in the garden after tea.
We’ll have a chat. I’ll ask you
Gorski [quickly]: What?
Viera: You are curious. We’ll have a talk — about an important matter.
Mlle. Beinaime’s Voice [from the dining - room]: C’est vous, Viera?
Viera [semi - audibly]: As though she does not know that I am here! [Aloud] Oui, c’est moi, bonjour, je viens. [Going out, she throws the rose on the table, and says to Gorski] Come in! [Goes into the dining - room.]
Gorski [takes the rose slowly and remains immovable for a while]: Evgeni Andreevich, I must tell you frankly, that this little animal is more than you can tame. You can turn this way and that way, and she will only motion with her finger and you will say more than necessary. However, what of it? Either I’ll vanquish — so much the better; for should I lose the battle, I need not be ashamed to marry a woman like her. True, it will be painful — yet, on the other hand, why should I guard my freedom so jealously? It is time to stop kidding each other. However, don’t be in a hurry, Evgeni Andreevich; wait a while; you are giving in too quickly. [Looks at the rose.] What do you know, my poor little flower. [Turns around quickly.] Oh, Mother with her friend! [Carefully puts the rose into his pocket. Libanova and Varvara Ivanovna enter from the reception - room. Gorski meets them.] Bonjour, mesdames. Have you had a good rest?
Libanova [giving him the tips of her fingers]: Bonjour, Eugene. I have a little headache to - day.
Varvara Ivanovna: You went to bed late, Anna Vasilevna?
Libanova: Very likely. Where is Viera? Have you seen her?
Gorski: She is in the dining - room, having tea with Mile. Beinaime and Mukhin.
Libanova: Oh, yes, Mr. Mukhin. I was told he came last night. Do you know him? [Sits down.]
Gorski: I have known him for some time. Aren’t you going to have tea?
Libanova: No; it makes me nervous. Gutman has forbidden me to drink it. But don’t let me keep you. Go, go, — you, too, Varvara Ivanovna. [Varvara Ivanovna goes out.] You, Gorski, are going to remain here?
Gorski: I have had my tea.
Libanova: What a beautiful day! Le capitaine, — have you seen him?
Gorski: No, I haven’t seen him. He must be walking in the garden, looking for mushrooms, as usual.
Libanova: Just imagine what a game he won yesterday! Sit down — why do you stand? [Gorski sits down.] I had the seven of diamonds and the king and ace of hearts, — take notice, hearts! I said: I play. Varvara Ivanovna passed, that’s understood; that villain also said: I play. I played a seven, and he played a seven. I played diamonds; he played hearts. I called; but as usual, Varvara Ivanovna did not have anything. And what do you think she did? She played a very small spade! I had the king; and sure enough, he won. By the way, I must send somebody to the city, [flings.]
Gobski: For what?
[The Steward enters from the dining - room.’]
The Steward: Yes, Ma’am?
Libanova: Send Gavrila to the city to get some candy. You know the kind I like.
Steward: Yes, Ma’am.
Libanova: Tell him to get quite a lot. — How is the mowing progressing?
Steward: It’s going on all right.
Libanova: Very well. Where is Ilia Ilich?
Steward: Walking in the garden.
Libanova: In the garden? Call him.
Steward: Yes, Ma’am.
Libanova: You can go.
Steward: Yes, Ma’am. [Goes away through the glass door.]
Libanova [looking at her hands]: What shall we do to - day, Eugene? I rely upon you for everything. Think up something jolly. I am in the right mood for it to - day. Is this Mr. Mukhin a nice young man?
Gorski: Very nice.
Libanova: II n’est pas genant?
Gorski: Not a bit.
Libanovna: Does he play cards?
Gobski: Certainly.
Libanova: Ah! Mais, c’est tr&s bien. Eugene, let me have a footstool. [“Gorski gets her one.] Merci. Here comes the captain.
[Chukhanov enters from the garden carrying mushrooms in his cap.]
Chukhanov: How is your health, Madam dear? Grant me your hand.
Libanova [giving him her hand languidly]: How do you do, villain?
Chukhanov [hissing her hand twice in succession]: “Villain! Villain!” And I am constantly the loser. Evgeni Andreevich, my respects. [Gobski bows. Chukhanov looks at him and shakes his head.] What a brave - looking fellow!
If you were only in the army! Well, how are you, my dear Madam; how are you feeling? Here are some mushrooms I picked for you.
Libanova: Why don’t you take a basket, Captain? How can you put mushrooms in your cap?
Chukhanov: You are right, Madam, you are right. To one of us old military fellows, it does not mean anything. But to you, well — you are right, Madam. I’ll put them on a plate
this very moment. How about our dovey, is she up?
Libanova [not answering Chukhanov; to Gobski]: Dites - moi, is Mr. Mukhin rich?
Gorski: He has two hundred serfs.
Libanova [indifferently]: Why are they so long at tea?
Chukhanov: Will you command me to besiege them? Do! and I’ll surround them in a jiffy. I have stormed all kinds of fortresses, but such as theirs is more suitable for the colonel, Evgeni Andreevich.
Gorski: I am no colonel, Ilia Ilich.
Chukhanov: Well, not by title, but by your figure. I am talking about your figure, about your figure
Libanova: Yes, Captain, go and see if they are through drinking tea.
Chukhanov: Yes, Ma’am. [Starts.] Oh, here they are.
[Viera, Mukhin, Mlle. Beinaime, and Varvara Ivanovna enter.] Chukhanov: My respects to everybody. Viera [passing]: How do you do! [Runs to Anna Vasilevna.] Bonjour, mama.
Libanova [kissing Tier forehead]: Bonjour, petite
[Mukhin ixws.] Libanova: Mr. Mukhin, please come in. I am very glad that you have not forgotten us.
Mukhin: How could I? I — I feel honored
Libanova [to Viera]: I see, you little rogue, you have already been in the garden. [To Mukhin.] You have not seen our garden as yet? II est grand. Many flowers. I love flowers. However, in our house, everybody is at liberty to do as he likes: Liberte entiere.
Mukhin [smiling]: C’est charmant. Libanova: It is my rule. I hate egoism. It is hard on others and not a bit easier for one’s self. Ask them — [pointing to everybody].
[Varvara Ivanovna smiles sweetly.] Mukhin [smiling]: My friend Gorski has told me about it. [After a short silence.] What a beautiful house you have!
Libanova: Yes, I have a nice house. C’est Rostrelli, vous savez, qui en a donne le plan to my grandfather, Count Lubin.
Mukhin [approvingly and respectfully]: Oh!
[During the above conversation, Viera purposely turns away from Gorski and goes up alternately to Mlle. Beinaime and Morozova. Gorski notices it and looks at Mukhin stealthily.’]
Libanova [to the whole company]: Why don’t you people go out for a walk?
Gorski: Yes, let’s go walk in the garden.
Viera [still not looking at Gorski]: It is hot now. It will soon be noon, the hottest time of the day.
Libanova: As you like. [To Mukhin.] We have a pool table. However, liberte entiere, you know. Well, Captain, we’ll play a little game of cards. It is a little early, but Viera says it is too hot for a walk.
Chukhanov [not wanting to play]: Let’s have a game. The time doesn’t matter. You want to win back.
Libanova: Sure, sure. [Hesitatingly, to Mukhin.] Mr. Mukhin, I understand that you like to play Preference. Do you want to now? Mile. Beinaime does not know the game, and it is a long time since I have played four - handed.
Mukiiin [not having expected such an invitation]: I — I accept with pleasure.
Libanova: Vous etes fort amiable. However, don’t stand on ceremony, please.
Mukhin: Of course not — I am very glad
Libanova: Well, then let’s start. We’ll go into the reception - room. There is a table always ready for it. Mr. Mukhin, donnez - moi votre bras. [Gets up.] You, Gorski, think up something for to - day. Do you hear me? Viera will help you. [Goes to the reception - room.]
Chukhanov [going up to Varvara Ivanovna]: Permit me to offer you my services.
Varvara Ivanovna [giving him her arm vexatiously]: Oh, you
[Both couples go quietly into the reception - room. Anna Vasilevna turns around in the doorway and says to Mlle. Beinaime: “Ne fermez pas la porte.” Mlle. Beinaime turns around with a smile, sits down toward the front and, with care - worn face, takes to sewing on canvas. Viera, who has stood for some time, undecided whether to remain or follow her mother, suddenly goes up to the piano, sits down, and begins to play. Gorski goes up to her quietly.]
Gorski [after a short pause]: What are you playing, Viera Nikolaevna?
Viera [without looking at him]: Clement’s sonata.
Gorski: My goodness, how old that is!
Viera: Yes, but it is a beautifully gloomy piece.
Gorski: Why did you select it? What’s the idea in playing now? Have you forgotten that you promised to go with me into the garden for a walk?
Viera: I sat down to play purposely, to avoid walking with you.
Gorski: Why, suddenly, such disfavor? Why such a whim?
Mlle. Beinaime: Ce n’est pas joli ce que vous jouez 1&, Viera.
Viera [loudly]: Je crois bien. [To Gorski, while playing.] Listen, Gorski: I do not like to flirt or be whimsical. I am too proud for that. You know that I am not whimsical now; but I am mad at you
Gorski: For what?
Viera: I have been insulted by you.
Gorski: i have insulted you?
Viera [continuing to play]: At least, you should have chosen a more confidential man. I had hardly had time to enter the dining - room, when this Mr. — Mr. — what’s his name? — told me that my rose undoubtedly had reached its proper destination. Then, seeing that I did not respond to his attentions, he commenced to praise you, but so inapt — why is it that friends always praise so inaptly? And he behaved so mysteriously, was so modestly silent, and looked at me with so much respect and pity. I can’t bear him!
Gorski: What conclusions have you drawn from it?
Viera: I have concluded that Mr. Mukhin a l’honneur de recevoir vos confidences. [Beating hard on the keys.]
Gorski: Why do you think so — and what could I have told him?
Viera: I don’t know what you could have told him — that you are running after me; that you are laughing at me; that you are preparing to turn my head; that I am amusing you. [Mlle. Beinaime coughs.] Qu’est ce que vous avez, bonne amie? Pourquoi toussez - vous?
Mlle. Beinaime: Rien, rien — je ne sais pas — cette sonate doit etre bien difficile?
Viera [semi - audibly]: How she wearies me! [To Gorski.] Why are you silent?
Gorski: I? Why am I silent? I am asking myself: am I guilty before you? I am guilty; I confess. My tongue is my worst enemy. But listen, Viera Nikolaevna! Do you remember that I read Lermentov to you yesterday? Do you remember that part where he tells about that heart in which love struggled so foolishly with hatred? [Viera lifts her eyes quietly.] I cannot continue when you look at me like that.
Viera: Nonsense!
Gorski: Listen — I confess frankly! I do not want to, I am afraid to subject myself to that involuntary enchantment, from which, I must admit, I am trying every which way to extricate myself, by words, funny stunts, and stories. I talk nonsense like an old maid, like a child
Viera: Why all that? Why can’t we part and remain good friends? Cannot our relationship be simple and natural?
Gorski: “Simple and natural!” It is easy to say. [Decisively.] Well, I am guilty before you and I ask your pardon, I was and am deceitful But I can assure you, Viera Nikolaevna, that, no matter what my circumstances and resolutions may be in your absence, with your first words all these intentions go up like smoke, and I feel, — you will laugh at me, — I feel that I am in your power.
Viera [slowly bringing the music to an end]: You told me the same thing yesterday evening . . .
Gorski: It was because I felt the same yesterday. I positively deny that I am guileful with you! Viera [with a smile]: You see!
Gorski: I rely upon you. You ought to know that, in the last analysis, I am not deceiving you, when I tell you
Viera [interrupting him]: That you like me. Why shouldn’t you!
Gorski [grieved]: You are to - day as unapproachable and untrustful as an old usurer! [He turns away.] [A short silence.] Viera [hardly playing]: If you want me to, I will play your favorite mazurka for you.
Gorski: Viera Nikolaevna, don’t torture me! I swear
Viera [joyfully]: Well, enough. Give me your hand. You are forgiven.
[Gorski takes her hand quickly and presses it.] Viera: Nous faiso
ns la paix, bon ami.
Mlle. Beinaime [with an assumed surprise]: Ah! Est - ce que vous vous etiez querelles?
Viera [semi - audibly]: Oh, naivete! [Aloud.] Oui, un peu. [To Gorski.] Well, do you want me to play your mazurka?
Gorski: No; that mazurka is very melancholy. In it is heard a sad tendency to be far off; and I assure you I feel very contented right here. Play something cheerful, lively, bright; something that should playfully glisten in the sun, like a fish in the river . . .
A Sportsman's Sketches: Works of Ivan Turgenev 1 Page 357