Chapter 7 of 18
Scene 1 · 5
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Fédya? What—to Theodore Vasílyevich?
LISA. Yes, to Fédya.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I thought all relations between you were over!
LISA. I can't part from him.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. What? Are you going to begin all over again?
LISA. I wanted to, and tried … but I can't! Anything you like—only I can't part from him!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Then do you want to have him back again?
LISA. Yes.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. To let that skunk into the house again?
LISA. Mother, I beg you not to speak so of my husband!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. He was your husband.
LISA. No, he is my husband still.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. A spendthrift, a drunkard, a rake … and you can't part from him?
LISA. Why do you torment me! You seem to want to do it.… It's hard enough for me without that.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I torment you! Well then, I'll go. I can't stand by and see it.…
Lisa is silent.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I see! That's just what you want—I'm in your way.… I can't live so. I can't make you out at all! It's all so new-fangled—first you make up 241your mind to separate, then you suddenly send for a man who is in love with you …
LISA. Nothing of the kind.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Karénin proposed to you … and you send him to fetch your husband! Why? To arouse jealousy?
LISA. Mother, what you are saying is terrible! Leave me alone!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Very well! Turn your mother out of the house, and let in your rake of a husband!… Yes, I will not remain here! Good-bye, then—I leave you to your fate; you can do as you please! [Exit slamming door].
LISA [drops into a chair] That's the last straw!
SÁSHA. Never mind.… It will be all right; we'll soon pacify Mother.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [passing through] Dounyásha! My trunk!
SÁSHA. Mother, listen!… [follows her out with a significant glance to Lisa].
Curtain.
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