Vassa Zheleznova 1 option summary. Online reading of the book by Vassa Zheleznova

Maksim Gorky

Vassa Zheleznova (Mother)

"Collected works in thirty volumes": State publishing house of fiction; Moscow; 1949 Volume 12. Plays 1908-1915

CHARACTERS:

Vassa Petrovna Zheleznova. Anna, Semyon, Pavel are her children. Natalya is Semyon's wife. Lyudmila is Pavel's wife. Prokhor Zheleznov. Mikhailo Vasiliev - manager. Dunechka is a distant relative of the Zheleznovs. Lipa, Anisya - maids.

Act one

Early morning on a winter day. The large room is Vassa Zheleznova's bedroom and study. Closely. In the corner, behind the screens, is a bed; to the left, a table littered with papers; instead of paperweights, tiles have been placed. Near the table is a high desk, behind it, under the window, is a couch. Lamps with green shades. In the right corner is a tiled couch, next to it is a fireproof cupboard and a door to the prayer room. Papers are pinned to the screens; when they pass by, they move. In the back wall are wide doors leading to the dining room; a table is visible, a chandelier is above it. A candle is burning on the table. Dunechka is collecting dishes for tea. Linden brings in a boiling samovar. Dunechka (quiet). Back? Linden. No. Dunechka. Ouch! What will happen now? Linden. Do I know?.. (Goes into the mistress's room and examines it.) (Vassa comes out of the door of the prayer room, straightening his glasses and hair on his temples. He looks at the wall clock over the table.) Vassa. Why were you late? Quarter past seven, see? Linden. In the morning, Zakhar Ivanovich was again ill. Vassa (walking to the table). No despatch? Linden. No. Vassa. Is everyone up? Linden. Pavel Zakharovich hasn't gone to bed yet... Vassa. Unwell? Linden. Lyudmila Mikhailovna did not spend the night at home. Vassa (quietly). Watch out, Olympias!.. I'll... show you! Linden (scared). For what? Vassa. But for what is unpleasant to me ... you say with taste ... Linden. Vassa Petrovna! Yes, I am... Vassa. Go, call everyone for tea. Dunya, give me my cup here. Olympics, stop! If Lyudmila is still sleeping, don't wake her, do you understand? She spent the night at her father's. Send him to me... Dunya (brings tea). Hello Vassushka... Vassa. Be healthy. Dunya. Oh, Vassonka, how bad it was for Zakharushka... Vassa. Didn't say anything? Dunya. Where is it! Only blinks his eyes. Vassa. You listen to what they will talk about Lyudmilka. Go to the table. (Dunya has gone away. Vassa, putting her hands on the table, frowned, raised her glasses to her forehead, and moved her lips.) Michael (entering). Good morning-s... Vassa. Where is the daughter? Parent... eh! Michael. I can't do anything... beyond my strength... Vassa. Lost a guy... Michael. And her... Vassa. She spent the night with you... Got it? Michael. I understand, sir. Vassa. For her braids ... (Chuckled.) How is Zakhar? Michael. Bad s... Vassa (quiet). Couldn't sign the paper? Michael. No. Vassa. Pop agree? Michael. Three hundred asks. Vassa. To hell with him, let him use it. What about others? Michael. Everything is fine. Vassa (sigh). This will all end - let's think about what to do with the children ... Michael. Necessary business, sir! Trouble may be... Vassa (thoughtfully). Anna is not going, not going! And there is no dispatch... Dunya, tea! Who's come? Paul (in the dining room). I... Vassa. What are you hiding? Say hello to your mother... Paul (entering). Excuse me - good morning! Father-in-law... huh? Where is your daughter? Michael (sullenly). I will ask you about this - the law gave it to the church ... Vassa. Go, Mikhailo Vasilyevich... Paul. Mom - I'm ashamed, I'm unbearable ... help somehow, because you love me, I know ... mother! Vassa. Well, that's enough, that's enough... wait... Paul. What should I expect? My strength is not. Vassa. I said - she is not a couple for you! Marry a quiet... Paul. On a freak? I myself am a freak - and my wife is a freak? Crooked-sided? Lame? Vassa (extinguishes the candle). Stop it!... They laugh at tears and complaints now... stop it! Paul. God! Zheleznov's wife is a goof! Mother, is it really not tormenting you ... are you not ashamed? Vassa. She said stop it! Well? Go have some tea... (Goes to the dining room.) Don't you put out the light, monastic crow? Paul. Mother, give me some money, I'll go to the city... I can't... I can't... Vassa. Father is in danger, and you are in the city? What else do you think? Clever!.. Paul. Well, what should I do?!. (He flung himself on the couch, weeping angrily. In the dining room, Natalya goes up to her mother-in-law, kisses her hand. Vassa looks at Pavel through her glasses.) Vassa. Overslept? Natalia. I was on duty with my father until three o'clock. (Listening, frightened). Who is crying? Vassa. Paul - be ashamed! Whoops!.. Natalia (goes to office). What are you? Dunyasha, give me water! Vassa. Oh my God!.. (Dunya looks at her questioningly.) Well, what did you say? Give me some water... Eh, Pavel, I wish I could hide you somewhere... Paul. Yes, I know... you are not ashamed of me, you are ashamed of me... Natalia. You are a man, it is not good for you to cry. Paul. Don't touch me... you disdain me... my wife walks... (Mikhail enters the dining room, tugging at his mustache, following his son-in-law with a sullen look.) Vassa. What are you? Michael (going to her room). Please come here. Vassa. Well? Dunya, get out! Michael. Lyudmila left with her uncle... Vassa (grabbing the wall). Where? Michael. To the farm... Vassa. Oh ... I already thought - far ... completely! You scared me... Pavel - knows? Michael. She finds out... I'm terrified... And my daughter is dead... and the cause I've served all my life is being destroyed. Vassa (with annoyance). You wouldn't groan ... I don't groan here ... So, therefore, Prokhor ... Michael. He is everyone's enemy! Vassa. Don't croak, I say! The case is collapsing... It's still - we'll see! Michael (with fury). They consider him kind ... conscientious, they say ... I know these things - conscience and kindness! I saw them... They are in business - like sand in a car... And all this is just a game, no one needs kindness, no one! Give me as much as I'm worth, nothing more ... Keep caresses and jokes for yourself, yes, sir! This is when a person has nothing to deserve attention, he plays with his conscience! And everyone around him is crying because of his game ... and no business can go right ... He is a harmful person ... Vassa (waking up). What will you do with it? Michael. What? Eh... Vassa. Well? Speak. Michael (not suddenly). Wait, sir... You should go to the owner... Vassa. And really... But there is still no dispatch from Anna... no! Michael. Why are you so hopeful for her? Vassa (going). You don't know her... shut up! Michael (following her). Hard... Vassa. Easy to live - simple. Only from an easy life they soon become stupid, I heard ... (Gone. Dunya appears noiselessly, sits down at the table, crosses herself and whispers.) Dunya. Lord - save, have mercy on your servants in all ways ... Lord! Linden (runs in). Where is the mistress? Arrived! Dunya. Anna? Linden. Lyudmilka! I spent the night walking with my uncle - ah-ah! That's the way things are! Semyon (going). What's up, huh? Linden (running away). So sir... Semyon. Quack-sir! Stupid! Come on, Dunya, pour me a drink. Dunya. Good morning Senechka. Semyon. Well, you too. As Father? Dunya. Oh bad... Semyon. Hm... suffers for a long time. (Yawned.) Is everyone already drunk? Dunya (in an undertone). Pavlusha did not touch - his little wife did not spend the night at home ... Semyon (pleasantly surprised). Yes, uh? Dunya (choking). Yes Yes! With Prokhor, listen, Zach ... Semyon. Well no? Oh uncle, damn curly, huh? Achieved it! Well done, oh you! Dunya. Got it, apparently! Shame... Semyon. Here is Paul's face! Prokhor (enters, grumbling). I'll cut off those ears, wait... Semyon. To whom? Prokhor. Freak. Beast! Again he let a cat into my dovecote ... Cross-legged rigolet ... rigoletto - cuckold (Italian) - Ed. Even my legs are trembling... from evil... Semyon (grinning). Why are you so red-eyed and crumpled? Did you sleep in clothes? Prokhor (looking around himself). I? Slept? What a goblin ... you need to change clothes. Semyon. Should. Prokhor. Khavronya - tea! Oh, Pashka, kikimora... Skobar was strangled by a cat and two black and piebald... Semyon. And why would he be angry with you? Prokhor. Oh well! And you know the edge, but do not fall! He's a fool! A woman should go to the actress, or even somewhere ... what kind of wife is she to him? Linden (included). Prokhor Ivanovich... Prokhor. Well? Linden. The manager asks... Prokhor. I'm your manager... and no more! And there is nothing for you to stray here, Dodger about nsha ... scat! Semyon (Lipe). What does he need? Linden (timidly). He asks if he can see. Prokhor. Me? It is forbidden. I am invisible... Tell him that he is a blockhead and a crook... Semyon (laughs). Are crooks morons? Prokhor. With us, brother, and crooks are not painfully smart. Semyon. I love it when you get angry... very funny! Prokhor. Here, thank you! You have a state mind, brother, right! Ludmila (included, in the hood). Hello... (Dunya bows silently, Semyon, grinning, shuffles his feet, Prokhor twirls his mustache and quacks.) Ludmila. Milk to me. What are you, Semyon, blossomed? Semyon. Seeing you - all nature rejoices ... that's how! Prokhor. And animals. Semyon (snorting). Am I an animal? Prokhor. If you say - all nature, therefore, all cattle ... Semyon (laughs). Oh, by God ... that's clever! Ludmila (Dune). You see - his parent is dying, and he shows his teeth. (Semyon immediately became serious.) You, Dunyasha, would teach him decency, as they used to teach me ... Dunya. I'm with... Semyon (tone of excuse). Parent - the seventh month is ill. Prokhor. A person is generally resolute, but he does not dare to die ... Dunya (involuntarily). Oh my God... Prokhor. What? Dunya. I just... Prokhor. How? Ludmila (Dune). You go where you need to. Uncle Prokhor is immoral, and it is indecent for you, a girl, to sit with him. (Dunya leaves.) I don't like spies. (Prokhor.) Listen, Spaniard! Semyon. Looks like! Prokhor. Have you seen the Spaniards? Dough! Semyon. And I saw. Danced in the circus. Ludmila. I'll go to bed, get up at four, and you be ready - is it coming? Semyon. Ride? Ludmila. On a trio. Prokhor. Do you want to join us? Take your wife and let's go... Semyon (itches, sad). She won't go. Yes, Paul is here. Ludmila. What is Pavel? Semyon. Not that... embarrassing... Ludmila. Are you uncomfortable? Why? (Semyon smiles embarrassedly, Prokhor looks at him, shaking his head hopelessly.) Vassa (included). Semyon, go to the office. Prokhor (after nephew). Yes, do not dispose of very smartly, not like last time. Vassa (Lyudmila). Have you seen me? Ludmila. No. Vassa. Why don't you say hello? Ludmila (affectionately). Oh sorry! I forgot... Prokhor (got up). Hello, I wish... Vassa (avoiding the daughter-in-law's kiss, calmly, sternly). What are you doing, Lyudmila? Ludmila (not right away). I don't know... honestly, Mom! Do not know... (Quickly left.) Prokhor. Boom! Vassa (softly, peacefully). Prokhor Ivanovich, you are not a stupid man, not an evil one... Prokhor. The main thing - not stupid! Here, sir... Vassa. You understand, it must be that your actions embarrass the whole house and expose the old deed in a shameful form before people ... Prokhor. I heard these speeches more than once from Brother Zakhar and always told him that it was too late to teach me... Vassa (quiet). Surely you don't feel sorry for the young woman, almost a girl, - after all, she - to live ... Prokhor. Sorry! In young women and girls, I understand much more than you ... as well as many women of advanced age I see through and through ... Vassa (slowly). Pavel is your nephew... Prokhor. Do me a favor - tell him that if he poisons my pigeons with cats - I'll cut off my ears! Vassa (not right away). So you are an enemy of the family? Prokhor. It's you - leave it! Family! It was not without your instigation that the deceased brother let me go around the world - have you forgotten about this? Family-s? Thank you! Thirty thousand licked mine - it will be! Heh! Vassa (quiet). Do you want to fight? Prokhor. What? Like this? With whom? Vassa. With my nephews, I mean... Prokhor. Leave our overtures, anyway - you won't get out! No wars! The law exists, Vassa Petrovna, a kind of Roman law: mine is mine! Zakhar will depart to the mountain villages, we will peacefully separate, and - no overtures! I wish you well... (He left. Vassa looks after him, stooping strangely, as if she wants to jump on him. Natalya enters, sits down at the table, pours herself some tea.) Vassa (muffled). What is Paul? Natalia. Calmed down a little... (Silence. Vassa walks around the dining room.) Sorry for him... Vassa. What? Natalia. Sorry, I say... Vassa (not immediately, quietly). I feel sorry for the prisoners ... some are completely innocent in prison, and they have nothing to do ... but they are used to working in the wild. It’s a pity for those who want to work, but there’s nothing ... Natalia. Others live worse than prisoners ... Vassa (thoughtfully). Nobody took pity on me. How Zakhar started going bankrupt - I was pregnant with Pavel, at the sixth month ... It smelled like a prison, a court - at that time we secretly gave money on mortgage ... chests were full of other people's goods, everything had to be hidden, covered. I say - Zakharushka, wait! Let me have a baby! And he how zyknet ... yes! So I fumbled in fear and trembling for two months ... Natalia. Maybe that's why Pavel was born lopsided... Vassa. This is him after ... he was five years old, when I noticed that he was growing crooked ... Yes ... Was it still there! Natalia. Did you talk to that employee who was expelled the other day? Vassa. Why talk to him? Wrong, well - go yourself! Natalia. Did they talk about life? Vassa. Whose life? Natalia. About everything ... about everyone? Vassa (does not understand). I don't know what are you talking about? Natalia (instructive). He said that everything is a sin. Vassa (surprised). What a fool! Natalia (fervently). Why is this? You scold everyone... Vassa (grinning). So it's a sin? Is work a sin? What they get to... to justify their laziness... I remember - there was a kind of wanderer, this was even before you... He sits in the kitchen and says sermons, like this - they say, all the works of human hands are one sin. And I say: "You, my dear, put the bread, don't touch it, don't eat it, it's made by hand. Don't sin, friend, but go away..." So she drove me away. Natalia (grunts). Or maybe it's true... Vassa (not listening, calls). Everyone is wise ... Zakhar was not wiser, but from ordinary men, this is where he got to. Natalia (rises). And dies. Vassa. Well? Lived! Natalia. You complained about... Vassa. This woman was complaining. He has been a libertine all his life... and is dying of debauchery... And besides this, he has no price... there is no worthy praise. (Lipa enters.) Natalia (leaving). You always say one thing or the other... Vassa (quiet). Stupid... (Lipe.) Who was at Prokhor's last night? Linden. Yevgeny Mironych some... Vassa. Lawyer from the city... do you know? What were they talking about? Linden. Didn't hear. Vassa. Why? Linden. They locked up... Vassa. And through the vent in the oven? Forgot? Linden. They are very quiet... Vassa. Look, heretic! Linden. Vassa Petrovna! Do I... Vassa. Remember who you are! Linden. I would go to a monastery... Vassa. Monastery? (Thinking.) I will give you a monastery! (softer.) They care about you... Wipe your face, huh? Let go - you'll be lost! Call Mikhail... What are you, Pavel? Paul (at the door). So. Vassa. Always - so. And what is - so? Paul. Nothing... Vassa (looks at son in disbelief). Jesus Christ... where is this coming from? Some kind of useless ... loafers ... Paul. What should I do? I can't find a place for myself... my heart is dying... Vassa. If you don’t know how to cope with a woman, be patient ... for the time being ... Paul. Until what? Oh, mother, you are a cruel person ... Vassa. Am I? So! Paul. As your son, you are ready to dig the earth like a shovel, just to get money ... Vassa (quiet). Would you go, Pavel, to the monks! Paul (surprised). I? What for? Vassa. And where do you go? Paul (shyly). Mother... are you serious? Vassa. Well, yes... Paul (pissed off). No... you won't be able to! See you ... huh? No with... Vassa. Who are you talking to? Paul. With you! Vassa (quietly). Out! Paul (leaving). I'm not afraid ... you see! (Vassa goes into the office, sits down at the table, sorts out the papers, bringing them to her face, her hands are shaking.) Vassa (mumbles). What is it all for? For whom? (She threw away her papers, took off her spectacles, and sits motionless, stern, looking in front of her wistfully.) Michael (enters, angry). Did you call me? Vassa. What are you talking about? Michael. How? Vassa. Painfully angry. Wait, my sir, I'm still the mistress here... Michael (sadly). Nothing can be imagined. They twitched me ... Semyon Zakharych only laughs ... Vassa. Okay! Do you know that Prokhor had a lawyer? Michael. I know!.. This Lipa is yours.... Vassa. Yes... failed. Michael. To scare her... Vassa. As if she had forgotten how to be afraid... Michael. It can't be! Infanticide is not a joke, sir! Vassa. It’s dangerous too ... Semyonov was a child ... Michael. Unprovable! The stigma of the company on a child is not allowed. Just a child! And - the mother is there, but he is not ... Vassa. You should have talked to her... stricter! Michael. May with... Vassa. Talk to me. A man is more comfortable. Frighten and caress ... Well, I talked with Prokhor ... Michael. What? Vassa. He says - I'll ruin ... Michael. Maybe sir!.. Vassa (lowering eyes). Yes... these are the days! Michael (quiet). They need serious action... Vassa (without looking at him). What do you think? Michael. I have one hope - his heart is weak ... Such people die overnight ... Vassa. Trivia! He will outlive us. Michael. God's work, sir. He takes medicines more and more often - I know this from the pharmacy bills. Fershal Yakov said - these drugs are dangerous ... Vassa. The medicine is dangerous! Yakov is lying drunk... Michael. Two of them ... One is against the heart, and the other is embarrassing to say ... for strength in dealing with ladies ... Vassa (grinning). Old damn!.. Michael. Yakov was afraid that medicines, he says, contradict each other, they cannot be used for evil. If you increase the dose... Vassa. The drunk is talking, and you are listening... So talk to Olympias... Michael. Necessarily. If only they were dead now... Vassa (grinning). You, father, seem to be going to poison him ... Come to your senses! Michael. Lord have mercy! What do you? And in my thoughts there was no... Vassa. Be careful... in words... Michael. F-fu... you scared me... Vassa. There is nothing to fear... Michael. It's even embarrassing... Vassa. There is no offense here. I don't mean to offend you. I only see peace when I talk to you... Michael. Don't forget that all my life I have served you... for my conscience... And even my only daughter... who is after you... Vassa. Well, well, that's enough... that's enough, my friend... Thank God, we can still live, just wait! And don't blame me for Lyudochka! I love her... I was against it... Michael (suddenly with dull fury). He! I know... He! Every crook has his own calculation ... I understood his calculation correctly! To make a girl a mistress - he was afraid, he married her to his nephew ... I know, sir! Vassa (quiet). Don't put off the Olympics for a long time... Michael. Be calm... I swore an oath to myself! Vassa. Be calm yourself... Michael. When did I get excited? Vassa. Well, go... go! As for the spiritual, look... (Mikhail leaned down respectfully, kissed her hand, she answered with a kiss on the forehead and stroked his head twice. He left, straightening up like a soldier; after seeing him off, Vassa sits down again at the table, muttering indistinctly, sorting through the papers. Anna carefully enters, looks at mother, at first mockingly, but soon her face becomes tender and sad.) Anna. Mother... Vassa (turning around). Anna... Anyuta... Anna. Alone, as before, it happened ... a gray-haired mother ... Hello! Vassa. Thank God ... how well you entered! What's the despatch? And I was waiting for the dispatch ... Anna. And not me? As Father? Vassa (looking into the dining room). Bad... Has anyone seen you? Anna. Some young man opened the door and ran away... didn't even ask who I was... Vassa. Mitka from the office... you're out! Well, that's good! Wait a minute, I'll close the door... we'll talk alone... so you know... Ah, officer! Oh you military... (She shuts the door; excited, takes her daughter by the hand, sits down on the couch.) Well Anna... Anna (quiet). So father... Vassa. Won't get up... (Immediately falling into a businesslike tone.) Trouble is upon us, Anna! Uncle wants to take his money out of business... and who made him money? Whose work did they grow up with? Zakharova and mine! What was he doing, Prokhor? He chased women, started theaters ... Where did he get the money? One... Anna (frowning). Wait... Vassa. You - listen! Semyon is in his wife's arms, and she is some kind of blessed ... and also persuades him to stand out. Pavel is an unfortunate little man ... he has a wife - you know her, he married Lyudmila ... she is not a match for him and seemed to have begun to walk! I don't believe in it... she's squeamish! I can’t understand anything, Anna!.. Then I discharged you, you’re out of the fresh air, you might see what to do... so that at least it’s less sin... Anna (carefully). That's how... yes? Are we going broke? Vassa. The whole thing is falling apart! Thirty years of work - all smoke, smoke! The years were hard, the losses were great ... There were no workers, but many heirs ... And the heirs were bad! Why did my father and I work? Who worked! Who will justify our sins? They built - years, falls - in days ... insulting ... Unbearable! Anna. Did the father sign the will? Vassa (stopped, not immediately). Spiritual? No... I don't know... Anna (incredulously). Do not know? You? Vassa. Probably - he wrote ... Just think, what kind of business is falling! Anna. Yes... Vassa. Here! You talk to your brothers... they don't believe me, my sons! They think that I want to take everything into my own hands. And you must be believed, Annushka! You are a man - without interest, you - separated from the inheritance ... driven away by your father ... Anna (get up). Highlighted? They gave me - they left me, like a beggar, ten thousand and - that's all? Vassa (chuckled). I have your receipt... a receipt that you received your entire share. Anna (affectionately). What is a receipt? You give it to me, mother! Vassa (as if joking). For what service, ma'am? Anna (thoughtfully). Services? Here, let me understand... Vassa (follows her). Well, well, understand! How is it going? Anna (reluctantly). So-so. Vassa. What's yours? Anna. He received a lieutenant colonel after summer maneuvers. The battalion was given to him ... Vassa. And does he drink? Anna. Officer, don't drink! Is ill. Soon, perhaps, I will be a widow ... Vassa (with a smile, quietly). Love is gone, isn't it? (Anna smiled silently.) Vassa. That's it! And how then it boiled! I told you... Anna. Well, we'll leave that, mother! Vassa (looking at her). You speak decisively ... And you sit boldly - legs crossed ... and here you are smoking tobacco! Anna. I smoke. (Pavel is in the dining room. Quietly he goes to the door, hears voices and presses his ear to the door.) Vassa. It wouldn't suit a lady... Anna. Comes to me. Vassa. And well-dressed. Anna. We know how. Vassa. How are the grandchildren doing? Anna (proudly). My children are healthy and happy... Vassa. The first one died... Anna. Yes... He was sick... weak... Vassa (grinning). So! The first is sick ... and then, thank God, the healthy ones went ... from a sick husband ... Anna (blushed, looked at her mother and laughed softly). You are smart mom... Vassa (satisfied). Well, you need to call the brothers ... Anna. Did they know that I would come? Vassa (goes to the door). What do they need to know... (She opened the door - Pavel jumped back, but did not have time to run away, tripping over a chair. The mother looks at him, he rubs his knee in embarrassment.) Paul (quiet). Still... you can't hear anything... Vassa. Can not hear? This is grief! Paul (evil). Am I mine or not? They told me - the lady came with suitcases ... Vassa. You would knock on the door, and I would open it for you ... Anna (leaving). Hello Pavel! Paul (mothers). Well, I didn't guess! Hello Anyuta! Vassa. Here, ask him why he is spying on his mother? (Goes to the dining room.) Paul. Well, yes ... I’m already peeping! Anna (smiling). Glad to see me? Paul. Certainly. And then we are like in a madhouse. Anna (quietly, looking into the dining room). Is the mother the same? Paul. It got worse. He wants to take matters into his own hands. Anna. Well, it's all in her hands... Paul. It won't happen when daddy dies! Sabbat! We are no longer small - I am twenty-four, and Semyon is three years older ... Anna. Do you live together? Paul. Miscellaneous. He is a fool, Semyon... Anna. And the wives? Paul. His wife is cunning... Fat, but cunning! You have become beautiful! And dressed especially ... well! And here, as in a hospital, everyone goes around - dresses are black and striped ... Anna (hugging him, walks). Did you marry Luda? Paul. Well, yes. And we can't do anything. So I started buying old icons from the Old Believers, across the river, - my mother bit her: she says, you don’t pray to God, but you spend a lot of money! He doesn’t understand that you can get ten rubles a ruble here... The most profitable thing is to trade in antiques... in the city, one merchant bought six plates for nine rubles, and sold them for three hundred and twenty... that’s how it is! And here we are... bricks, tiles, firewood, peat... the devil is coming! Prokhor (entering). Baa! What a gorgeous lady though! (Spreading his arms, he looks at his niece, clicking his tongue deliciously.) Bravo! Well kiss... Anna. And you, uncle, don't be embarrassed. Prokhor. You something? Hm ... with such eyes they are not embarrassed ... you're lying, sir! Anna. And here is Simon! Wow, how fat! Semyon (glad). Anyuta! That's good ... Lord! How glad I am, by God ... well - oh you! How long have you not seen each other? Anna. You meet your wife! Semyon. Necessarily! Natasha, here she is - Anyuta! Do you remember, I told you, you beat me up everything? .. Prokhor. Few! Anna (to Natalia). It's nice to see you... let's be friends... Natalia. Good with... Prokhor. Boom! Semyon. She is quiet! An Old Believer, they were baptized in a korchaga ... a korchaga is a large clay pot or cast iron, a cast-iron pot, more sprawling than a pot. That is, they were baptized at home, not in the church, according to the customs of the Old Believers - Ed. Prokhor. In a huge box! Anna (to Paul). Where is Lyudmila? Paul (taken by surprise). Do not know. (Semyon snorted, everyone was silent for a second.) She is sleeping. Semyon. You know her! Anna. She was beautiful... Prokhor. Wow! Look at her now! The beast! Semyon. Praised! Paul. He is to spite me. They all laugh at me... Natalia. Well, that's enough for you! Paul. They are killing me, Anna! Anna. Oh, how scary! (She hugged Pavel by the shoulders and takes him to a corner, saying something; he grumbles and waves his arms.) Prokhor (to Semyon). Is it a good sister? Semyon. Yeah... Natalia. Only the eyes are very shiny ... Semyon. Looks like mother... Prokhor. Figure something! Grandama... Semyon. Oh, what a robber she was! .. She thrashed me ... Natalia. It's not good that Lyudmila isn't coming, it's disrespectful to Anna Zakharovna... Michael (included). Anna Zakharovna, let me congratulate you on your return under your own roof... Natalia (quietly). Your ... how is it? Michael. Which is immensely happy... Anna. You have not grown old, Uncle Misha, and well done! Glad to see you... Michael. And I! Sincerely... Semyon (to Natalia). Do you like her? Natalia. Nothing... Motley only very... Semyon. She's wearing the same color! YU! Natalia. Yes, I see. This is me so... Prokhor. It's night blindness... Ludmila (enters sleepy, disheveled, but beautiful. She rushes to Anna). Nyuta... Anna (hugging her). Lyudochka... Ludmila. Nyuta... oh, how good... Anna. What have you become... Ludmila. You are exactly the sun... Paul. The whining has begun... Vassa (in the door). Anna!.. Go to your father... Prokhor. What is bad for him? Paul. Wait some more to rejoice... Prokhor. I'm asking you, doug? (Pavel, running to the table, shows his uncle his tongue.) Ludmila (laughs through tears). Look dad! Prokhor (going to Paul). Pashka, I'll prick my ears! Paul. Touch... Michael (daughter). You go... Semyon (lively). Uncle - block the way for him with a chair! Pavel - roll under the table, oh you! .. Action two Evening. The dining room is dark. In front of the fireplace - Lyudmila. Anna, with a cigarette, thoughtfully walks around the room. Anna. It's a pity you didn't write to me... Ludmila. Well... I don't even know your address. Anna. If I wanted... Ludmila. Follow me: husband, father ... And what to write about, what are you interested in? .. Anna. About myself... about everyone... Ludmila. I don't understand anything. For two years - stupid, angry ... Anna. Why did you marry Paul? Ludmila. It was necessary to. Anna. Yes? Ludmila. Yes. Anna. How are you? So careful... Ludmila. The time was so... special. Everywhere there are riots, these strikes... just like cleaning before a holiday... And everything is cleaning and cleaning... but there is no holiday. One turned up ... a handsome man ... a boy almost ... He was pockmarked, but handsome. Anna. Where is he? Ludmila. Gone. I do not know where. Anna. Does Paul know? Ludmila. No. Nobody knows... except Uncle. Anna. How... Ludmila. So. Uncle Prokhor taught... That one was good... speckled... surprisingly affectionate and kind... Anna. And what kind of person is Uncle Prokhor? Ludmila. So... a cheerful merchant... Also affectionate... He caresses you, and then - give it back... with interest. (In a different tone.) Well, God bless him! I don't want to speak badly of him - after all, he did me one good thing, he did! But we are not beggars and we must remember the good, right, Anna? Anna (indifferently). Do not know. Ludmila (smiling). There is only one person close to me - your mother ... And I almost never talk to her, and she never asks me about anything - unless she sometimes scolds for Pavel ... But in my heart I know that only she pities me and loves ... If it weren't for her - oh, what would I do! Anna (frowning). That's how! Ludmila (fun). When spring comes, we will start working in the garden with her... Oh, Anna, it's good how to help the earth dress up in flowers! At the very sunrise, she will knock on me, mother, something: "Hey, - she will say, so angrily, - get up!" And we'll both go in silence, for almost the whole day, until evening... You wouldn't recognize the garden if it were summer now! Here it has grown, here it is decorated! Last spring, we bought more than a hundred rubles worth of flower seeds alone! What plums, apple trees, cherries! I learned to vaccinate, I go to the peasants in the village to vaccinate - a gardener at all! My mother bought me a book about gardening - study, she says, this is an honest thing! The men, seeing our successes in the garden and the garden, send their wives for seeds, ask for a vaccination ... the men respect me! It's good to live in spring, summer, autumn ... but winter is difficult for me and for her ... It's somehow crowded in our house ... We don't say anything, but we both know what we think ... What a boring thing you have become ? Anna. I don't know... You're so beautiful, young... Ludmila. And here's how we start working in the spring - look what I'll be like! Ah, our garden! If you enter it in the morning, when it is sprinkled with dew and burns in the sun, it is as if you have entered a church! Your head is spinning, your heart stops, you start to sing - as if drunk! I'll stop, and mother screams - sing! And somewhere above the bushes I see her face - an affectionate, kind, motherly face! Anna (quietly, not really believing). Affectionate? Kind? Ludmila. Well, yes! And what? Do you remember how you and I played in this garden? Paul (included). What are you gossiping about? (Lights the candles in the chandelier.) Ludmila. Why is this? Paul. I want to admire you! Ludmila. Turn off... Paul. I won't repay! Ludmila. Freak! Paul. Here, Anna, with what devil have connected me... for all life. Ludmila. You're lying! You yourself crawled on your knees in front of me like a beggar ... Anna. Stop it! Ludmila. You understand - he can't do anything to me... so he teases me with various dirty tricks. They gave me a Siberian cat - poisoned ... Paul. He scratched me... I didn't poison him at all... he overate himself... Ludmila (jumped up). Shut up, monkey! I can't see... (Quickly leaves.) Paul (quiet). She ran away... yeah! Can't you see? Anna. What are you thinking of doing, Paul? Paul (grinning). Nothing. I don't feel well, let her endure it too! (Suddenly sincere and hot.) Anyuta, help me, for Christ's sake! I'll give you whatever you want ... money, if necessary, I'll give you money when papa dies! Lord, I'll give everything... everything! Anna (thinking). What can I do? Paul (quietly, mournfully). You married for love, teach her to love me... teach her! I love her so much - there is no measure! She is sleeping, and I am kneeling by the bed: "Lyuda, Lyudochka, no one will love you like I do!" I whisper to her all night until morning ... - Everyone has something, but I'm ugly, I have nothing else to live for, as for you," I tell her, and she is sleeping ... Anna, help me! Anna (hurriedly). Calm down, someone's coming... Paul. What to me? Let everyone go... everyone knows! Natalia (included). Pasha, mother is calling ... (Looks at them suspiciously.) Rather, she is angry. Paul (leaving). She is always angry. Natalia (following him). You beat the clerk there... Paul. so what? They need to be beaten... Anna (to Natalia). Natasha, wait a minute. Natalia (returning). Okay. Anna. F-fu... it looks like he beat me! .. Natalia. Have you complained about your spouse? Anna. Do you seem to get on well with him? Natalia. I am the same with everyone. Anna. Isn't it boring? Natalia. Why? Anna. Yes, you are so young ... there is no entertainment here ... Natalia. And husband? Anna (smiling). Is that enough? Natalia (instructive). He tries very hard not to be bored... and makes you laugh, that's all. Besides, now is not at all such a time to want to laugh ... Anna (interested). Yeah? Natalia (convinced). Certainly! Now it's impossible to live as before... you have to move to the city... and everything should be different... Anna (Really). How? Natalia. I still can’t explain... I think about it a lot, but I don’t know... Only, you have to live in fortified cities, where there are a lot of police and troops... (Inspired.) After these terrible years, quiet people are transferred, sister Anna. Everyone began to think and secretly talk to each other ... and different people walk around ... one of us came here, so he persuaded everyone that any business is a sin and there is no need to do anything! I was very scared then ... do you think what it could be if no one works again? Anna. What are you, though... Natalia. I have a sick child, and at night I sleep little, but I keep thinking about different things. But I'm still young, and they don't listen to me when I speak... but you, thank you, listen... This is very pleasant for me. Prokhor (enters, angry). Where is Vassa? Anna. Do not know. Natalia. Went to the factory. Prokhor. Damn... Anna. Where are you from? Prokhor. Dirty? From the pigeon. Ethiopians - I've been asking for three months to fix the stairs - they don't want to! This is on purpose, Anna, so you know! And if I fly into the cellar, break my neck, it will be a rig, yes! It will be Pashkin's palmistry!.. Anna. Oh, uncle, what are you talking about? Prokhor. I know that ... You don't know, but I ... last time I was sitting in the dovecote, and someone quietly opened the cellar, pushed the ladder to the very edge and slammed the door from the courtyard. Dark. The floor is damp in the cellar... I almost fell off. How to understand it? Whose these things are criminal, huh? Natalia (to Anna). If you tease Pasha, he can commit a great sin, I inspired Lyudmilochka this ... Prokhor. You see? And Valaam's ass says the same thing... Natalia. You are absolutely wrong to compare me with a donkey ... Prokhor. Oh well! Do you remember who spoke through her mouth ... Natalia. I don't care... I'm a merchant's daughter... Anna. You, Natasha, needlessly reinforce your uncle's hostile thoughts... Natalia. Scary thoughts cannot be hidden. You yourself know that unfortunate people are always very evil... Prokhor (fun). What is it? What a dove with a snake mind, huh? Natalia (offended, leaves). The mind is very simple... sorry! This is the most human mind... Anna. Oh, uncle... why are you doing this to her? Prokhor. Nothing, eat! I don't like this dark soul in a dark dress! (Laughing.) You know, I once heard how she dreamed of a future life with her husband. (Mimicking Natalya's manner.)"And so, Senya, I'm lying in a purple velvet hood, and under it is one lace shirt ... or I'm sitting on a kind of kelk shoe" ... Anna (smiling). The sun lounger must be... Prokhor. Well, it does not matter! (Mimicking Natalia again.)"And various people come for a visit: here is the chief of police, and judges, and the city head - the whole city! .. And everyone envy you, looking at me, - oh yes Zheleznov! That's how his wife is, yes-a! And I'll move my leg like that, otherwise I'll show my shoulder - let them grind their teeth even more ... " (Laughs.) Nice illustration, huh? Senka, fool, neighs ... Anna (Really). A strange woman... I don't understand her! Such... as if unwise... Prokhor. The devil knows better what she is... Sometimes, brother, she rolls her eyes like that... Ah, I'm tired of them!... Anna. What do you live with them? Prokhor. Boom! She said too! All my money is stuck here, by the grace of Zakhar... I’ll pull it out, and—farewell, my half-blooded swindlers!.. Anna. Where are you? Prokhor. To Moscow, to the capital! (Leaning towards her, mysteriously.) I, brother, have - a certain fruit of unfortunate love ... ha-aroshiy, Anna, the fruit is ripening! Anna. Here's how? Prokhor. Boom! The student is already ... the most excellent mug! Anna. And - mother? Prokhor (not right away). Died ... sorry! (More fun again.) He calls me an unexpected father - a cheerful devil! And he doesn't ask for anything, does he? Have you seen these? Not our blood, no... Drinks, damn it, a few... Theatergoer, knows all the actresses... Studying mythological... Anna. Philological. Prokhor (convinced). No, I said correctly - mythology is a science ... he, brother, told me in detail, and even I myself read about the Greek war, about Odysseus ... Here, brother, Odysseus was a rogue! Lied - wonderful! It's like going down to hell, you know? And as if in hell - nothing is scary, but only - great boredom? .. This Peter, mine, is also healthy to lie! Vassa (included). Peace of conversation. Who is Natalia mad at? Anna. She? How is she angry? Vassa. He stands in the middle of the hall and cuts off the brushes at the handkerchief ... all white, even blue ... (Prokhor.) There the dovecote asks you. Prokhor (pacing). Will wait... Anna (with her eyes and careful gestures she asks her mother to leave. Vassa looks at her incredulously). Semyon returned from the city? Vassa. I don't know... and I would need it... I'll go and have a look... (Exits.) Prokhor. Let's play cards, shall we? Let's call Lyudmila, Natalya... Anna. Well, let's... So, you're leaving the business, then? Prokhor. Necessarily. I'm getting old ... and in general - what's the deal? It's scary, you see! It used to be - walking through the village - you feel like a gentleman ... and now, although people still bow low, they are there in order to hide their evil eyes ... What kind of life is this? This, brother, is the Greek Iliad - everyone strives to hit each other on the head more cleverly ... Besides, I have always been a businessman, not so hot ... but now what do I care? Semyon (included). Who called me? Anna. Mother. Semyon. And she says - you! So no one wants me? So it's good! Prokhor. Boom! I'll follow Lyudmila. Semyon, do you want to play cards? Semyon. Can. Hey, brothers, nice in the city! Everything is solid - stone houses ... bright, clean ... And people are different - the conversation is wide ... they know about everything ... The thought is there, the policy is different ... interesting cases ... Prokhor (leaving). Ladies are beautiful... Semyon. Went ... a womanizer! Anna. Do you seriously think that he and Lyudmila are... naughty? Semyon (with pleasure). Shalit? Look, you... and I was waiting for you to say that! I called it deftly... Here it is, the city... teaches everything! Yes, he, uncle, of course, is naughty ... and how ... I myself heard how he taught her once ... my eyes popped out of shame with shame ... Anna. What did he teach? Semyon. Well, it's not fair to say. Anna. Chai, I'm married! Semyon. It doesn't matter... but I didn't really understand... about children... how it is necessary that children are not born... Well, him! The prankster... his case does not console him... Anna. And you? Semyon. me? You see - there is little joy in tiles and bricks ... besides, the people have become gloomy ... guards and severity ... drunkenness and fights ... it's boring! Daddy dies, I will live in the city ... you see yourself completely different when all the people around are the same ... Anna. Well, who's going to run the business? Semyon. Is it something? It is to be reduced... peat is unprofitable to work... and the rest - mother and Mikhailo... let them dig... And in the city - I will open a store of gold things... y-yes! On the main street, on Dvoryanskaya .... And a sign: Semyon Zheleznov's jewelry store - jewelry! And the word is so soft - yu! There will be an apartment above the store... I'll buy a harmonium, I'll play on it... wow! Ludmila (running). Anna, go get them... Semyon (scared). Whom? Who? Ludmila. Uncle Prokhor Pavel beats... Semyon. Here ... please! Here are those and yu! Anna, what are you, go! Anna. Where will I go? Hit more! Go yourself! Semyon (going). I... what am I! What policeman... Ludmila. Lord, what is this? What kind of life is this? Anna. Nothing Luda... Ludmila. If only my uncle had killed Pavel... so sorry for him... he is so disgusting! Anna. What are they for? Ludmila. Pavel said that he would not let me play cards, but it became funny to me ... he pushed me and yelled, and my uncle by his hair ... Anna (calmly). Man... Ludmila. Disgusting... Anna. Would you like to live like this! Ludmila. Happiness is expensive, even if it's small... (Thoughtfully.) And yet you remember him - and it's easier ... Ah, Anyuta, how good it is when a man cries for joy in front of you - he is so sweet then ... so dear ... you know that? Anna (hugged her). Yeah... oh, I know... Ludmila. You feel like the richest queen at such a moment - don't you? And so you don’t feel sorry for anything, you don’t feel sorry for anything - even if you accept death ... Vassa (going). What's your noise? Ludmila (rushing towards her). Oh, mother, do something! Vassa. Well, what else have you done? Ludmila. Nothing! They were there, Pavel and his uncle, they had a fight... Vassa. Again! I asked you, Ludka... Ludmila. I can not! You know everything ... you understand, after all - I can’t be affectionate! You said it yourself - you can't fool a man... Vassa. Well, go, go... persuade them... both fools... Ludmila (going). What will I go? Anna. Do you often do this? Vassa (sitting by the fireplace). It's the third year... Sometimes it grabs the heart like that... I would... take everyone, and... I feel sorry for Pavel! Oh Anna, sorry... Anna. Lyudmila is also not sweet. Vassa. To her? She won't give up... Anna. What's with her uncle Prokhor? Vassa. He is not Prokhor, but a scoundrel! I learned a girl's secret alone ... well, he uses it ... yes! Use it, dog! Anna (quietly). That's what, when you lie down, I will come to you. Vassa (worried). And what? What for? Anna. Need to talk. They confessed here. Vassa. Prokhor? Anna. And he. Do you know that he has a son? Vassa. Not alone, come on! Well? Anna. One - wants to adopt. Vassa (rising). Are you lying? Are you scared? Anna. So he says. Vassa. Well ... and - the end! Why did they work? What were you proud of? No, you can't... that's - you can't! Anna. Semyon wants to move to the city... Vassa. So... Well? Anna. And Pavel too! Vassa (rough). Be quiet! I'll find a place for him! (Quiet.) Where am I myself? Where do I go, huh? (The excited ones are walking - Prokhor, Semyon and Natalya.) Semyon. Natasha! Stop it... Prokhor. Get me this fool! Natalia. Besides me, who will tell the truth here? Semyon. Natasha, you remember - yu! Well, what do you care? Spit! Vassa. What do you have? Prokhor. Your daughter-in-law deigned to get mad - please! Natalia (Prokhor). You yourself turned Pasha into a wild man ... Prokhor. Semyon, damn head! Anna. Uncle, you are the smartest here... Prokhor. I? They drove me crazy for a long time ... You know - he, the rogue, brandished a knife at me, huh? (Lyudmila came in, sat down in a corner, and from there stared motionlessly at everyone.) Natalia. It's all your fault... Vassa. Semyon! Do you have power over your wife? Semyon. You will, mother! All power and power, and there is no one to command ... Natalia. No, I'll tell you everything! You spoiled Lyudmila ... Prokhor. Fool you! Yes, before marriage... (I noticed Lyudmila.) No, what's up, Anna? Ludmila. Tell me - what did I do before marriage? Vassa (sternly, quietly). Lyudka! Shut up... what are you? Prokhor. You all go to the swamp! Ludmila. Swung, so hit! Prokhor (leaving). Wait! I will step on your tongues! Ludmila. Cowardly... eh! Vassa. I'm telling you - shut up! Ludmila. Whatever, Mom! Now Pavel will know... he will know everything! Semyon (wife). Let's go! This is where something else starts... Ludmila. Here is Natalya, she will not keep silent! Natalia (leaving). And what do you think? I'm not really a cheater... Semyon. Do you remember - yu! And nothing more! Ludmila. Ouch! I would leave all my skin, only to escape ... only to escape! Vassa. Here's Anna... see? No one is bound by anything... no one! Grab and run! Ludmila. I have nothing to grab ... I do not need anything! Leave life, life... Paul (walks, his forehead is tied). Mother - money to me. Vassa. One more... Ludmila (half crying, half laughing). Ah, good! God... Paul (quiet). Are you my mother? Anna -- tell her... let me go... Vassa (strange). I'll find a place for you soon, Pavel. Anna. My advice is let him go! God knows what he's capable of... Paul. I'm not afraid of him! Anna. Here he nailed Pavel... Paul. Lying!.. Anna. Pasha is a weak man ... but also weak, angry, maybe ... Vassa (looking closely at her). Stop! Ludmila. What are you, Anyuta, as if suggesting ... Vassa. Lyudmila, go away! Pavel, you go too... I'll come to you! (They both leave, Vassa walked across the room, stopped in front of her daughter.) What are you thinking? Anna (innocently). I? What? Vassa. Do not pretend! Understand. (Walks again.) Pavel is my son, remember? Anna (embarrassed). I do not understand... Vassa. You're lying. Just very you. Do you think if the brother will bring uncle away... Anna. What are you, mother! F-fu! Vassa. Do you win? Anna. Yes me and... Vassa (sullenly). It doesn't hurt, you're smart... no! Who else is there? Michael. Good evening! Vassa. Well? Michael. It's not good... It's very hard to breathe. Vassa. The Lord would have cleaned it up soon!.. The fifth week went by, he was suffocating. His eyes are clear ... it is clear that he understands everything ... He would have been tormented ... Michael. There is little left, as you can see. Vassa (going). You wait for me here... Anna. Life is bad with you, Mikhail Vasilyevich! Michael. Worse than that, sir! Everything is confused ... everything! Anna. How will this end? Michael. I don't see... Anna. It's hard for mother... But Uncle Prokhor doesn't want to help, apparently... Michael (depressed). He? Help? Anna. Why are you so surprised? Michael (mockingly). So sir... Anna. No, still... Michael. My surprise is simple! Zakhar Ivanovich, your father, it used to be said that a Russian person often takes his stupidity for conscience by mistake ... (Lipa enters.) What do you need? Linden. Anna Zakharovna - your uncle asks you to come to his place. Anna. Why don't you know? Linden. Their hearts are not good. Anna (questioningly to Michael). What? Michael (soothing). It happens to him. Linden. Suffocation... Michael (looking at Linda). Suffocation... Olympias knows... (Anna quickly leaves, he stops Lipa with a sign.) Well? Linden. What? Michael. Do not you know? Linden. I do not agree. Michael. From what? Linden. I can not. I'm afraid. Michael. Is it sinful? Linden. But no? Chai, man. Michael. So. To strangle a son is not a sin, but someone else's is a sin? A child is not a person? Linden (viciously). Child! Remind me! I pity him... Michael (softer). Look, fool! Prokhor knows your sin... Linden. And you know ... that means you should be poisoned too? Michael. What are you yelling? On purpose? Look, dove! I can casually too... (Goes up to her.) And you do not break, it will be! Go! Now what is a good case, well? Drain the bigger vials from both and give it to him! It's not a poison, a medicine, understand! And - with God, wherever you want! Remember: if you don't sin, you won't repent, if you don't repent, you won't be saved... Go, go! Are you not fond of freedom? Will you live on your own, huh? You will receive a considerable reward ... You are young, you need to live ... without sinning, you will not live, Lipa! .. you will not live! .. Many ... tried and - could not ... (Lipa leaves, yielding to his pressure; he returns, grumbling.) He pretends too ... rubbish! Lomaka... there too! Paul (peeks). Where is mother? Michael. We went to Zakhar Ivanovich. Paul. Who are you talking to? Michael. By myself... Paul. Found a companion... too!.. Look - he will cheat you! Michael. Thanks for warning! I accept this as a reward for my service to you. Paul. Take it as you wish... at least as a favor. (Disappears. Mikhail shakes his fist after Pavel, walks around with his hands behind his back and snapping his fingers. Vassa, Semyon and Natalya are walking.) Vassa (to Michael, sullenly). Ends, it seems, our guardian ... Michael (lowering head). And Prokhor Ivanovich has another seizure... Vassa (children). Well, what are you doing here? Semyon. Yes, you do too... Vassa. Speak! Send for Father Yegor... Well, what about you, Natalia? Semyon (leaving). Natasha - wow!.. Vassa. What's happened? What did he say? Natalia. So... I don't know... Vassa. You don't know... Go to your place. Natalia. It's scary there. Vassa. What? Natalia. It's scary ... You can hear how he wheezes ... Vassa. You go, go! There is nothing to be afraid of... all deaths are doomed... I'm older than you, but I'm not afraid... (Natalya quietly leaves, wrapping herself in a shawl.) I was frightened ... you are not afraid to eat bread ... Prokhor has a seizure, you say? Michael (quiet). Yes, sir... (Started.) Chu? Here... Anna (runs in, whispers frightened). Listen - Lipa poisoned her uncle... Vassa. Died? Anna. I don't know... no... Michael (rushing about). Here ... now the police ... we need the police ... Vassa. Stop! Where? Anna - don't bother... Anna. She's screaming... Vassa. Mikhailo - here her ... Anna. Need a doctor... Vassa (strictly, quietly). Wait, I say! (Lipa runs in and rushes to Anna.) What did you do, heretic? Linden (rushing towards her). Oh, I did ... This is it, that's it ... Vassa. Be silent! The first time you give him medicine, huh? Don't know how much you need? Linden. Let me go, for God's sake! Vassa. Do you know what people are in prison for such mistakes? How could you be wrong, huh? Linden (not understanding anything). What will happen? Oh what will happen to me? Michael. Ah, fool! Let me let her... Vassa (pushing Lipa into her office). Hush! Sit! (Anna.) Well, what are you, well? What are you trembling about, right? There was a mistake, the girl gave the wrong medicine ... it happens! Doesn't it happen? The owner of the house is dying, vanity, the girl is alone, knocked off her feet ... Anna (quietly). I understand... Vassa. There is nothing for you to understand! Your business is a side, yes! Go to him, help him there... Natalia (running). Go quickly - Uncle Prokhor ... Anna (involuntarily). Died? Natalia (recoiling). Oh, sister, what are you? Vassa (looking at Natalia). What are you really, Anna? Why would he die? He had two seizures this winter - but he remained alive! Natalia. Oh, I was scared ... Lord! He slid off the bed... twitches, hiccups... Vassa. Hiccups! What a passion, look! I hiccup sometimes after dinner too, but who is afraid of that? Go to him... Natalia. Come on, sister! (Anna, looking back at her mother with fear, leaves for Natalya. Vassa goes into the office, goes up to the petrified Lipa, pushes her.) Vassa. Wake up, the devil!.. He is alive, do you hear? Alive! So that they are torn apart, perish! Michael (Olympics). This mistake is costly... Vassa. Leave her! Linden (falling to my knees). Vassa Petrovna... I did it on purpose... He taught me, here he is! My dear, sorry... Vassa. Go, go to your chamber! Heard? Linden (getting up). It's not my fault... God... (She staggers away. Vassa and Mikhail look at each other. Mikhail lowers his head guiltily.) Vassa. Fool! Michael. So it's false... Vassa. And your boss is a fool! Michael. Something is wrong, I say... Vassa. Yes, and I, too ... relied ... Well, what are we going to do now? Go here! Let's talk clean. (Goes to his office.) The first is Lipka: look after her! To not call! Understood? Act Three Dining room. The doors are closed. By the fireplace Vassa, dressed in mourning. Anna walks and smokes. Simon is sitting at the table. Semyon (yawning). Would you like to drink tea? It's time. Vassa. Forty minutes have not yet come. Semyon. Well, forty minutes! Whose life? My life! If I want - I'll lose forty minutes, if I want - I'll cross out a whole hour. And then a month... (Puts feet on chair.) Vassa. Ek you, father, writhing. Semyon. Yes, it's boring! The wife is unwell... one cannot play cards... The blood freezes, by God!... Vassa. Forty days have not passed since the death of his father, and you - come on! The cards would... Semyon. Forty days, forty minutes... if you please rejoice! Natalia is here... Vassa. Nerves... What kind of nerves? I am forty eight years old... Semyon. Again - forty! .. Vassa. They never hurt me... Anna (throwing cigarette butt into fireplace). My nerves are not in order either ... The house is huge, booming ... some kind of rustling ... Vassa. Rats. Yes, Prokhorov's pigeons. Anna. Creaking at night... Vassa. So - a dry house-from ... Anna. The shadows are moving. Vassa. And this is nothing but Lipa walking ... that's her ... Semyon. Well, mother, do not remember her ... Vassa (thoughtfully). Walks and walks... Anna. You don't believe there are suicides. Vassa. Do not know. Why should I know? Semyon. Here's a bagpipe! Mama only believes in rubles... Vassa (harmless). You fool, Semyonushka! For whom did my father and I save rubles? Like for children. And they are not worth a ruble... You couldn't give birth to a healthy grandson to me... you would be silent, unwillingly. Semyon (rough). You are lying! Anna. Senya! Semyon. I had a healthy baby... Vassa. From the maid. Semyon. so what? Was it? And what about the maid, so you yourself brought me to her. Vassa. And the baby was stillborn. Here, Anna... Semyon (jumped up). He was not born dead at all, but she herself was born - she told Natalya everything, there is nothing to lie! You frightened her with something... and all her life you frightened her with this child... that's why she strangled herself... yes! Vassa (calmly). Here, Anna, listen... Anna (indignantly). How can you say... such dirty tricks, Semyon? That's horrible... Vassa. And you - listen! You are also a mother, it suits you ... Semyon. In vain, Anna Zakharovna, you suck up to your mother ... your calculations will not come true, no! (Exit, slamming the door hard.) Vassa (grinning). See how! Anna. Ah, mother! I'm only now realizing how hard it must be for you... Vassa. Nothing. I am not touchy... And you understand, you need it... Anna. Sometimes I'm even... scared for you... Vassa. Don't be afraid... Why? Anna. And I don't understand everything... Vassa. Well, just something, tea, and no one will understand. So different thoughts are swarming in my little head ... buzzing like wasps, but - there is no answer for them, no permission! .. (Pause.) Have you thought why all the men are like that, as if they were not born from mothers, but fathers alone began to them? Yes... and you'll think about it, wait a minute... Here I am, foolishly protecting his health, allowing his mistress in the house, and he - with this no small sin of mine - pokes me in the Zenki ... And he still lost his health, the scoundrel ... in the countryside, he grabbed something that was not needed ... Anna (quietly). Is it true that the child... Vassa. Well, what if it's true? Come on? What should have been done? Anna. D-I don't know... I don't understand why? Vassa. So you condemned me! And when you get to the point, you will do the same, Anna. Would you allow someone else's flesh and blood to live by your labor? Anna. It is far. I don't want to think about it. Vassa. Just think, dear... think about everything! Anna. Mother! And the uncle wrote two letters to his son... Vassa (startled). About what? sent? Anna. Call him here... Vassa. To us? His? Right? Anna (pulling out letters). Here are the letters... Vassa. Do you have?.. Aha! Not sent... Wait!... Well, where are you going to send them? Anna. I don't think they should be sent... Vassa. Yes, my friend! It is forbidden! No no! You clever! You see: here is a woman! No, it's not the dogs who keep the house, we keep it. (She went up to her daughter, put her hands on her shoulders.) Sell! Anna. What are you, mom! Vassa. A hundred for both - do you want? Hundred! Anna. Take ... even insulting, right ... Vassa. No offense, Anna! I know it's insulting - stupidity is insulting. You are a mother, remember ... for children - there is nothing to be ashamed of - that's what you remember! And it's not wrong! So you know - it's not a sin! Anna. You are... amazing! Vassa (hid letters). Mothers are all amazing! Great sinners, and - and great martyrs! The Lord's judgment will be terrible for them ... but for people - I will not repent! All people live through us - remember! Mother of God, my mother, I will tell everything - she will understand! She takes pity on us sinners... didn't she say to the archangel: "Ask, pray to your dear son, that he also orders me to suffer in hell with great sinners" - here she is! Anna (smiling affectionately). I came - I considered myself smarter than you ... better ... right! Vassa. Nothing, count! I see... that's right! If you make a mistake, I will point out ... nothing, daughter! Anna. Well, okay... wait! How about the letters? Will he recover - will he write others and send them himself? And then - he tells me to send it by registered mail - where are the receipts? Vassa. There are a lot of old ones in the office. Mikhailo will arrange it - and he will rewrite the city and surname, put the stamps ... nothing, it was done! This is empty! When my father took a mistress in the city, we did it! You look, through whom Prokhor would not have sent another. Anna. Of course... I will! Vassa. Behind Lyudka - look! She is a child. Anna. They are in a quarrel. Yes, she tells me everything. Vassa. Look! If Prokhorov's money remains with us, then your children's money is here ... Anna (lowering eyes). Don't, mom, about it... Vassa. And you are not feint! I'm wearing glasses, I can see everything... Anna. You are always so... very direct. Vassa. Well, yes! And you do the same with me... Anna. Today is the first day I see you... Vassa. Listen, I'm your mother! And your children - mother ... wait a minute! Someone is coming... (The door quietly opens - Natalya, weak and pale, enters.) What are you doing, chicken? Natalia. They said - to drink tea ... but still not poured. Vassa. Well, cover... Where is Lyudmila? Natalia. Uncle called. Vassa. So! .. Well ... (Makes signs to Anna with her eyes, pointing her to the door, she does not understand.) You, Anna, go and ask Prokhor, maybe he will drink tea with us? Anna (leaving). Okay. Vassa (following Natalia). Are you better? Natalia. I can't sleep... and my heart yearns... Again, the wife of Klyamzin's clerk came to see me... Vassa. Works right. Natalia. Cries. Vassa. And it's in vain. With tears - you can’t wash a footcloth ... (Dunechka enters, bows silently, Natalya stops collecting dishes, yielding to her. Vassa walks around the room, raising his glasses to his forehead.) Natalia (persistently). You would have forgiven him... in memory of the deceased!... Vassa. The dead are not involved. And you shouldn't get in the way... Natalia (angrily). Tea, I feel sorry for people! Vassa. If they don't want to work, there's no point pitying them! Don't be afraid, when you got a lazy nanny - did you drive her away without pity? Natalia. There is a child... my child! Vassa. Everywhere - children! I also have guys ... and they need good workers. And if I furnish them with drunkards and lazybones, what kind of mother am I to them? (Anisya, the new maid, brings in the samovar.) Hey, clubfoot, splash on the floor! Anisya (Dunechka). Give me the keys to the storeroom. Dunechka (quiet). Go, go! I myself... (Both leave.) Vassa. Good girl ... healthy, dexterous ... good! (Pavel enters; a little drunk, he sits down at the table.) You should wipe your feet, sir, - look how you have inherited! Paul. So what? And inherited... Vassa. So! Good! Anna (shouting at the door). Mother! Vassa. I'm going... What's there? (Exits.) Natalia (sniffing nose). Smells like wine... Paul. Smells. Natalia (after a pause). Lyudmila... Paul. Yes. Well?.. Natalia. Made peace with my uncle... Paul. I know. Natalia. Oh Pasha, I feel sorry for you... Paul. You feel sorry for everyone ... but what's the point? Natalia. We are like you... Paul. And are you crooked? Did not know! Natalia. Fate is similar. Both are smart... Paul. You are smart? And I didn't know about that... (Dunechka wanted to go in, but, hearing the conversation, she hid.) Natalia. Do not kidding ME! My mother thinks I'm a fool, I'm not allowed into the house, I'm the owner's wife, but I live like a servant... they don't listen to my words... Paul. And I don't care! Natalia. How? After all, you too - you have no will ... Paul (drunk in heat). Now it's over! Now I'll show myself soon... I'll go to the city... I'll go to Moscow... everywhere! Damn you! House, and land, and everything... I don't want to! I don't want... enough! Semyon (walks, saw Dunechka, crept up to her, grabbed her by the shoulders and yells). Ah, you spy! Natalia. It was her mother who taught her! Dunechka. What are you, fathers? Where am I... Semyon. What were you doing behind the door? Paul. Hit her in the neck... well! Old bastard... Dunechka. I'm just ... you say ... it wouldn't hurt, I think ... do I dare to understand your speeches? .. Paul. No, you can't fool me! Semyon. You can't fool him! He's the master of eavesdropping! (Prokhor walks, Anna and Lyudmila support him by the arms.) Prokhor. Whoa! Why scandal? Natalia. Overheard here... Ludmila. Let her go, Simon! They love to torture people! Natalia. And you don't love? Prokhor. Shh... No fight! Semyon. She needs to be punished! Paul. Pinch her nose in the door... so she won't... Ludmila. Ugh! Muck! Semyon. No, let her drink oil from the lamp... Paul. Well, it's at least... Anna (strictly). Leave her, Simon! Enough! Go Dunya. (Dunechka leaves.) Natalia (to Paul). Here comes another commander... Paul. It's not for long! All for a short time! Semyon. What are you, Anna, really? Prokhor. I came to my senses... Tyurya! Paul. And tonight I will let two cats into the dovecote. Anna. Paul! Don't you dare annoy your uncle! Paul. Who are you here? Anna. Elder sister... Prokhor. Leave! I'll let him... Semyon. You, Anna, in vain ... Natalia. You, sister, are a cut piece... Paul. Let her... not for long! Everything - not for long! Semyon. You got yours, and - coven! (Vassa and Mikhail are at the door.) Prokhor (Lyudmila). And what will be here in a week or so? Wow! Ludmila. There will be nothing. Paul (Prokhor). It will be that I will ask you ... to hell with it! That's what will happen! Prokhor. Puppy! I myself... Anna. Uncle! Stop it! Pavel, if you make your uncle angry, he might... Prokhor. Don't tell him about it! He will be on purpose! Anna (to Paul). This... is bad for him! He could die from a seizure, the doctor said. Prokhor. Here you go! Well, why are you? Oh... Ludmila. That's right, Anyuta... Prokhor. Will start on purpose... Anna. Dont worry... Natalia. What is it like you say about us? That Pasha is a villain? How can you? Prokhor (to Anna). You look - how he says, huh? Mistress, huh? Vassa (entering). Hurry... (Everyone is quiet.) Michael (Prokhor). Good health! Prokhor. Ah, Bismarck... runny nose... rheumatism! Hello hello! (Semyon laughs. Pavel watches his uncle all the time.) Vassa (sitting down). It was you, Semyon, who ordered that Klyamzin's clerk be accepted? Semyon. Me. He's a good guy. What does he drink... Vassa. It's nothing! Yes... Did his wife ask for it? Semyon. Natasha has nothing to do with it. Vassa. I'm talking about the clerk's wife. Ludmila. Spoken, Senya! Paul. You shut up! Natalia (Lyudmila). Not at all! I asked Senya... yes! Prokhor (shaking head). Difficult days overtook you, Vassa! It's embarrassing to even look... Vassa (calmly). Thanks. Have pity on yourself, don't forget. Prokhor (gloatingly). Tight you have to, oh-oh! Well, the people went! They say that a Russian person is soft, kind... Natalia. Where are the evil ones? We are not evil... Ludmila (to Anna). What do you think - not evil? Anna. Do not know... Ludmila. In my opinion, they told the truth - there are no evil people here ... Prokhor. N-well, let's put it! .. Ludmila (getting excited). No. Here, all are unhappy... and therefore unhappy, because they cannot love anything... Paul. You lie! I love... me! Semyon (wife, winking). YU! Ludmila. And nobody knows what's good... Prokhor. Right! This is not known! Vassa (sullenly). Well, what's good, smart girl? Michael (Glancing at her daughter warily). Hmm yeah?. You are that... Ludmila. Your garden is good, mother! From an early age I love him, and now, when I walk in it, I love you because you have decorated the earth ... Vassa (proudly, Anna). Do you hear? Baba something? Ludmila. Sometimes it's scary with you... Michael. Lyudmila, you... Vassa. Leave her... Ludmila. Don't be afraid, dad! When I look at the garden, I remember how you, bending your back, are digging around apple trees and berries and flowers ... You know, mother, that's good! You - you know, but apart from you - no one knows good ... Prokhor. Well, let's put... Semyon. Natalya - wow! Ludmila. And he won't know. Never! Everything good will pass them by, it will pass by another street, everything ... Natalia. What a prophetess! Prokhor. Does she want something? Semyon (grunts). She and Anna, both make up for their mother ... What are they going to ask for, or what? Vassa. You should at least think to yourself, and not think aloud, child! Natalia. He has no one to fear... Semyon. YU! Vassa. What is that stupid word? Semyon. YU? So - yu! Vassa. Oh, Semyon, Semyon! Prokhor. Luda - talk more! Ludmila. I do not want. Vassa. And it is not necessary. God bless you with good children, Lyudmila. Ludmila (nodding at her husband). From him? How good children can be from him! Natalia (pulls). N-uh... Michael. Eh ... tongue! Paul (grabbing a cup). I will kill! (Mother pushed him under the elbow - the cup fell out of his hands.) What are you? For her? Okay... give me my share, my money! Submit and be... Vassa (pushing him). Hush! Paul (choking on words). I hate everyone... I'll set it on fire! Who are you to me? (Almost sobbing.) Mother... Are you a mother? Uncle? Wife? Brother?.. What are you to me? Vassa (sullenly). Are you for everyone? Paul. Like dogs of a hare, you poison me - for what? Give me mine and I'll go...go! Vassa. What is yours here? Natalia. How? Him and Senino - everything! Anna. Be quiet, Natasha! Natalia. From what? Vassa. Mokritsa - shut up, I told you! Natalia (crying). Senya! Why me... Anna. Wow what a horror... Ludmila. It's you out of habit... Michael (daughter). Don't get confused, please! Prokhor (to Anna). Get me out of here... I can't! Natalia. What are we, small? Everyone wants to live as he pleases... Prokhor. Anna, I'm not feeling well, they're screaming... Anna (hurriedly going to mother's room). Now, uncle... mother! (Vassa goes to her call.) Semyon. You mother really... Prokhor. Lyudmila... Come on, help me... Vassa (shouting). Lyudmila, come here... Anna (runs through the dining room). Right this minute, uncle... You see, Pavel, here it is again, uncle is not feeling well... Paul (yelling). I'm the boss here... me, lopsided! Let him die... and all of you! Prokhor (turned purple, gets up from the chair and hisses). W-w-w-ah... right? Mikhailo, take me away...he will kill me!.. Paul (jumping in front of him). And I'll kill... wow! How do I give... (General turmoil. Natalya wants to take Prokhor away. Mikhail seats him on a chair. Semyon grabbed his brother by the hand and screams.) Natalia. Pasha... leave... Michael. Allow me ... calm down! .. Semyon. Pashka - drop it! Uncle - go away! Mother! They fight! Paul. I told you for a long time ... you told me ... again! (He pushed his uncle in the chest - Prokhor straightened up and kicked him. Pavel, groaning, sat down on the floor, and Prokhor fell heavily into a chair. Anna runs in with medicine in her hands, Vassa and Lyudmila ran out of the office, - Vassa rushes to her son, he spins on the floor, holding his leg in his hands. Anna is leaning over her uncle. Semyon is beside his wife. Mikhail, taking his daughter by the hand, whispers something to her, his face is imploring.) Semyon (wife). Let's go soon... Vassa (to Paul). What is he to you? Anna. I said Paul... Natalia. Wait... Paul. Get away mother... Anna. Give me some water... Michael. Got it, right? Ludmila (to father). Let me go... Then you'll say... Vassa (getting up). Hot water? Ludmila. Yes, yes... in the heart... Michael. It has to be done there... Ludmila. No!.. Anna. Right! Take it... Semyon, help!... Natalia (watching everyone closely). Don't touch me, Senya!.. I'm afraid, oh!.. They set Pavel on purpose... where are you going? (Mikhail, Anna, Semyon - carry away Prokhor.) Vassa. What are you hissing? Natalia. Am I a snake? Vassa. What did you say? Natalia. May I, mother? Vassa. What to allow? Well? Natalia. We are not servants... we are masters now! Vassa (quiet). Out! (Semyon returned, Pavel got up from the floor, dragged his leg, went to his mother, holding on to the chairs.) Natalia. Do not Cry! Senya - she screams ... Semyon (trying to sound impressive). No, mother, that's enough! I am twenty-seven years old, he is twenty-four ... you can’t argue against that! (Mother raised her glasses to her forehead and looks at her son point-blank.) What are you watching? No matter how you look at it, it is the law of coming of age... sons are heirs... therefore... there is no dispute!... Vassa (calmly, Pavel). Go take a look at your uncle... Paul. I don't want... I won't go... Semyon. Yes ... Now - as we wish! Vassa (sigh). You were born a fool, Semyon! Semyon (flared up). Leave your hurtful words! I am a fool, but by law I am a master! And you please... Anna (running). Mother... uncle seems to be dead... (Silence. Pavel sat down on a chair, hiding his head behind the back. Semyon, stiff, blinks his eyes. Natalya clung to him, shuddering. Lowering her hands and tilting her head, Vassa turned to the front corner of the room, soundlessly moving her lips. Anna, fingering her fingers on her chest , looks at her. The fright on the face of Natalia is gradually replaced by joy.) Semyon (whispers). Here are those times! Natalia (also in a whisper). Now - you understand! Everything is done by us! Anna (to both of them). Shh... be quiet! Vassa (quiet). Well, Pavel, you have reached the end... Paul. It's not my fault... I'm drunk... Semyon. Hey Pashka! What, brother? (Vassa and Anna leave, but Anna stops outside the door.) Natalia (affectionately). Pasha! Tell the truth - they didn't teach you how to hit your uncle? Paul (wearily). Fuck you ... nonsense! Semyon (wife). What are you writing here? Anna (included). Do you see, Pavel, what have you done? I warned you - do not touch, right? Natalia (suspicious). Yes, well ... as if you incited him, it happened ... Paul. It's not my fault... Natalia. God will judge - who is to blame ... he knows! (They walk: Mikhail - his hand is wrapped in a handkerchief, Lyudmila and Vassa. Lyudmila went to a corner, sat down there and weeps quietly.) Vassa (solemnly). Died... Natalia (to husband, in a whisper). Look, the hand... Semyon (shuddering loudly). Where? Whose hand? Vassa (to Natalia). What are you talking about? Natalia. I? I told him, Semyon, that Mikhail Vasilyevich had his hand... Michael (almost not hiding the mockery). Hand-s? He damaged a few, touched the door handle when they carried the deceased. What about? It doesn't hurt me, if it interests you... it doesn't hurt at all... But by the way - I thank you humbly for your attention! Vassa. Well, everyone shut up! Lyudmila - stop it! Pavel, how now? What do we do? (Her voice trembled. She paused, moving her lips.) You know - our family is not friendly, dirty linen will be taken out of the hut, and dark rumors will spread about us ... Paul. Leave me... Vassa (deafer). Maybe the police will intervene ... here - money! My uncle has over a hundred thousand in our business... Semyon (wife, whispers). Wow! That's it - yu! Vassa. It is known that he wanted to take them... You see, how everything is confusing... You were warned - do not touch, you will kill... but you - on purpose... Do you feel your sin? Paul (mumbles). Will! Don't drag your soul... (Realizing the danger, got frightened, jumped up, looking at everyone.) You... you, my relatives... you don't speak! I don't want... what to do, mom? Senya? Vassa. Of course, we will stand up for you - before the people ... And before God, how will you justify yourself? And so I advise you, if this sinful deed ends well for you, go to a monastery... (Everyone is surprised. Lyudmila, like a blind woman, goes to her mother-in-law and smiles.) Natalia (husband). Oh... that's good! Understand? Paul (confused). I do not want! What do you? Simon, I don't want to! Vassa (harder). I will give you a good contribution, you will live there calmly, harmlessly, you will get used to praying to God and pray for us ... Paul (dreary). Lyudmila... glad! Lyudmila - sorry! Look how it is with me... (Amazed by the face of his wife.) How glad ... face something! Mom - thank you! You married me! Vassa. You yourself wanted. Michael (hard). Yes, you yourself! Vassa. Do you remember - you threatened to kill yourself? Natalia. How! And I remember it... Vassa (menacingly). You are silent! (Softly but firmly.) So, Pavel, take a vow that you are becoming a monk... It's better for you and for everyone... No one there will make fun of you, they won't judge you for being... ugly. And I will know that my son lives in a calm place, in honor. So that. Well, think... until tomorrow, and tomorrow - say your consent. Paul (wife). Do you smile at my death? I won't forget this! Ludmila. No, Pavel, I - my freedom ... (Standing near Vassa, far from her husband, she, without leaving her place, kneels down.) You are the man! Do you have any goodness in you? Let me go Paul! Let go, for Christ's sake! I will remember you kindly, always ... I take an oath - I will think of you with affection in my heart ... I alone, maybe I will think so about you! One besides your mother! But with you, I can't! It hurts me to touch you... especially after today... Pavel! (Everyone is silent. Vassa sits with her head down, Anna whispers something in her ear.) Ludmila. Pasha! .. My dear - let go! Paul (shuddering). Don't... don't say that! Well... It doesn't matter... A divorce, or something, there... well? Anyway, apparently... (Lyudmila got up, went up to him, and, without touching him, kissed him on the forehead.) Paul (reeled back). What are you... like dead! Why are you? Devil... Mother, I won't go to the monastery, you know... Let them judge me... The police and that's it... you're lying! My money to take, yeah! Give me my money, I'll go...to the ends of the earth from you...you'll never hear from me, never! Maybe - I'll be rich, and you - beggars - will come to me by mercy ... I will order you to drive away and I will look out the window how you are driven ... Give me my money ... It's over! Vassa (calmly). I won't give you money. Natalia (restless). How? This is not possible... Paul. No, give it! Semyon (quietly, kindly). Here - the law! .. Inheritance, mother! Vassa (sigh). You are deprived of your inheritance. Everything is denied me spiritually... Michael. Quite right, s... Natalia (husband, killed). Forged! Vassa (looking at her). In full and indivisible ownership. Michael (businesslike). What witnesses were: father Yegor, Antip Stepanov Mukhoedov, known to you, as well as the landowner Ryzhev ... Semyon (killed). Mother... Why are we like this? You show me some paper... where is it, paper? Michael (pulls out paper). Genuine - at the notary, copies, two in number - here they are! For you... and for you... Paul (pushing paper). No need! It doesn't matter... I didn't believe in my freedom... well, nothing came of it... (Thinking.) Nothing will be... (Natalya cries, covering her face with her hands.) Vassa (quiet). What is it, Pavel? Paul (looking around). Driven into a corner... Okay... the monks are not in hell, they live on earth... well, good!.. Michael (soothing). And how they live... Paul (grinning). Goodbye, Lyudmila... yes, you already said goodbye... Well, out of mercy, kiss me again. Ludmila (approaching him). Just don't touch me... Paul. Don't... Go away! Devils... (Running out.) Vassa (to Michael). Look after him!.. Hurry... Michael (leaving). May I make a statement about the death of Prokhor Ivanovich? Vassa. It is high time! What were you thinking? Semyon (sadly). So mother... Vassa (Waving him away). You go, go! Well, can you live without a mother? Yes, even with such a fool ... Natalia (reluctantly bowing from the waist). Excuse me, mother, if I... Vassa. Well, well, go, go! I want to be angry with you... (Semyon and Natalya left silently, depressed. Vassa got up and staggered.) Anna (supporting her). What do you? What's wrong with you? Vassa (wheezes). Water... cold... heart caught fire... (Lyudmila runs out. Anna. You are exhausted... Vassa (recovered somewhat). Tired... Difficult... Anna. How can you immediately - about the monastery ... Simply - a miracle! Vassa. Straightaway! For years I thought - where to poke it, I didn’t sleep for hundreds of nights ... There are no miracles for us ... there are none! You must all... Ludmila (runs in). Hurry up... (Vassa drinks water.) Lord, there's a dead man in the house, woe... but I don't feel anything!... Mother, how magical you are to me! Vassa (quiet). Pleased? Ludmila. From the beginning I will live ... Vassa. Live with me. Find a good man, I'll marry you off. You - you will find ... Children of the people, and I will count them as grandchildren ... I love you ... And you, Anna, move in with me, take the children. Sons failed ... I will live as grandchildren ... (Listens.) The garden will not be lost... Your kids run in it... affectionate little animals... Chu? What's this? BUT? Anna. Can't hear anything, Mom! Vassa. Nothing? I heard... My daughters... there is a lot of evil on me, a lot of sin... though against useless people, but still... feel sorry for them when you overcome... You love me... a little ! I'm not asking for a lot - at least a little! After all, I am a man... Here is my son... my son... (Jumps up, anxious.) Screams, huh? Screaming? Ludmila. No! What do you? Anna (affectionately). Everything is quiet... Calm down... Vassa (wearily). It seems to me... (After a pause.) Do not know my peace ... do not know ... never! (Anna and Lyudmila, exchanging glances, leaned towards her; she, taking off her glasses, looks at them, smiling sullenly.)

Vassa Borisovna Zheleznova is an influential woman, she owns a large shipping company. She is 42 years old, she lives in her own house with her sixty-year-old husband Sergei Petrovich, a former captain, a lover of cognac and women. They have two daughters, Natalya and Lyudmila, who live with them in the house, and a son, Fedor. He lives with his wife Rasheli and their children abroad. Another owner's brother, Prokhor Borisovich Khrapov, lives in the house, careless and drinking like a man. From the servants in the house live the young secretary of Vassa Anna, who perfectly copes with the role of a house spy, the gambler Lisa. The Melnikovs' father and son live as lodgers in the house. The father is a member of the district court, and the younger Evgeny is a cadet, he shows signs of attention to Natalya, she accepts them, but more out of boredom. The sailor Pyaterkin takes care of Lisa, entertains her with songs and dances in the secret hope of getting rich by marrying her.
Sergey Petrovich walked all his life and brought lecherous girls. His daughters saw all this from childhood, all this had a bad effect on the impressionable Lyudmila - she grew up weak-minded, incapable of learning. And here is the result of a dissolute life: Sergei Petrovich is accused of seducing a minor. Now he faces hard labor. Vassa is sure that no one will marry her daughters because of this, and offers her husband the only reasonable way out, in her opinion, to avoid trial - suicide. When Sergei Petrovich refused, his wife poisoned him. For the sake of her children and her business, Vassagotova will do anything.
When the maid Liza suffered from Khrapov and hanged herself in the bathhouse, they hid this, telling everyone that she had lost her mind. And Vassa hid her grandson Kolya in the village from her own mother. The hostess decided to make the boy her heir, because he is the only one in the family who will be able to manage the shipping company. She wrote fifty thousand to her daughters, and she believes that this is a lot for them.
And now, when Fedor became very ill and he had two or three months left to live, Rachel arrives. The mother-in-law immediately says that she will not give the child to her, and if Rachel insists, she will hand her over to the police. Rachel is a socialist revolutionary, she is wanted, and therefore came illegally. Kolya's mother thought to send Kolya to live abroad with her sister, because she did not want to be raised by Zheleznova.
Natalya suggested that Rachel steal her son, she said that it was impossible to leave him here. Prokhor Khrapov, in order to inject his sister, supported this idea, even offered to involve Pyaterkin in this. Anna overheard this conversation and reported everything to the hostess. She ordered the secretary to go abroad with Natalya, take the letter to Fedor, and if everything is very bad, then wait for his death. But first she must inform the gendarmes about Rachel. While Anna was absent for tea, Vassa became ill. Returning, the secretary found the lifeless hostess, quickly pulled out the keys to the safe from her and, taking the money, ran out.
The death of the hostess shocked only poor Lyudmila, the rest reacted to this without much emotion. Prokhor Khrapov declared that now he is the guardian of minors, and reached into the safe. So unexpectedly and absurdly ended the life of a rich and powerful owner of a steamship company.

Please note that this is only a summary of the literary work "Vassa Zheleznova". This summary omits many important points and quotations.

Zheleznova Vassa Borisovna, maiden name - Khrapova, she is 42 years old, but she looks younger than her years. She owns a shipping company, and Vassa is also a very rich and powerful woman. She lives in her house with her alcoholic husband Sergei Petrovich Zheleznov, a sixty-year-old man, a former captain, a careless, drinking person, a collector of all kinds of locks. Also, Lyudmila and Natalya, the daughters of Sergei Petrovich and Vassa, live in the house.

Anna Onoshenkova is Vassa's young assistant and secretary, as well as a kind of home spy. Liza and later Paul are maids. Characters who are constantly in the house: Pyaterkin - a sailor who pretends to be a jester and secretly courts Liza, wanting to marry and become rich; lodgers Melnikov, member of the court, and Yevgeny, his son; manager of the steamship company Gury Krotkikh.

Rachel, the wife of Fyodor, the son of Vassa, who is dying, returns from abroad.

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Rachel is wanted by the police for her revolutionary socialist activities. She wants to take her son Kolya, who was previously in the care of Vassa, and whom she shelters in a village house. Vassa does not intend to give her son to Rachel, because. wants him to become her heir and successor. She asks Rachel not to separate her from her grandson and threatens to hand her over to the police.

In the Vassa family, not everything is as smooth as it might seem at first glance. When her husband Sergei Petrovich is under suspicion in the case of seducing a minor, she, in order to avoid disgrace and save the honor of unmarried daughters, poisons him by sprinkling powder on him.

But this is not the only crime. Vassa goes to great lengths to preserve the good name of the family. When the maid Liza, having become pregnant from Vassa's brother, hangs herself in the bathhouse, everyone is told that she is mad.

Vassa loves her children very much. She understands that they are losers, but considers them victims of their father's riotous and dissolute life and his terrible treatment of herself. Fedor - dies far from his native places, Lyudmila - of a close mind, Natalya becomes an inveterate drunkard with her uncle and cannot stand her mother, although she is very similar in temperament. Vassa's only hope is Kolya's young grandson.

Both Vassa and Rachel feel similarities between themselves, strength, determination and firmness of character. They are sworn enemies, but treat each other with respect. Vassa personifies the past, Rachel - the future. The ending of the play is unexpected. Vassa orders Onoshkova to inform the gendarmes on Rachel and soon dies suddenly. Her death is like a heavenly punishment for the murder of her husband and the irony of fate - Onoshenkova steals part of Vassa's fortune, the rest, according to the law, goes to her brother, who will spend everything. The death of Vassa does not bother anyone from her household, except for Lyudmila, her feeble-minded daughter, who mourns her.

Updated: 2013-04-21

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Vassa Borisovna Zheleznova, nee - Khrapova, 42 years old (but looks younger), owner of a steamship company, a very rich and influential person, lives in her own house with her drunken husband, Sergei Petrovich Zheleznov, 60 years old, a former captain, and brother, Prokhor Borisovich Hrapov, a careless, drinking person who collects all kinds of locks (the collection, as it were, parodies the sister's possessive instincts). Natalya and Lyudmila, the daughters of Vassa and Sergei Petrovich, also live in the house; Anna Onoshenkova - a young secretary and confidante of Vassa and at the same time a domestic spy; Lisa and then Polya are maids. The sailor Pyaterkin constantly visits the house, playing the role of a jester and secretly hitting on Lisa in the hope of marrying her and getting rich; Gury Krotkikh - manager of the shipping company; Melnikov is a member of the district court and his son Evgeny (tenants). Rachel arrives from abroad - the wife of Vassa's son Fyodor, who is dying far from his homeland. Rachel is a socialist revolutionary wanted by the police. She wants to take her young son Kolya, whom Vassa hides in the village and does not want to give to her daughter-in-law, as she expects to make him the heir to her fortune and the successor of her business. Vassa threatens to hand over Rachel to the gendarmes if she insists on her son's return. The precarious prosperity of Vassa's house rests on crime. She poisons her husband, Sergei Petrovich, when he is involved in the seduction of a minor and he is threatened with hard labor. But first, she invites him to commit suicide, and only when he refuses, Vassa, saving the honor of unmarried daughters, sprinkles powder on her husband. Thus, the family avoids the shame of the court. The series of crimes did not end there. The maid Liza suffered from Vassa's brother and, in the end, hanged herself in the bathhouse (people were told that she was mad) Vassa is ready to do anything to save the house and her business. She is madly in love with her failed children, who were victims of their father's former unbridled life and his abuse of their mother. Fedor is not a tenant in this world. Lyudmila, having seen enough of her father's amusements with dissolute girls as a child, grew up demented. Natalya gradually becomes an inveterate drunkard with her uncle and does not love her mother, whom she is nevertheless very similar to in her cool temper. The last hope is the grandson, but he is still too small. Between Rachel and Vassa there is some similarity that they both feel. These are solid, fanatical characters -; only Vassa is all in the past, and behind Rachel is the future. They are irreconcilable enemies, but respect each other. Nevertheless, Vassa orders the secretary to inform the gendarmes on Rachel, but does it solely for the sake of her grandson, the ending of the play is unexpected. Vassa suddenly dies. This feels the punishment from above for the ridiculous, sudden death of her husband and the mockery of fate: part of Vassa's money is stolen by Onoshkova, and the rest of the wealth, according to the law, will be disposed of by a dissolute brother who will undoubtedly squander everything. Only the weak-minded Lyudmila mourns her mother. The rest of her death does not touch.

Maxim Gorky edited the play, and in 1935 he wrote its "second" version, where he exacerbated the theme of the class struggle.

The first version of the play "Vassa Zheleznova" was included in all collected works of Maxim Gorky.

According to legend, the prototype of the main character of the play was the widow of the Nizhny Novgorod steamer and landlord merchant Kashina (in Nizhny Novgorod, her house was preserved in a rebuilt form).

The plot of the second edition

The play tells about the life of Vassa Zheleznova, a wealthy shipowner. The measured course of Vassa's life is disturbed by the unexpected arrival of her daughter-in-law Rachel from abroad. Vassa's son, Fedor, is seriously ill and dies abroad. Rachel came to pick up her son Nikolai, who lives with Vassa. Kolya's grandson is Vassa's hope, her main heir, it is to him that she is going to transfer the company. Rachel is a revolutionary and is wanted by the police. Vassa threatens Rachel with extradition to the gendarmes, promises to retreat in exchange for renouncing claims to Kolya.

Trying to save the honor of the family, Vassa commits a crime and poisons her husband, who is involved in the seduction of an underage girl. Sergei Petrovich was threatened with hard labor, which would have become an indelible stain on Vassa's reputation. From that moment on, Vassa's family and life begin to crumble. It becomes known about the pregnancy of the maid Lisa from Vassa's brother, Prokhor Borisovich. Unable to bear the shame, Liza commits suicide by hanging herself in the bathhouse.

Vassa, despite the strength of his character, suffers deeply. She loves her children, but she knows that her children are failures. Fedor dies, Natalya becomes an inveterate drunkard, Lyudmila is not of this world.

Vassa dies unexpectedly. Her death is accepted by the family with indifference, and only daughter Lyudmila mourns her mother.

Characters

• Vassa Borisovna Zheleznova- Owner of a shipping company
• Sergei Petrovich Zheleznov- Vassa's husband, drunken captain
• Prokhor Borisovich Khrapov- Vassa's brother, a careless playboy
• Natalia And Ludmila- Vassa's daughters
• Rachel- daughter-in-law of Vassa, wife of her son Fedor
• Anna Onoshenkova- Vassa's secretary and assistant
• Liza And fields- maids in Vassa's house
• Gury Krotkikh- manager of the Vassa steamship company
• Sailor Pyaterkin- Anna's boyfriend
• District Court Member Melnikov with son Evgeny- lodgers

Theatrical productions and film adaptations

Theatre

• - Anatoly Vasiliev, invited by his teacher Andrei Popov to the Stanislavsky Theater, puts on his stage one of his best performances - “The first version of Vassa Zheleznova” - and brings this play back to life. This was the first completely independent production of Vasilyev, which, together with The Adult Daughter of a Young Man, opened up new horizons of “theatricality” to the Russian and world theater, and, according to the then Soviet critics, unconditionally rehabilitated the so-called. "Method of Stanislavsky". In the work on "The first version of Vassa ...", a team of "Vasiliev" like-minded actors formed - Lyudmila Polyakova, Albert Filozov, Yuri Grebenshchikov - who left the Stanislavsky Theater after the director was expelled from it ... Vassa- Elizabeth Nikishchihina.
• - the play was staged at the Theater of Satire on Vasilyevsky. Wass played by Antonina Shuranova.
• The play (in its second version) was staged at the Moscow Art Theater in 2003. In the role of Vassa - Tatyana Doronina
• Vassa Zheleznova put in the BDT them. Tovstonogov. Director - Sergey Yashin, music - N. A. Morozova. In the role of Vassa Zheleznova - Svetlana Kryuchkova.
• The premiere of the play "Vassa Zheleznova" at the Rostov Academic Theater took place on October 20, 2006
• The premiere of the play "Vassa Zheleznova" took place at the Moscow Art Theater. Chekhov March 23, 2010. Director - Lev Ehrenburg, in the role of Vassa - Marina Golub.
• The premiere of the play "Vassa (Mother)" based on the first version of the play took place on July 7, 2012 at the Minusinsk Drama Theater. Director - Alexey Alekseevich Pesegov, artist - Svetlana Lamanova, in the role of Vassa - Galina Arkhipenkova.
• The premiere of the play "Vassa Zheleznova" took place at the Chelyabinsk State Academic Drama Theater named after Naum Orlov on March 22, 2013, Director - Marina Glukhovskaya, artist - Yuri Namestnikov, in the role of Vassa - Ekaterina Zentsova.
• The premiere of the play "Vassa Zheleznova" took place at the Tyumen State Academy of Culture, Arts and Social Technologies on April 19, 2013, Director - Valery Arkhipov, artist - Sergey Perepelkin, in the role of Vassa - Elena Orlova, Honored Artist of Russia.
• The premiere of the play "Vassa" took place on September 28, 2013 at the Russian Drama Theater "Masterovye" in the city of Naberezhnye Chelny. The director of the play is Pyotr Shereshevsky, set design and costumes are Elena Sorochaykina, Honored Worker of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan. In the role of Vassa Zheleznova - Svetlana Akmalova.

Cinema

Several films were made based on the play, including foreign ones.

Biblical tradition says that the absence of labor - idleness was the condition of the bliss of the first man before his fall. The love of idleness has remained the same in fallen man, but the curse still weighs on man, and not only because we must earn our bread by the sweat of our brow, but because, due to our moral qualities, we cannot be idle and calm. A secret voice says that we must be guilty of being idle. If a person could find a state in which, being idle, he would feel useful and fulfilling his duty, he would find one side of primeval bliss. And such a state of obligatory and impeccable idleness is used by a whole estate - the military estate. This obligatory and impeccable idleness has been and will be the main attraction of military service.
Nikolai Rostov fully experienced this bliss, after 1807 continuing to serve in the Pavlograd regiment, in which he already commanded a squadron taken from Denisov.
Rostov became a hardened, kind fellow, whom Moscow acquaintances would have found somewhat mauvais genre [bad taste], but who was loved and respected by his comrades, subordinates and superiors, and who was satisfied with his life. Recently, in 1809, in letters from home, he more often found his mother's complaints that things were getting worse and worse, and that it was time for him to come home, please and reassure old parents.
Reading these letters, Nikolai was afraid that they wanted to take him out of the environment in which, having protected himself from all worldly confusion, he lived so quietly and calmly. He felt that sooner or later he would have to re-enter that whirlpool of life with frustrations and corrections of affairs, with accounting for managers, quarrels, intrigues, with connections, with society, with Sonya's love and promise to her. It was all terribly difficult, confusing, and he answered his mother's letters with cold classic letters that began: Ma chere maman [My dear mother] and ended: votre obeissant fils, [Your obedient son,] silent about when he intended to arrive . In 1810, he received letters from his relatives, in which they informed him of Natasha's engagement to Bolkonsky and that the wedding would be in a year, because the old prince did not agree. This letter upset, offended Nikolai. Firstly, he was sorry to lose Natasha from home, whom he loved more than anyone else in the family; secondly, from his hussar point of view, he regretted that he was not there, because he would have shown this Bolkonsky that it was not at all such a great honor to be related to him and that if he loved Natasha, he could do without crazy father's permission. For a minute he hesitated whether to ask for leave to see Natasha as a bride, but then maneuvers came up, considerations came about Sonya, about the confusion, and Nikolai again put it off. But in the spring of the same year, he received a letter from his mother, who wrote secretly from the count, and this letter convinced him to go. She wrote that if Nikolai did not come and take up business, then the whole estate would go under the hammer and everyone would go around the world. The count is so weak, he trusts Mitenka so much, and he is so kind, and everyone deceives him so much that everything goes from bad to worse. “For God's sake, I beg you, come now if you don't want to make me and your whole family unhappy,” the countess wrote.
This letter had an effect on Nicholas. He had that common sense of mediocrity that showed him what was due.
Now I had to go, if not retired, then on vacation. Why it was necessary to go, he did not know; but having slept after dinner, he ordered to saddle the gray Mars, a stallion that had not been ridden for a long time and terribly angry, and returning home on a lathered stallion, he announced to Lavrushka (Denisov's lackey remained at Rostov) and his comrades who had come in the evening that he was taking a vacation and going home. No matter how hard and strange it was for him to think that he would leave and not find out from the headquarters (which he was especially interested in) whether he would be promoted to captain, or receive Anna for his last maneuvers; strange as it was to think that he would leave without selling to Count Golukhovskiy the troika of savras, whom the Polish count traded with him, and whom Rostov bet that he would sell for 2 thousand, no matter how incomprehensibly it seemed that without him there would be that ball , which the hussars were supposed to give to Panna Pshazdetskaya in spite of the uhlans, who gave a ball to their Panna Borzhozovskaya, he knew that he had to go from this clear, good world somewhere to where everything was nonsense and confusion.
Vacation came a week later. Hussars, comrades not only in the regiment, but also in the brigade, gave dinner to Rostov, which cost 15 rubles per head. subscriptions - played two pieces of music, sang two choirs of songbooks; Rostov danced the trepak with Major Basov; drunken officers rocked, hugged and dropped Rostov; the soldiers of the third squadron rocked it again and shouted hurray! Then Rostov was put on a sleigh and escorted to the first station.
Half the way, as it always happens, from Kremenchug to Kyiv, all Rostov's thoughts were still back - in the squadron; but having crossed over halfway, he had already begun to forget the trio of Savras, his sergeant-major Dozhoyveika, and he began to restlessly ask himself what and how he would find in Otradnoye. The closer he drove, the stronger, much stronger (as if the moral feeling was subject to the same law of the speed of falling bodies in the squares of distances), he thought about his house; at the last station before Otradnoye, he gave the coachman three rubles for vodka, and, like a boy, panting, he ran onto the porch of the house.
After the enthusiasm of the meeting, and after that strange feeling of dissatisfaction in comparison with what you expect - everything is the same, to which I was in such a hurry! - Nikolai began to get used to his old world at home. Father and mother were the same, they just aged a little. What was new in them was some kind of anxiety and sometimes disagreement, which had not happened before and which, as Nikolai soon learned, came from a bad state of affairs. Sonya was already in her twenties. She had already stopped getting prettier, did not promise anything more than what was in her; but that was enough. She has been breathing happiness and love since Nikolai arrived, and the true, unshakable love of this girl joyfully acted on him. Petya and Natasha surprised Nikolai the most. Petya was already a big, thirteen-year-old, handsome, merrily and cleverly playful boy, whose voice was already breaking. Nikolai was surprised at Natasha for a long time, and laughed, looking at her.
“Not at all,” he said.
- Well, have you lost your mind?
- On the contrary, but the importance is somehow. Princess! he told her in a whisper.
“Yes, yes, yes,” Natasha said happily.
Natasha told him her affair with Prince Andrei, his arrival in Otradnoye, and showed him his last letter.
- What are you happy about? Natasha asked. - I'm so calm now, happy.
“I am very glad,” Nikolai answered. - He's a great person. What are you so in love with?
- How can I tell you, - Natasha answered, - I was in love with Boris, with a teacher, with Denisov, but this is not at all the same. I am calm, firm. I know that there are no people better than him, and I feel so calm, good now. Not at all like before...
Nikolai expressed his displeasure to Natasha that the wedding had been postponed for a year; but Natasha attacked her brother with bitterness, proving to him that it could not be otherwise, that it would be bad to enter the family against the will of her father, that she herself wanted it.
“You don’t understand at all,” she said. Nicholas fell silent and agreed with her.
Her brother was often surprised looking at her. It was not at all like she was a bride in love separated from her fiancé. She was even, calm, cheerful, completely as before. This surprised Nikolai and even made him look incredulously at Bolkonsky's matchmaking. He did not believe that her fate had already been decided, especially since he had not seen Prince Andrei with her. It always seemed to him that something was not right in this proposed marriage.
"Why the delay? Why didn't you get engaged?" he thought. Having talked once with his mother about his sister, he, to his surprise and partly to his pleasure, found that his mother, in the depths of her soul, sometimes looked with distrust at this marriage.