the direct ancestor of auction bridge, with which it is almost
identical. [translator's note]

AVDOTIA. [Interrupting him] No, I said one in no-trumps; you said
two in no-trumps---

KOSICH. This is unbearable! Allow me--you had--I had--you had--
[To LEBEDIEFF] But you shall decide it, Paul: I had the ace,
king, queen, and eight of diamonds---

LEBEDIEFF. [Puts his fingers into his ears] Stop, for heaven's
sake, stop!

AVDOTIA. [Yelling] I said no-trumps, and not he!

KOSICH. [Furiously] I'll be damned if I ever sit down to another
game of cards with that old cat!

He rushes into the garden. The SECOND GUEST follows him. GEORGE
is left alone at the table.

AVDOTIA. Whew! He makes my blood boil! Old cat, indeed! You're an
old cat yourself!

MARTHA. How angry you are, aunty!

AVDOTIA. [Sees MARTHA and claps her hands] Are you here, my
darling? My beauty! And was I blind as a bat, and didn't see you?
Darling child! [She kisses her and sits down beside her] How
happy this makes me! Let me feast my eyes on you, my milk-white