very, very unhappy. [Walks excitedly up and down] Happiness can
never exist for me in this world. Never. Why do you laugh?

SONIA. [Laughing and covering her face with her hands] I am so
happy, so happy!

HELENA. I want to hear music. I might play a little.

SONIA. Oh, do, do! [She embraces her] I could not possibly go to
sleep now. Do play!

HELENA. Yes, I will. Your father is still awake. Music irritates
him when he is ill, but if he says I may, then I shall play a
little. Go, Sonia, and ask him.

SONIA. Very well.

[She goes out. The WATCHMAN'S rattle is heard in the garden.]

HELENA. It is long since I have heard music. And now, I shall sit
and play, and weep like a fool. [Speaking out of the window] Is
that you rattling out there, Ephim?

VOICE OF THE WATCHMAN. It is I.

HELENA. Don't make such a noise. Your master is ill.

VOICE OF THE WATCHMAN. I am going away this minute. [Whistles a
tune.]