SCENE: The same as in Act I.



SCENE I


Anna Andreyevna and Marya Antonovna standing at
the window in the same positions as at the end of Act I.

ANNA. There now! We've been waiting a whole
hour. All on account of your silly prinking. You were
completely dressed, but no, you have to keep on dawdling.--
Provoking! Not a soul to be seen, as though
on purpose, as though the whole world were dead.

MARYA. Now really, mamma, we shall know all about
it in a minute or two. Avdotya must come back soon.
[Looks out of the window and exclaims.] Oh, mamma,
someone is coming--there down the street!

ANNA. Where? Just your imagination again!--
Why, yes, someone is coming. I wonder who it is. A
short man in a frock coat. Who can it be? Eh? The
suspense is awful! Who can it be, I wonder.

MARYA. Dobchinsky, mamma.

ANNA. Dobchinsky! Your imagination again! It's
not Dobchinsky at all. [Waves her handkerchief.]