people here are good and quiet. ...

MARIA EGOROVNA. [Sits next to BORTSOV] How awfully stuffy! Open the
door, at any rate!

TIHON. Yes, madam. [Runs and opens the door wide.]

MARIA. We're freezing, and you open the door! [Gets up and slams
it] Who are you to be giving orders? [Lies down]

TIHON. Excuse me, your highness, but we've a little fool here ... a
bit cracked. ... But don't you be frightened, he won't do you any
harm. ... Only you must excuse me, madam, I can't do this for ten
roubles. ... Make it fifteen.

MARIA EGOROVNA. Very well, only be quick.

TIHON. This minute ... this very instant. [Drags some string out
from under the counter] This minute. [A pause.]

BORTSOV. [Looking at MARIA EGOROVNA] Marie ... Masha ...

MARIA EGOROVNA. [Looks at BORTSOV] What's this?

BORTSOV. Marie ... is it you? Where do you come from? [MARIA
EGOROVNA recognizes BORTSOV, screams and runs off into the centre
of the floor. BORTSOV follows] Marie, it is I ... I [Laughs loudly]
My wife! Marie! Where am I? People, a light!

MARIA EGOROVNA. Get away from me! You lie, it isn't you! It can't