be! [Covers her face with her hands] It's a lie, it's all nonsense!

BORTSOV. Her voice, her movements. ... Marie, it is I! I'll stop in
a moment. ... I was drunk. ... My head's going round. ... My God!
Stop, stop. ... I can't understand anything. [Yells] My wife!
[Falls at her feet and sobs. A group collects around the husband
and wife.]

MARIA EGOROVNA. Stand back! [To the COACHMAN] Denis, let's go! I
can't stop here any longer!

MERIK. [Jumps up and looks her steadily in the face] The portrait!
[Grasps her hand] It is she! Eh, people, she's the gentleman's
wife!

MARIA EGOROVNA. Get away, fellow! [Tries to tear her hand away from
him] Denis, why do you stand there staring? [DENIS and TIHON run up
to her and get hold of MERIK'S arms] This thieves' kitchen! Let go
my hand! I'm not afraid! ... Get away from me!

MERIK. [Note: Throughout this speech, in the original, Merik uses
the familiar second person singular.] Wait a bit, and I'll let go. ...
Just let me say one word to you. ... One word, so that you may
understand. ... Just wait. ... [Turns to TIHON and DENIS] Get away,
you rogues, let go! I shan't let you go till I've had my say! Stop ...
one moment. [Strikes his forehead with his fist] No, God hasn't
given me the wisdom! I can't think of the word for you!

MARIA EGOROVNA. [Tears away her hand] Get away! Drunkards ... let's
go, Denis!