Part 5 (1/2)

FeDYA. You think I ought to? Well, I think I ought not.

MaSHA. Of course, if you don't love her you need not. Only love counts.

FeDYA. And how do you know that?

MaSHA. Seems I do!

FeDYA. Well, kiss me then!... Now, let's have ”The Flax” once more, and then finish up.

Gipsies sing.

FeDYA. Ah, how good it is! If only one hadn't to wake up!... If one could die so!

Curtain.

ACT II

SCENE 1

Two weeks have pa.s.sed since Act I. Anna Pavlovna and Karenin are discovered sitting in Lisa's dining-room. Enter Sasha.

KAReNIN. Well, what news?

SaSHA. The doctor says there is no danger at present, as long as he does not catch cold.

ANNA PaVLOVNA. Yes, but Lisa is quite worn out.

SaSHA. He says it's false croup, and a very mild attack. [Points to a basket]. What's that?

ANNA PaVLOVNA. Grapes. Victor brought them.

KAReNIN. Won't you have some?

SaSHA. Yes, she likes grapes. She has become terribly nervous.

KAReNIN. Naturally--after not sleeping for two nights, and not eating.

SaSHA. And how about you.

KAReNIN. That's quite another matter.

Enter doctor and Lisa.

DOCTOR [impressively] Yes, that's it. Change it every half-hour if he's awake, but if he's asleep don't disturb him. You need not paint the throat. The room must be kept at its present temperature ...

LISA. But if he again begins to choke?

DOCTOR. He probably won't, but if he should, use the spray. And give him the powders: one in the morning and the other at night. I will give you the prescription now.