DRAMATIS PERSONÆ
Leoníd Fédorovich Zvyezdíntsev, an ex-lieutenant of the Horse-Guards, owner of twenty-four thousand desyatínas in various Governments. A well-preserved man, about sixty years of age,—a meek, pleasant gentleman. Believes in spiritualism and likes to amuse others with his stories.
Anna Pávlovna Zvyezdíntsev, his wife, a plump woman who is trying to appear young. Worrying about worldly proprieties, despising her husband, and blindly trusting her doctor. An irritable lady.
Betsy, their daughter, a worldly girl, about twenty years of age, with loose manners, imitating men, in eye-glasses. A coquette and a giggler. Speaks very rapidly and very distinctly, compressing her lips, like a foreigner.
Vasíli Leonídych, their son, twenty-five years old, a bachelor of law, without any special occupation, a member of a bicycle, a racing, and a kennel club. A young man enjoying excellent health and imperturbable self-confidence. Speaks aloud and by jerks. He is either entirely in earnest, almost gloomy, or noisily vivacious, and laughs loud.
Professor Aleksyéy Vladímirovich Krugosvyétlov, a savant, about fifty years of age, with quiet, pleasantly self-confident manners and a similarly hesitating and chanting speech. Likes to talk. He treats with gentle contempt those who do not agree with him. Smokes much. A lean, mobile man.
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