[She shuts it] We shall have rain in a moment. Your rights have never been questioned by anybody.
The Watchman in the garden sounds his rattle.
Serebrakoff. I have spent my life working in the interests of learning. I am used to my library and the lecture hall and to the esteem and admiration of my colleagues. Now I suddenly find myself plunged in this wilderness, condemned to see the same stupid people from morning till night and listen to their futile conversation. I want to live; I long for success and fame and the stir of the world, and here I am in exile! Oh, it is dreadful to spend every moment grieving for the lost past, to see the success of others and sit here with nothing to do but to fear death. I cannot stand it! It is more than I can bear. And you will not even forgive me for being old!
Helena. Wait, have patience; I shall be old myself in four or five years.
Sonia comes in.
Sonia. Father, you sent for Dr. Astroff, and now when he comes you refuse to see him. It is not nice to give a man so much trouble for nothing.
Serebrakoff. What do I care about your Astroff? He understands medicine about as well as I understand astronomy.
Sonia. We can’t send for the whole medical faculty, can we, to treat your gout?
Serebrakoff. I won’t talk to that madman!
Sonia. Do as you please. It’s all the same to me.
Serebrakoff. What time is it?
Helena. One o'clock.
Serebrakoff. It is stifling in here. Sonia, hand me that bottle on the table.
