citedly up and down] Happiness can never exist for me in this world. Never. Why do you laugh?
Sonia. [Laughing and covering her face with her hands] I am so happy, so happy!
Helena. I want to hear music. I might play a little.
Sonia. Oh, do, do! [She embraces her] I could not possibly go to sleep now. Do play!
Helena. Yes, I will. Your father is still awake. Music irritates him when he is ill, but if he says I may, then I shall play a little. Go, Sonia, and ask him.
Sonia. Very well.
[She goes out. The Watchman’s rattle ts heard in the garden.
Helena. It is long since I have heard music. And now, I shail sit and play, and weep like a fool. [Speaking out of the window] Is that you rattling out there, Ephim?
Voice of the Watchman. It is I.
Helena. Don’t make such a noise. Your master is ill.
Voice of the Watchman. I am going away this minute.
Sonia. [Comes back] He says, no.
The curtain falls.
