ACT IV
Voitski’s bedroom, which is also his office. A table stands near the window; on it are ledgers, letter scales, and papers of every description. Near by stands a smaller table belonging to Astroff, with his paints and drawing materials. On the wall hangs a cage containing a starling. There is also a map of Africa on the wall, obviously of no use to anybody. There is a large sofa covered with buckram. A door to the left leads into an inner room; one to the right leads into the front hall, and before this door lies a mat for the peasants with their muddy boots to stand on. It is an autumn evening. The silence is profound. Telegin and Marina are sitting facing one another, winding wool.
Telegin. Be quick, Marina, or we shall be called away to say good-bye before you have finished. The carriage has already been ordered.
Marina. [Trying to wind more quickly] I am a little tired.
Telegin. They are going to Kharkoff to live.
Marina. They do well to go.
Telegin. They have been frightened. The professor’s wife won’t stay here an hour longer. “If we are going at all, let’s be off,” says she, “we shall go to Kharkoff and look about us, and then we can send for our things.” They are travelling light. It seems, Marina, that fate has decreed for them not to live here.
Marina. And quite rightly. What a storm they have just raised! It was shameful!
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