To-morrow we must go together to Gordey
Karpych, and throw ourselves at his feet. We'll say so and so--whatever you
please, but we can't live without each other. Yes, if you love me, then
forget your pride!

LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. What pride, Mitya? Is this a time for pride! Mitya dear,
don't be angry with me; don't remember my past words. It was only girlish
foolishness; I'm sorry that I did it! I shouldn't have joked with you; I
should have caressed you, my poor boy. [_Throws her arms round his neck_]
Oh, but, if father doesn't consent to our happiness--what then?

MITYA. Who can tell beforehand? It will be as God wills. I don't know how
it is with you, but for me life is not life without you! [_Is silent_.

LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Some one's coming! Go away quietly, dearest, and I'll
come later.

MITYA _goes out quietly_. ARINA _comes in with a candle_; LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA
_goes to meet her_.

SCENE III

ARINA, LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, _and afterwards_ EGORUSHKA

ARINA. Well, you! You frightened me enough! What are you doing here? Your
mother is looking for you there, and here you are! Why are you wandering
about in the dark! Oh, you modest maiden! Fairy princess. [LYUBOV
GORDEYEVNA _goes out_] Well, really, wasn't some one there with her?
[_Looks into the corner_] But I'm a silly old woman, I suspected some one!
[_Lights the candles_] Oh, deary me, some trouble will be sure to come in
my old age. [EGORUSHKA _enters_] Go along, Egorushka, and call the girls in
from the neighbors; tell them Pelageya Egorovna told you to invite them to
come and sing songs.

EGORUSHKA. Oh! how are you, Arina, my dear?

ARINA. What are you so happy about, silly?

EGORUSHKA. Why shouldn't I be happy? It's such fun! Ha, ha, ha! [_Jumps
about._

ARINA. And maybe the mummers are coming; the young people wanted to dress
up.

EGORUSHKA. Oh, I shall die! Oh, Lord, I shall die!

ARINA. What's the matter with you, you scamp?

EGORUSHKA. Oh, I shall die of laughing! Oh, granny, I've got such giggles!

ARINA. Dress up yourself.

EGORUSHKA. I will, I will! Oh, Lord! Oh, Oh, Oh.

ARINA. Now you run along quickly and fetch the girls.

EGORUSHKA. In a second! [_Goes out._

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA _comes in._

SCENE IV

ARINA _and_ PELAGEYA EGOROVNA

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Arinushka, did you send for the girls?

ARINA. I did, my dear.

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. That's right. Let them have a song with our folks,
and cheer up Lyubov and the gue