on me. What became of my fear, of my shame--I
don't know. "Only one day, but mine!" I thought; "then come what may, I
don't care to inquire. Marry me off to a herdsman, lock me in a castle with
thirty locks!.... it's all the same to me!"

LIZA. I think the master's coming.

LEONID _enters from the opposite side, in a cloak._

NADYA. Well, Liza, isn't he handsome, ha?

LIZA. Oh, stop! You're either sick or half out of your head!

SCENE II

_The_ same _and_ LEONID

LEONID. [_Approaching_] I was thinking you would deceive me by not coming.

NADYA. Why did you think so?

LEONID. Well, you see, you said you didn't love me.

NADYA. No matter what girls say, don't you believe them. How could one help
loving such a handsome fellow?

LEONID. [_Surprised_] Why, Nadya! He takes her hand, for a short time holds
it, then kisses it.

NADYA. [_In fright withdrawing her hand_] Oh! why did you do that? Dear,
kind master! Aren't you ashamed?

LEONID. I love you ever so much, Nadya!

NADYA. You love me? Well, then, you might give me a kiss!

LEONID. May I, Nadya? Will you let me?

NADYA. What's the harm in it?

LEONID. [_Turning about_] Oh, and you, Liza, here....

LIZA. I'm going, I'm going ... I shan't meddle.

LEONID. [_Confused_] I didn't mean that. Where did you get that idea?

LIZA. Oh, don't dodge. We know, too....

[_She goes out behind the shrubs._

LEONID. And so you will let me kiss you? [_He kisses her timidly_] No, no,
let me kiss your hand.

NADYA. [_Hides her hand_] No, no, how could you! What do you mean....

LEONID. Why not? I'll tell you what, you are the most precious thing on
earth to me.

NADYA. Is that really so?

LEONID. You see, no one ever loved me before.

NADYA. Aren't you fooling?

LEONID. No, truly!.... Truly, no one has ever loved me. Honest to God....

NADYA. Don't swear; I believe you without it.

LEONID. Let's go sit down on the bench.

NADYA. Yes, let's. [_They sit down._

LEONID. Why do you tremble so?

NADYA. Am I trembling?

LEONID. You are.

NADYA. Then, it must be that I feel a bit chilly.

LEONID. Just let me wrap you up. He covers her with one side of his cloak,
embracing her as he holds it around her. She takes his hand and holds it.

NADYA. And now let's sit this way and talk.

LEONID. What are we going to talk about? I shall say only one thing to you:
I love you.

NADYA. You will say it, and I shall listen.

LEONID. You'll get tired of o