y uncle, with Lyubim KARPYCH. On the second day of the
holidays Uncle Lyubim KARPYCH dined with us; at dinner he got drunk and
began to play the fool; it was awfully funny. I always get the giggles. I
couldn't stand it, and then I burst out laughing, and they were all looking
at me. Uncle Gordey KARPYCH took it as a great insult to himself and very
bad manners, and he was furious with him and turned him out. Uncle Lyubim
Karpych made a great row, and out of revenge went and stood with the
beggars by the church door. Uncle Gordey Karpych said: "He has put me to
shame," he said, "in the eyes of the whole town." And now he gets angry
with everybody who comes near him, no matter who they are. [_Reads_] "With
the intention of advancing toward our town."

MITYA. [_Looking out of the window_] Here they come, I think. Yes, it's so.
Pelageya Egorovna, Lyubov Gordeyevna, and guests with them.

EGORUSHKA. [_Concealing his story in his pocket_] I'll run up-stairs.
[_Goes out_.

SCENE II

MITYA alone

MITYA. Oh, Lord, what misery! Everybody in the streets is having a holiday,
and everybody in the houses too, and you have to sit between four walls! I
am a stranger to all, no relations, no friends!--And then besides!--O well!
I'd better get to work; perhaps this wretchedness will pass off. [_Seats
himself at the desk and muses, then begins to sing_.

"Her beauty I cannot describe!
Dark eyebrows, with languishing eyes."

Yes, with languishing eyes. And yesterday when she came from mass, in her
sable coat, and her little handkerchief on her head, like this--ah!--I
really think such beauty was never seen before! [_Muses, then sings_.

"Where, O where was this beauty born!"

My work all goes out of my head! I'm always thinking of her! My heart is
tormented with sorrow. O misery most miserable!

_Covers his face with his hands and sits silent. Enter_ PELAGEYA EGOROVNA,
_dressed in winter clothes; she stops in the doorway._

SCENE III

MITYA and PELAGEYA EGOROVNA

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Mitya, Mitya dear!

MITYA. What do you want?

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Come up to us later on in the evening, my dear, and play
with the girls. We're going to sing songs.

MITYA. Thank you exceedingly, I shall make it my first duty.

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Why are you always sitting alone in the office? It's not
very cheerful! You'll come, won't you? Gordey Karpych won't be