The Poor Bride

mother, what are you doing? You are sending Platon Markych off to government offices to hunt for suitors. That is God knows what... And you won’t say a word to me about it; it is even offensive. Ah, mother, what are you doing to me? (She sits down at her embroidery frame).

There is no offense here! You, Masha, do not understand; this is my business. I am not forcing you, after all; you shall marry whomever you wish. But it is my duty to find you a suitor. (To the boy). Bow, my dear, to Platon Markych; tell him that you were ordered to thank him; tell him that, thank God, we are in good health.

Yes, ma’am.

Come here, I will give you a note for Platon Markych. (They leave).

SCENE III.

Every day this same conversation! Honestly, how does mother not get tired of it. Such melancholy, such melancholy, you do not know where to hide. (She sews at her embroidery frame).

SCENE IV.

Oh, confound you all!...

Why are you always angry?

How can I not be angry, miss! The people here, you would not believe it. I am running from the shop, and some fool stopped on the road and just stared straight into my eyes. What, I say, are you bulging your eyes for, what have you not seen, there is nothing written on me. And he says, how can one not look at a beauty like you. I spat and walked away. (Searching for something). She is always losing things, and then I have to look for them. Oh, confound it!...