Part 28 (1/2)

_Nat_: ”I never have fits of hysterics. I am not a pampered darling.”[1]

[Footnote 1: This and the following few pa.s.sages are from the rough draft of Chekhov's play _Three Sisters_.]

_Nat_: (continually to her sisters): ”O, how ugly you have grown. O, how old you do look!”

To live one must have something to hang on to.... In the provinces only the body works, not the spirit.

You won't become a saint through other people's sins.

_Koulyguin_: ”I am a jolly fellow, I infect every one with my mood.”

_Koul_. Gives lessons at rich houses.

_Koul_. In Act IV without mustaches.

The wife implores the husband: ”Don't get fat.”

O if there were a life in which every one grew younger and more beautiful.

_Irene_: ”It is hard to live without a father, without a mother.”--”And without a husband.”--”Yes, without a husband. Whom could one confide in? To whom could one complain? With whom could one share ones's joy? One must love some one strongly.”

_Koulyguin_ (to his wife): ”I am so happy to be married to you, that I consider it ungentlemanly and improper to speak of or even mention a dowry. Hush, don't say anything....”

The doctor enjoys being at the duel.

It is difficult to live without orderlies. You cannot make the servants answer your bell.