Ah!

VERA

He talks to me, ma’am. Maybe he seems that way to you because . . . he’s afraid of you. He hasn’t had time to get to know you yet.

NATALYA

How do you know he’s afraid of me?

VERA

He told me.

NATALYA

Ah! he told you . . . So he’s more open with you than with others?

VERA

I don’t know how he is with others, but with me . . . maybe it’s because we’re both orphans. Besides . . . in his eyes . . . I’m a child.

NATALYA

You think so? Anyway, I like him very much, too. He must have a good heart.

VERA

Oh, very good, ma’am! If you only knew . . . everybody in the house loves him. He’s so kind. He talks to everybody, he’s ready to help everybody. Two days ago he carried a beggar woman from the high road to the hospital in his arms . . . He once picked a flower for me from such a steep bank, I was so scared I even shut my eyes; I thought he’d fall and hurt himself . . . but he’s so sure-footed! You could see that yesterday in the meadow.

NATALYA

Yes, that’s true.

VERA

Remember, when he ran with the kite, the ditch he jumped over? It was nothing to him.

NATALYA

And he really picked a flower for you from a dangerous place? He obviously likes you.

VERA

(After a pause) And he’s always happy . . . always in good spirits . . .

NATALYA

It’s strange, though. Why is it that with me he’s . . .

VERA

(Interrupting her) I told you, he doesn’t know you. But wait, I’ll tell him . . . I’ll tell him that you’re nothing to be afraid of—right?—that you’re so kind . . .

NATALYA

(With forced laughter) Thank you.

VERA

You’ll see . . . And he listens to me, even though I’m younger than he is.

NATALYA

I didn’t know you were such friends with him . . . Watch out, though, Vera, be careful. He’s a wonderful young man, of course . . . but, you know, at your age . . . It won’t do. People may think . . . I already pointed that out to you yesterday—remember?—in the garden?

Vera lowers her eyes.

Then again, I don’t want to interfere with your feelings. I trust you both completely . . . but all the same . . . Don’t be angry with me, dear heart, for my preaching . . . it’s the business of us old folks to pester the young with warnings. But I don’t need to say all this. You like him—and nothing more, right?

VERA

(Timidly raising her eyes) He . . .

NATALYA

There’s that look again! Is that any way to look at a sister? Vera, listen, move closer . . . (Caressing her) What if your sister, your real sister, whispered in your ear now: “Verochka, is it true that you’re not in love with anyone?” Eh? What would you answer?