The Live Corpse

Scene 2

Afrémov's sitting-room. Glasses of wine on the table. Afrémov, Stákhov (shaggy), Butkévich (close-shaven), and Korotkóv (a tuft-hunter).

KOROTKÓV. And I tell you that he'll be out of the running! La Belle Bois is the best horse in Europe… Will you bet?

STÁKHOV. Don't, my dear fellow… You know very well that nobody believes you, or will bet with you.

KOROTKÓV. I tell you your Cartouche won't be in it!

AFRÉMOV. Stop quarrelling! Let me settle it … ask Fédya – he'll give you the right tip.

FÉDYA. Both horses are good. All depends on the jockey.

STÁKHOV. Gúsev is a rascal, and needs a firm hand on him.

KOROTKÓV [shouts] No!

FÉDYA. Wait a bit – I'll settle your differences… Who won the Moscow Derby?

KOROTKÓV. He did – but what of that? It was only chance. If Crakus had not fallen ill… [Enter footman].

AFRÉMOV. What is it?

FOOTMAN. A lady has come, and is asking for Mr. Protásov.

AFRÉMOV. What is she like? A real lady?

FOOTMAN. I don't know her name, but she's a real lady.

AFRÉMOV. Fédya! a lady to see you!

FÉDYA [startled] Who is it?

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

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1

Protásov is his family name, but the name by which he is usually addressed is Fédya, an abbreviation of his Christian name – Theodore. The ceremonious form of address would be Theodore Vasílyevich.

2

Elisabeth Andréyevna is the polite way of speaking of Mrs. Protásova, otherwise Lisa.

3

The polite way of naming Mr. Karénin.

4

The polite way of addressing Mr. Afrémov.

5

I wanted to speak to you alone.

6

I have come from your home. Your wife has entrusted me with this letter and besides …

7

About £2, 10s.