Original subtitles

Producer Center «Horosho Production»

GVI-group

Rezo Productions

Jura Podnieka Studija

The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation

Cinema Fund of Russia

Eurimages

BKF bank

FPB bank

Alexey Nikolaitch

Wait for me!

Look at it!

It’s run away! ??

Welcome home, Sir.

Thank you, Peter.

It's just some pollen.

Making progress?

We’ll cope for dinner time.

Your turn...

Here you are...

And from me...

Eight of hearts...

...if you go on like that, my good man, you will beat us every time.

Hearts...

What a man! There's no playing with him.

There must be some trick;

eight of hearts and again eight of hearts!...

Monte-Cristo straightened up, taking breath...

Why have you left off? Go on.

Monte-Cristo straightened...

Natalia Petrovna, does it interest you?

Not at all.

Why are we reading it then?

Well...

The other day a woman said to me:

"You haven't read Monte Cristo? Oh, you must read it, it's charming."

Now I can say that I've been reading it

and found nothing at all charming.

Michel, have you seen Arkady today?

I met him on the dam.

He was explaining something to the workmen

and to make things clearer waded up to his knees in the sand.

Yeah.

He gets too hot over things, he tries to do too much.

It is a mistake... Isn't it so?

Yes. I agree.

You surprise me! You always agree!

Go on, please...

Ah, do you want to argue?

Good.

What I want...

I wish that you wanted.

Go on reading, I tell you...

Monte-Cristo...

No, put away that book.

It's better to tell me something.

Hmm. There you are.

On my way to you

I stayed a few days at the Krinitsyns'

Imagine, our happy couple is bored already.

Really?

And how could you tell?

Well, boredom can't be concealed.

Anything else may be, but not boredom.

Anything else can be then?

I think so.

You must often have been bored with friends.

Natalia Petrovna

As if you don't know

what it is to be with a person

whom one loves,

and who bores one!

Do you know, Michel?

You are very clever, of course, but...

...sometimes we talk as though we were making lace.

Have you seen people making lace?

No.

In stuffy rooms, never moving from their seats

Lace is a fine thing, but...

...a drink of fresh water on a hot day

is much better sometimes.

Natalia Petrovna, the more I look at you,

the more I find a change in you...

You think so?

If it’s true I would ask you...

You know me so well...

...guess.

What the change is...

What has happened to me... will you?

Mummy! Mummy! Look what I've got!

Oh what a splendid bow! Who made it?

He did. I hit a tree with it twice!

I do love him, mummy! I love him! And I love you too!

Run along.

Alexey Nikolaitch

Ah! I forgot to tell you, while you've been away,

we've engaged a new teacher of Russian.

Though it's only until the end of summer...

Aren't you tired?

No.

Let's go shooting there?

Yes.

Alexey Nikolaitch promised to make us a swing.

Good afternoon, Natalia Petrovna!

Good afternoon, Doctor.

How are you?

What can ail me?

A respectable doctor is never ill, at the most he just goes and dies..

And how are you?

I'm in a bad humour...

That's a sort of illness too, as you know.

And you are here, Mikhail Aleksandritch!

Let me feel your pulse...

Oh, nerves, nerves...

You don't walk enough, Natalia Petrovna, you don't laugh enough.

I'm ready enough to laugh...

You have a spiteful tongue, Doctor!

I like it so much in you;; I respect you for it.

Do tell me something amusing.

Mikhail Alexandritch is so solemn today.

Depends on what one finds amusing.

But here goes my story:

Do you know Verenitsyn Platon Vasilievitch?

I think so?

He has a daughter.

A greenish little thing with little pale eyes

and a little red nose. Plays the piano.

She has two hundred serfs as her dowry.

Plus her aunt's hundred and fifty,

So Verenitsyn's daughter is a bit of a catch.

He has begun taking her out. Suitors are turning up.

And among others, Perekuzov; anaemic young man,...

...timid, but of excellent principles.

Well, both the father and the daughter liked him.

It was going swimmingly.

When all of a sudden,

a bolt from the blue: an officer, Ardoleon Protobekasov!

They danced three polkas at the Marshal's ball,

and our young lady was bowled over at once.

She doesn't look at Perekuzov any more.

Feels faint just hearing the word “wedding."

And what do you suppose she says to her father?

"I don't know", she tells her father,

“which of them I love, one or another.

And so I'd better not marry either.”

So you see what odd things happen here!

I don't see anything surprising in that.

Surely it's possible to love two people at once?

I don't know, though... perhaps, it only shows...

...that one doesn't love either?

Your story is very good, but...

...you haven't made me laugh.

Oh, my dear lady...

Who'll make you laugh now? Good Lord!

That's not what you want at the moment.

What do I want then?

The Lord only knows!

Oh, how tiresome you are...

...as bad as Rakitin.

What are you doing?

I tell you, stop, please!

It's lesson time.

Natalia Petrovna,

I have a little matter to talk to you about.

Do you?

Well, a good friend of mine has asked me to find out...

...your intentions in regard to your ward, Vera Alexandrovna.

My intentions?

That is... to speak plainly, my friend...

Do you mean he wants to marry her?

Just so.

Are you joking?

Certainly not.

Good gracious! She's a child!

What a strange commission!

Strange? How so, Natalia Petrovna? My friend...

You're a great schemer, Shpigelsky...

Good afternoon, Ignaty Ilytch.

Vera, whom have you been out with?

I've seen nothing of you since morning.

How flushed you are!

With Alexey Nikolaitch...with Kolya...

Well, what have you been doing?

First, we looked at the men digging the dam.

Then Alexey Nikolaitch climbed up a tree after a squirrel...

...ever so high, that it really frightened us.

Then Alexey Nikolaitch wanted to make us a kite...

And have you been enjoying yourself?

Yes! Alexey Nikolaitch is so amusing!

Child, child, you are a perfect child. What do you think, Shpigelsky?

I agree with you.

But that's no hindrance.

Do you think so?

You can go now, Vera.

Are you dining with us?

With your kind permission.

Sure.

Master Kolya

has not learned his lesson today.

Come.

Morning, Mr. Schaaf, morning.

Help me, help, please!

Never put off till tomorrow what can be done today.

Come with me.

I don't want to!

Now let me sing the third verse.

Pitty goat. Should this be pity?

Grey wolves ate the goat...

Look here.

Yes, Arkady Sergeitch.

Good afternoon, Michel.

We've seen each other already today.

Oh! I beg your pardon.

I've had so much to see to.

It's a queer thing... The Russian peasant is...

very intelligent, very quick of understanding.

I have a respect for that...

...and yet sometimes,

you talk to him, explain away.

It's clear enough you'd think...

...but it's no use at all.

The Russian peasant hasn't that...

love for work. That's just it.

He won't let you tell him what you think properly.

'Yes, Sir.' Yes indeed, when he hasn't taken in a word.

Look at the German now. It's quite a different thing!

The Russian has no patience.

For all that, I have a respect for him...

Where's Natalia?

She was here just now.

It's dinner time already.

I've been on my feet all day.

Time... The time goes so fast... It's dreadful!

What?

You're laughing at me...

but I can't help it. People are different.

I'm a practical man, born to be a landowner

and nothing else.

There was a time when I dreamed of other things

but I burnt my fingers...

Ah! Here comes Belyaev, good...

Belyaev?

Our new teacher of Russian. A clever fellow.

I asked him to see how the building was going on.

Well,

how are they getting on? Doing nothing, I guess?

No, Sir, they are working.

Is the farming of the second barn finished?

They have begun the third.

Good. And did you tell them about the beams?

Yes.

Well, thanks! Ah, yes!

This is Alexey Nikolayitch Belyaev, our student tutor...

And this is Mister Rakitin Mikhail Alexandritch

A very old friend of ours.

Ah! Natalia!

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon!

Good afternoon.

My dear.

My pleasure.

Arkady!

Michel, I haven't shown you

my new winnowing machine, have I?

Not yet.

Come, it's worth seeing! It's marvellous.

Won't you come with us, Natalia?

As though I know anything about your machines!

You go by yourselves.

A whirlwind, a regular whirlwind!

Alexey Nikolaitch, where are you going?

But, of course go, if you want a walk...

No, I've been out all the morning...

We have not had a proper talk, Alexey Nikolaitch.

I want to get to know you.

Like this.

That's it. Do you like it?

You are afraid of me, I see...

But you won't be... when you know me.

How old are you?

Twenty-one.

Are your parents living?

My mother is dead, my father is living.

Did your mother pass away a long time ago?

Yes, a long time.

Tell me what do you think of my Kolya?

He is a dear boy.

He is, isn't he? And so affectionate!

He's devoted to you already.

Alexey Nikolaitch,

could you make him a sturdy, active boy?

I'll do my best. I'd like to.

I want him to look back on his childhood with pleasure.

I was brought up very differently.

My father was not an unkind man,

but he was stern and irritable.

Everyone in the house, including my mother,

was afraid of him.

My brother and I used to cross ourselves in terror

whenever we were summoned to his study.

The traces of timidity haven't

perhaps quite disappeared even now.

I know, I...

At first sight I seem...

How shall I say?

...cold, perhaps.

But I notice I'm talking about myself,

instead of talking about Kolya.

I only meant to say

how good it is for a child to grow up in freedom.

I imagine,

you were never repressed as a child, were you?

I don't know really...

Of course, nobody repressed me.

Nobody bothered about me.

I dare say that's evident though, I'm only too aware of my defects.

Perhaps...

but...

when we know each other better,

we are going to be friends, aren't we?

I feel...

confidence in you.

Natalia Petrovna!

Oh, it's you, doctor...

Alexey Nikolaitch and I...

Imagine, what happened here!

I went to the servants' quarters, asked after the sick coachman...

Alexey Nikolaitch! Alexey Nikolaitch!!

Do not enter a room like this...

It’s indecent.

What did you want?

Kolya...

Kolya asked about the kite...

Natalia?

Natalia, has Arkady returned from the dam?

And where is Mikhail Alexandritch?

Isn't it dinner time?

I will see about it.

My child, you had better put another dress for the dinner.

So think I.

I went to the servants' quarters, asked after the sick coachman...

Put it here.

Thanks.

What is it? What do we have today?

Very good.

He cries so woefully.

Wood-spirit doesn’t cry; he is dumb.

He can only clap his hands and crack.

How do you know?

Father said so.

Voltaire’s 'Candide'. Chapter XII.

“On the roads were splendidly ornate carriages”

“in which were men and women of singular attractiveness..."

“...were men and women of singular attractiveness...”

"..and which were drawn rapidly by big red sheep.”

Adam Ivanovitch!

“Concluded that this strange country”

“was even better than Westphalia.”

Look!

Alexey Nikolaitch,

do you have any friends in Moscow? And are you fond of them?

I should think so. And you?

I haven't any.

How can you say you have no friends... What am I?

Oh, you... that's a different thing.

Were you educated in Moscow?

Yes, at Madame Beauluce's school.

Natalia Petrovna took me away last year.

And who sent you to school?

Natalia Petrovna's late mother. I grew up in her house. I'm an orphan.

Are you? Don't you remember your father or your mother?

No.

My mother is dead too.

We are both motherless.

They say orphans quickly make friends with one another.

Do they?

And do you think so?

I think they do.

Tell me...

Do you know our neighbour Bolshintsov Afanasy Ivanovitch?

What sort of man is he?

Bolshintsov?

Yes.

A foolish, fat, tedious man...

...though, of course, there's no harm in the man.

Perhaps, he's by no means so foolish or tedious as you think.

What?

Why do you look at me like that?

I’m looking at you...

I’m happy.

At last, we are alone.

Listen, Michel...

Our relations are so pure, so genuine...

...and at the same time, not quite natural.

You and I have the right to look everybody in the face, not only Arkady.

I love you, but...

...the feeling does not agitate me.

I am warmed by it, but...

You have never made me cry

and it seems as though I ought to have.

What does that show?

Such a question...

… doesn't require an answer.

Oh, what a tail!

Alexey Nikolaevitch...

What?

I wanted to ask you...

Oh, I forgot what I wanted to ask you!

Are you forgetful of things?

No, but...

And why don't you call me ‘Vera’?

And why don't you call me ‘Alexey’?

Natalia Petrovna!

It looks as though they were running away from us...

I’ll tell her...

Of course, she's only a child, still,

I don't think she ought to be alone like this with a young man.

It’s inappropriate...

It is hot today. I'm tired.

Let's sit down.

Has Shpigelsky gone away?

Yes, he's gone.

It's a pity you didn't keep him.

There's something I had to discuss with him.

May I ask what?

No, you may not.

As it is, you know everything I think, everything I do.

You watch me all day long!

Perhaps...

Then allow me to tell you one thing I have noticed.

Please do.

Natalia Petrovna, for some time...

...you have been in a state of permanent irritability.

And that irritability is something unconscious, involuntary.

You seem to be in a state of inward conflict.

What do you deduce from that?

You, observant person!

Nothing.

Nothing. But it worries me.

Let's change the subject, please.

As you please, Madam.

Shall we discuss Nature?

Look, Natalia Petrovna...

...how lovely that dark green oak is...

...against the dark blue sky.

What inexhaustible life and strength is in it.

Especially when you compare it with that young birch tree.

It looks as though...

...it might disappear in radiance.

Her tiny leaves gleam with...

...a liquid brilliance.

As though...

As though... melting...

Yet it is...

...lovely too.

Michel!

You have a delicate feeling for the all beauties of Nature.

You talk so elegantly and cleverly about it.

I imagine Nature ought to be unutterably grateful to you.

But believe me - it is much rougher

and simpler than you consider.

Where are you going?

Firstly, I want to see what Vera is doing.

Secondly, I will confess I don't like our conversation.

We had better drop

our discussions of Nature for a while.

Perhaps, you would rather walk alone?

To tell the truth, I should.

But, we are parting as friends?

Yes indeed!

Good- bye.

Good-bye.

Afanasy Ivanovitch, you are a capital fellow in every respect.

You are the owner, I believe, of three hundred serfs?

Three hundred and twenty, sir.

There you are, an excellent man.

And the most eligible of suitors.

May I confess to you, as to my best friend,

one of my weaknesses.

At home I felt I was ready...

but now...

I feel overcome with fears.

But what are you afraid of?

The risk, sir.

There's a great risk.

What?

I must confess to you, Ignaty Ilyitch...

...that I have had very little to do with ladies...

...with the female sex, in general, if I may say so.

I will confess frankly, Ignaty Ilyitch, that I simply can't imagine...

...what one can talk about to a person of the female sex.

The more so alone with her...

And especially a young lady.

You surprise me.

So you see it's just in this case I want to appeal to you.

Good afternoon, gentlemen.

I confess I didn't expect to see you today, Shpigelsky.

Well, I didn't expect it myself.

I called in on Mr. Bolshintsov,

while he was sitting in his carriage coming here.

So I turned round and came back with him.

But didn't you meet Natalia Petrovna?

No. We didn't come here straight from the house.

Afanasy Ivanovitch wanted to see...

...whether there were any mushrooms in the copse.

Me? Really...

Oh, there, we know how fond you are of mushrooms.

So Natalia Petrovna has gone in?

Well then, we’ll follow her.

Of course.

You can stay here...

looking for mushrooms.

I'll tell Natalia Petrovna that you have come.

Mushrooms?!

Well, how do you like living in the country, Alexey Nikolaitch?

I like the country.

The only thing is, shooting is not good here.

Are you fond of shooting then?

Yes. Aren't you?

Me? No, I'm a poor shot. I'm too lazy.

I'm lazy too...

but not in activities.

Oh! Are you lazy about reading then?

No, I love reading.

But I'm too lazy to work long at a time...

...especially to go on doing the same thing.

Talking to ladies, for instance?

Ah, you're laughing at me.

I'm frightened of ladies.

Mikhail Aleksandritch!

Tell me, where can I get gunpowder?

In town, I think, it is sold there.

Do you want good powder?

No, it's not for shooting!

It's for making fireworks.

Oh, can you make them?

Yes.

I've picked out the right place already.

Roman candles burn very well on water.

I heard Natalia Petrovna is fond of them.

Natalia Petrovna will be pleased at such attention from you.

In your place I should simply say to Vera Alexandrovna...

Alone with her?

Oh, of course, alone with her!

Vera Alexandrovna,...

‘Vera Alexandrovna’

...I love you.

And I ask your hand in marriage.’

‘Love... your hand...’

‘I'm kind-hearted, harmless and I'm not poor.

You will be perfectly free with me.

Please, give me some of your attention.

Elizavetha Bogdanovna is keeping Kolya a long time at the piano.

I bet he's dying to be running about.

But one has to study too, you know, Alexey Nikolaitch.

Of course, it would never do for everyone to be a loafer like me.

On the contrary... that's just what you regard as a defect...

...it's your impulsiveness.

Your freedom from constraint

is what's attractive.

To whom, for instance?

Well, to Natalia Petrovna, for example.

Gentlemen.

Here you are...

Where are you going, Alexey Nikolaitch?

Please stay.

To begin with, don't be shy, it doesn't suit you at all.

But wait, Mikhail Alexandritch and I will see to your education.

Isn't that so?

You will see how good it will be.

You will look after Kolya and I... we will look after you.

I shall be only grateful to you, Natalia Petrovna.

What have you done with your kite, by the way?

I tell you what,

let us take Kolya and Vera and the kite,

and all of us together fly it on the meadow?

With pleasure!

Wonderful.

Come, let's go.

Take my arm.

How awkward you are!

How can it be so?

Where are you going? To pick mushrooms again?

Don’t be so shy.

Good afternoon!

Good afternoon, gentlemen! How are you, Afanasy Ivanovich?

Shpigelsky I didn't expect you today. However, I am very glad to see you.

This gentleman here insisted on bringing me.

I'm very much obliged to our good friend.

Do you need to be forced to come to see us?

We are going to fly the kite.

You won't care about it, I expect.

You are sensible people, it must seem childish to you...

...we don't want to prevent your following us.

Let's go, Mikhail Alexandritch, and see them fly the kite.

Even though we are sensible people.

Wait for me!

Matvey!

Alexey Nikolaitch, what do you think?

Do you agree?

The raspberry jam is a success.

Matvey, the samovar hasn't cooled down? Watch out.

I watch, Sir, I watch.

Put it here.

Help yourself.

Kolya, look!

Do you see?

Where?

Here.

Show some understanding for my awkward position.

I brought Bolshintsov here at Natalia Petrovna's wish.

And now?

On one side, I get sulky looks as though I'd done something foolish.

and on the other, Bolshintsov gives me no peace.

What possessed you to take up this business?

Bolshintsov, between ourselves...

He's simply a fool.

How incredible!

They’ve built the Royal railway as far as Tver already!

That's a piece of news!

I’m not referring to the railroad, of course...

...but to Bolshintsov.

Well then, what induces you to take so much trouble?

What induces... what induces?

The man gives me no peace.

Besides, he's an old friend.

Is he? Oh, well, that's another matter.

I'll be open with you, though.

There's no deceiving you.

Oh well - he has promised me...

...one of my horses has gone lame.

So you see he has promised me...

A horse to replace it?

Well... Since I must own up...

...three new ones.

You should have said that before!

But, please, don't get it wrong.

Besides, all I want even now is a definite answer — ‘Yes’ or ‘No’?

It's not a question of marriage... but of permission to come, to visit...

But who can ever can forbid this?

Bolshintsov's a shy man, a blessed innocent.

While his intentions are most honourable...

Yes, and the horses are good.

Right, the horses are good.

Should I call Matvey?

As you see, I don't want to deceive you.

This is a crystal clear affair.

If he suits — good.

If he doesn't — well...they should say so.

That's all very well, no doubt...

How do I come in?

Oh, Mikhail Alexandritch!

As though we don't know that Natalia Petrovna

has a very great respect for you.

And sometimes even follows your advice.

Mikhail Alexandritch, out of friendship, put in a word.

And you think Bolshintsov is a good husband for Vera?

I am convinced of it!

My dear good friend, my benefactor!

The two chestnuts as trace-horses, and the bay in the shafts!

Please, do your best!

Oh, very well,

very well...

I am counting on you.

Alexey Nikolaitch!

It's you, Michel.

As if you were sorry.

What a nonsense, Michel!

Your friend Shpigelsky...

He's ridiculous!

What was he talking about?

He meddles in what's none of his business.

He's a great cynic...

You didn't speak of him like that yesterday.

He talked to me about Bolshintsov.

Oh? About that stupid creature?

You spoke of him very differently yesterday.

Yesterday is not today.

True, for others... but, it seems not for me.

I understand your reproach...

...but you are mistaken.

Whatever silly thoughts take hold of me,

there is no one I depend upon as I do on you.

And there is no one I love as I love you.

You don't believe me, do you?

I believe you.

But what’s wrong with you?

Watch out!

Listen, Michel, I want to tell you the truth.

I confess, Michel...

This young student has made...

...rather an impression on me.

I know that.

Oh? You have noticed it?

For how long?

You remember, I spoke of the change in you.

I did not know then what to put it down to.

And yesterday on this meadow...

I didn't recognise you...

You laughed.

Your eyes were shining ,

and you looked at him with such joyful attention.

No, Rakitin, listen, why exaggerate?

This man has infected me with his youth.

It will pass as quickly as it has come.

It's not worth talking about it.

Just don't turn away from me.

Are you angry with me?

Me? Oh no!

I'm sorry for you.

We'd better talk about Bolshintsov.

The doctor's expecting an answer from you...

...about Vera.

You know.

You say ‘the doctor is expecting an answer’?

But who asked him to interfere?

He assured me that you did.

No, I believe I said nothing definite.

Besides, I may have changed my mind.

He only wants to know what the answer is.

Michel, don't!

What is this cold politeness?

Is it my fault?

I came to you...

hoping for a friendly advice.

And now, goodness knows what you're imagining.

Are you jealous?

Natalia Petrovna, I don't have the right to be jealous.

As you wish.

As for Bolshintsov, I haven't spoken to Vera yet.

I can send her to you at once.

Why at once?

But as you please.

So do you want me to call her?

Yes, as you please.

You sent for me, Natalia Petrovna?

Ah! Vera? Yes, I wanted to speak to you.

Katya, you may go.

Vera, sit down, please.

Vera, I wanted to have a talk with you...

...a serious talk.

You see, my dear...

I used to look on you as a child.

Now you are seventeen...

...It's time for you to think about your future.

You know I love you as a daughter.

My house...

...will always be your home.

But all the same...

in other people's eyes...

you are an orphan, you have no fortune.

You may grow tired of always living with strangers.

Would you like to be a mistress in your own house?

Absolute mistress in it?

I don't understand you, Natalia Petrovna.

I have received an offer of marriage for you.

I must own up it seems, strange to me too...

but I thought it was my duty

to tell you.

I'm in your power, Natalia Petrovna.

Vera, aren't you ashamed to cry?

I am speaking to you as I would to a daughter, and you...

then please laugh at once! I tell you to.

Here. Vera, my child, treat me as...

...as though I were your mother.

Or imagine...

...that I'm... your older sister.

And let us have a little talk together...

about all these wonders.

Will you?

I am ready.

Let’s see now.

One day your older sister comes to you and says:

‘Vera, you have a suitor!’

What would your answer be?

That you are too young and not thinking of marriage?

Your sister agrees with you.

The suitor is refused and there's the end of it.

But suppose that the suitor is a good man,

...and well-to-do, and if he is willing to wait.

If he only asks permission to see you occasionally...

in the hope of gaining your affections in time.

Who is this suitor?

-Don't you guess? -No.

It is true he is not very handsome, and not very young...

Bolshincov!

Afanasy Ivanitch?

Yes.

Surely people don't get married at his age?

I see there's no hope for Bolshintsov.

If you had cried at his name, he might have hoped.

But you laugh.

There's nothing for him but to go his way, bless him.

It's only natural.

A child of your age cannot care for a man like Bolshintsov.

Everyone wants to marry for love...

Don't you think so?

Didn't you marry Arkady Sergeyitch for love as well?

Of course.

And so the business is settled.

Bolshintsov is dismissed.

Do you like it?

Yes.

So now we are great friends.

Vera, suppose I were to ask you:

‘The only reason that you don't want to marry Bolshintsov is

...that he is much older than you and not so handsome?’

Isn’t it enough, Natalia Petrovna?

I don't deny it... but is there no other reason?

Really your heart has told you nothing so far, has it?

You love no one else?

I love you... Kolya... Anna Semenovna.

I'm not speaking of that sort of love.

I see, you don't understand me.

No. I like others, but...

Well... Rakitin?

I love Mikhail Alexandritch very much indeed.

Yes, like a brother.

And, by the way, there's Belyaev?

Alexey Nikolaevich?

Yes.

I like him.

Yes, he's a nice fellow.

But he's so shy with everybody...

No. He's not shy with me.

Perhaps you fancy that because he's afraid of you.

How do you know he's afraid of me?

He told me so.

So he is more unreserved with you than with others?

I don't know how he is with others...

but with me...

Perhaps, it's because we are both orphans.

Besides, he looks on me... as a child.

Do you think so?

But I like him very much too.

He must have a very kind heart.

Yes, he talks to everybody, he's ready to help anyone.

He picked a flower for me one day from such a high crag...

that I shut my eyes in terror.

I kept thinking he would fall and get hurt.

It's strange, though.

Why isn't he like that with me?

But I tell you he doesn't know you.

Wait a little...

...I'll tell him.

I'll tell him there's no need to be afraid of you.

That you're so kind.

Thanks so much.

You'll see.

He does what I tell him...

...though I am younger than he is.

I didn't know you were such friends.

But mind, Vera, be careful.

You mustn't be angry with me...

for my scruples, my dear.

Though, I don't really need to say all this.

You simply like him, don't you?

What if a sister, a real sister whispered now in your ear:

'Vera, is it true, you don't love anyone, do you?'

What would you answer?

You do love him...

Honestly, I don't know what I feel...

Poor child! You're in love...

and is he?

Vera, is he?

Why do you ask me questions? I don't know...

Perhaps. I don't know.

I don't know...

Natalia Petrovna, what's the matter?

The matter... nothing. Why?

You're so pale, Natalia Petrovna...

No, nothing.

Leave me alone.

You may go.

It's bound to rain, surely.

Let's go, Elizavetha Bogdanova.

Hurry up! Run down.

Bring one more cover.

Ivan, help me!

It's heavy!

Come here.

What have you come for?

Vera Alexandrovna told me you were unwell.

What? I am quite well.

What made her...

Well, perhaps, not... I don’t know.

But what's that to you?

I have come to ask for your forgiveness.

I was unspeakably stupid and rude.

Forgive me.

You see, Natalia Petrovna, however...

Oh! I'm, sorry Rakitin,

I haven't heard a word of what you've been saying.

I was saying...

I begged for your forgiveness.

Rakitin, tell me, what's the matter with me?

You're in love.

No, it would be madness, Rakitin. It's impossible.

Can such things happen all of a sudden?

You know that girl, Vera, loves him.

They are in love with each other.

If so, there is one more reason...

I've suspected it for a long time...

but she acknowledged it herself.

I believe you were going to say something.

For God's sake, Rakitin, advise me

what to do.

Tell me that you trust me. That you don't doubt of me.

I do.

That you believe in my honest desire to help you.

I'm not going to speak to you of your husband, your duty.

On my lips, such words are out of place.

But here is my advice:

...he must go away.

Rakitin...

I have sunk so low

that I was almost ready

to sacrifice that poor girl Vera!

To marry her to a stupid, absurd old man!

The words died away on my lips

when she burst out laughing at my words.

The doctor!

I've been plotting with him,

I have put up with his meaning smiles, his grins, his hints...

Save me!

Natalia Petrovna, you see that I am right.

He ought to go.

He ought to go.

And you?

Will you stay?

Both he... and I... we must both go away forever.

But what to live for, afterwards?

How could you say so?

Good God, is it as bad as that?

If you like, after he is gone, I might stay for a few days.

What?

Ah! I understand you.

You are reckoning on our old friendship.

You hope I shall come to myself, and turn to you again, don't you?

Am I right?

Why do you offend me?

Please, Michel, forgive me.

I don't know what I'm saying.

Help me, please.

Michel, I’m lost. Please, help me!

Michel.

Michel?

What's the meaning of this, what's this scene?

Oh... nothing.

What were you talking about?

She seemed to be crying. You were consoling her...

What's the matter?

Nothing really.

Well, how can it be nothing,

Mikhail Alexandrovich?

You had better leave her in peace, please.

I promise to explain it to you both today.

I give you my word.

Arkady, but we...

Very well... but it is strange.

This sort of thing has never happened with Natalia before.

What could make Natalia cry?

Mother!

And why has she gone away?

Are we strangers?

Is there's some secret between you two then?

Yes, there is.

But you will know it.

Come along, Mother.

Come, let us go. You hear he promises to explain.

You needn't worry.

I'm not worried! Let us go.

I understood nothing.

Alexey Nikolaitch,...

I have to talk to you. I must tell you,

Alexey Nikolaitch, I'm...

I'm displeased with you...

I really don't know how to begin.

However, I must tell you first that I am pleased with your methods with Kolya.

Then what can it be?

Can't you guess?

No.

Do you expect to persuade me that you haven't noticed anything?

Vera loves you.

Slow down, no need to hurry.

Alexey Nikolaitch, you think I'm angry with you...

I'm only... a little upset.

I do not doubt that now, knowing her feelings for you,

you will adopt a different behaviour with her...

and seeing her alone, walking in private in the garden...

Will you? I assume I can rely on you?

Natalia Petrovna, I assure you I appreciate...

But I must say, all you have told me seems to me so strange...

I ought to tell you, Alexey Nickolaitch that Vera...

Vera fancied that you were not quite indifferent to her.

Natalia Petrovna, I see that I can't go on living in your house.

You might have waited for me to decide that.

You have been frank with me.

Let me be frank with you.

I don't love Vera Alexandrovna.

At least, I don't love her in the way you suppose.

I will tell her the whole truth myself.

I don’t want to deceive her.

But after such plain speaking, it would be difficult for me to stay here.

I shall always think of you with gratitude.

May I go now?

I only wanted to warn you.

I don't see the necessity of your leaving us.

However, as you please.

I'm not in the habit of keeping people against their will.

I don't like it at all.

I shouldn't like to cause you the slightest annoyance.

I'll stay.

I didn't expect you would change your mind so quickly...

Perhaps, you are right... perhaps, you ought to go.

I'll think it over. I'll...

I’ll let you know.

I am willing to wait as long as you like.

Promise me...

What?

I believe you meant to speak to Vera...

I'm not sure that it's the right thing... but I'll let you know of my decision.

Perhaps, you are right...

I begin to think that you really ought to go away.

Good-bye.

You must admit, Elizavetha Bogdanovna,

the rain has come at an unlucky moment.

It has interrupted our talk at the most touching point.

You know, Ignaty Ilyitch...

What?

Natalia Petrovna said something not very complimentary about you.

Really?

Ladies don't seem to like us poor fellows to have sharp eyes.

I really can't imagine what's the matter with them all today?

If you know too much,

you'll grow old too fast, Elizavetha Bogdanovna...

But never mind them.

We had better talk about our affairs. Shall we?

What are you asking me, Ignaty Ilyitch?

Oh, Elizavetha Bogdanovna, there's no need to put on airs.

We're not young people, you know!

All these airs and graces,

these sighs and soft nothings - they don't suit us.

The question is:

do we like each other?

You like me, don't you?

Ignaty Ilyitch, really...

Oh, all right, very well.

Of course, I have to say about myself

that I am not a man of good family.

Well, you're not of illustrious birth either.

I'm not a rich man...

but I've a decent practice.

Fortunately, not all my patients die.

You have, as you say, fifteen thousand rubles of your own,

all that's not at all bad, you see.

At the same time...

you're tired, I imagine, of living forever as a governess.

On my side, it's not so much that I'm weary of the bachelor life...

...but I'm growing old,

and then, my cooks rob me.

But here's the difficulty, Elizavetha Bogdanovna,

we don't know each other at all...

I have always thought you a very amiable man.

You see.

This is because I play the fool before outsiders,

tell them anecdotes and humor them.

So you imagined that I'm really a light-hearted man.

If I didn't need these strangers,

I wouldn't have looked at them.

...every arrow carries a poison within itself.

[Artur Schopenhauer’s 'The World as Will Idea']

Elizavetha Bogdanovna, it's no use my pretending to you.

I'm not very good as a doctor.

If you're ever taken ill, I shan't prescribe for you myself.

As regards to my personal character, I ought to warn you:

At home I'm ill-humored,

and silent.

However, I'm not jealous and I'm not mean.

In my absence, you can do just as you like.

There, you have my confession.

Well, what do you say now?

What am I to say to you, Ignaty Ilyitch?

If you have not been blackening your character on purpose to...

But how have I blackened my character?

Someone else in my place

would with perfect complacency have kept quiet about his faults.

But I'm too proud to do that.

Yes, yes, too proud...

I don't mean to pose and lie before my future wife.

By the way, how old are you?

Me?

I'm thirty.

And that's not true, you're quite forty.

I'm not forty, only thirty-six.

Still, that's not thirty.

So, you'll give me an answer in a day or two?

I will tell you my decision tomorrow.

Bravo, Elizavetha Bogdanovna!

Come, give me your arm.

And by the way, I haven't kissed your hand.

And I believe it's what should be done.

Arisha, run quicker.

I'm coming.

Sir is pleased we were in time.

Right, hold it here.

Alexey Nikolaevich,

I heard you have had an unpleasant conversation with Natalia Petrovna...

Are you going away?

How do you know?

Nothing's settled yet, Vera Alexandrovna. I may be able to stay.

Vera Alexandrovna!

No, everything's settled, everything's over.

She tried to catch me, and I, like a fool, fell into her trap.

But she betrayed herself as well.

I'm not such a child.

Natalia Petrovna told me everything.

What, for instance?

She told you, perhaps, that I love you, didn't she?

Yes.

It's not true!

Not true!

Anyway, I didn't tell her that.

Vera Alexandrovna, listen,

there must not be misunderstandings between us.

I love you as a sister.

I love you because no one could help loving you...

I've never in my life been in such a position...

I know that you've grown fond of me...

But think, what can come of it?

I'm only twenty, I haven't a farthing.

I really don't know what to say.

As though I expected anything.

My God! But why so cruelly. So heartlessly...

Vera Alexandrovna...

I'm not blaming you, Alexey Nikolaitch.

It's entirely my fault. I don't blame her either.

I know she couldn't help herself.

Wait!

Vera Alexandrovna!

Natalia Petrovna is in love with you, Belyaev.

I know what I'm saying.

She was actually jealous... of me!

And now she sees I'm no danger to her,

and indeed hopes for herself...

Perhaps, she's right... Perhaps, you love her.

Why are you silent?

You love her...?

Can you come to love her?

Why don't you answer my question?

You don't dismiss me with a serious answer!

Natalia Petrovna...

You're indiscreet, Vera.

And you, Alexey Nikolaitch, you've forgotten your promise...

Oh! Stop that, Natalia Petrovna!

Stop speaking to me as though I were a child.

From today I'm a woman!

I'm as much a woman as you are!

Vera!

Our meeting here is not his doing.

He doesn't care for me, you know that.

You have nothing to be jealous of.

Don't pretend.

I know, Natalia Petrovna, to you, I'm no longer

the ward you are watching over like an older sister.

I'm your rival.

Vera, you forget yourself...

I don't understand what has given me courage

to speak to you like this.

Perhaps, it's because it has pleased you to trample upon me!

And you have succeeded completely!

But I don't mean to be as underhand with you

as you have been with me.

Vera, think what you're saying...

Tell me!

Tell me that I'm wrong.

Say that you don't love him.

Say it!

Vera...

Forgive me...

Natalia Petrovna, forgive me.

I don't know what's come over me... Please, forgive me...

Vera is right. The only way left to me is openness.

Complete openness. Whatever the consequences.

I don't intend to justify my behaviour any longer.

I love you, Belyaev.

But believe me it's only pride that forces me to confess it...

The farce I have been playing revolts me at last.

I have only one excuse, Alexey Nikolaitch.

It has all been beyond my control.

I thank you for your silence.

Good-bye forever.

Natalia Petrovna,

I don't know how to talk to women like you.

Think what you are and what I am!

Oh yes, I was afraid of you and I'm afraid of you still.

I thought of you, without any exaggeration, as...

as a being of higher order.

And now... you...

...you tell me that...

...you love me...

You... Me!

Natalia Petrovna!

I know I ought to go.

I can't tell you what is happening with me...

Everything is so new for me.

It seems as if I see you for the first time.

I can't speak for myself.

Belyaev...

You should go.

I know, I'll go tomorrow.

Perhaps, all for the best. It's finished at once.

Tomorrow I'll go.

I'll leave you alone. And then God bless.

How could I leave without knowing you?

How could I hide from your eyes?

Natalia Petrovna...

Belyaev,

Stay.

They are looking for you everywhere, Natalia Petrovna...

Who is looking for me?

Arkady.

How insufferable it is!

What do they want of me? I'm followed about at every step I take...

I met Alexey Nikolaitch

and have had a short explanation with him...

Today seems a day of explanations.

May I ask... what is your decision?

Decision? I don't understand you.

Oh, well, I have spoken to him, and now everything is set right.

Have you spoken to Arkady?

Not yet.

I haven't thought of anything yet.

You see, I must make up some story...

Natalia...

What is it?

The continuation of this morning's talk?

It's evidently an important matter.

I met Natalia Petrovna here as I walked...

Met her? An odd place for a walk, isn’t it?

Well, you've come here too.

I was looking for you.

Won't you come into the house? Tea's ready.

Let's go.

Michel, do come with us.

Please.

Thanks, Katya.

Michel, would you like some tea?

Yes, please.

Take a curd tart.

You won't find such abroad.

Natalia.

Would you like some? It's hot.

Gooseberry wine too...

Arkady.

And where is Vera? Is she taken ill?

-Matvey! -Yes, Sir...

Where is Alexey Nikolaitch?

One, two, once again, my dear.

Stop.

Well.

Now even quicker.

Again and again rise.

One - two, One - two, let’s stop.

I think that's enough.

You know, my dear, your wife Natalia...

...of course, she's an excellent woman,

and her conduct hitherto has been most exemplary...

...but she is still so young, Arkady!

And youth...

I see what you want to say, mother.

You fancy her relations with Rakitin... have...

God forbid!

I never thought of such a thing.

Well, Arkady, has he told you at last what their talks were about?

I haven't asked him, Mother.

Then what do you intend to do now?

Leave it.

Leave it?

Just leave it.

I must say, I'm surprised to hear it.

Of course, you are master in your own house...

and know better than I do what is for the best...

But only think of the consequences.

Really, Mother, there's no need to worry yourself.

As you wish, Arkady, as you wish.

I have warned you, I have done my duty.

And now my lips are sealed.

Only I must warn you.

You are too trusting, my dear boy.

You judge everybody by your standards.

Believe me...

true friends are only too rare nowadays!

Mother!

Oh, I'll say no more, I'll say no more!

There, go on with your work, I won't interrupt you...

I'm leaving.

Five drops, please.

And stir...

Oh yes, of course.

Good.

No saucer.

It will help.

Michel.

You know you owe me something.

I owe you?

Yes. Have you forgotten your promise?

About Natalia's tears... and all together...

You told me you had a secret which you would explain?

I said a ‘secret’?

You said so.

But what secret could we have?

We had a talk.

What about? And why was she crying?

You know, Arkady...

there are moments...

...in the life of a woman.

Even the happiest...

Stop, we can't go on like this.

I can't bear to see you in such a position.

Your embarrassment distresses me more than it does yourself.

We are old friends - you've known me since childhood.

You have always been open with me.

Let me put one question to you.

You love my wife, don't you?

Do you understand what I mean?

In other words, you love her as...

Well, that is you love her with the sort of love...

...that is difficult to admit to her husband?

Yes.

I love your wife...

...with this sort of love.

Michel, thank you for your frankness. You're an honourable man.

Let's sit down and talk.

I know Natalia...

I know how to appreciate her.

But I know what I'm worth myself too.

I'm not your equal, Michel.

No...

Don't interrupt me, please...

You're cleverer and better in fact. I'm an ordinary person.

Natalia loves me, I think...

...but she has eyes,

well, of course, she must find you attractive.

And I noticed your affection for each other long ago.

I was always so sure of you both...

...as long as nothing came to the surface.

Now, what's to be done?

Let Natalia free?

Only it needs some thinking over.

But I have thought it over already.

I'm leaving.

What?

But, perhaps, you are right.

We shall miss you dreadfully...

I expect you are right.

You're a danger to me.

You know what I said just now... about freedom...

And yet, perhaps, I couldn't survive it! For me to be without Natalia...

For some time past I've noticed a great change in her.

She's all the time in a state of intense agitation.

I’m frightened of this.

I'm not mistaken, am I?

No...

...you're not mistaken.

And how suddenly this has burst on us!

If only you had not been so confused

when my Mother and I came upon you...

Vera...

What is your pleasure?

Don't treat me like this... Vera?

I've behaved badly to you. For goodness’ sake, forgive me.

Please, get up, get up...

I won't get up, till you forgive me.

I know, it's hard for you... But is it any easier for me?

You're so kind this morning...

Because I feel how wrong I've been.

You're so kind and soft today...

because you feel you are loved.

Vera, instead of tormenting each other...

would it be better to consider together

how to get out of this dreadful position...

How to save ourselves!

He's going away.

Oh, leave it alone...

Vera...

Good morning, Mikhail Alexandritch.

Good morning, Alexey Nikolaitch.

Oh! You've put on your new coat this morning.

And what do I see?

A flower in your buttonhole.

Oh! Why, why...?

It's charming.

By the way, Alexey Nikolaitch.

Isn't it queer that we should keep up a farce before each other?

I don't understand you.

Oh, don't you?

Do you really not understand why I'm going away?

Would you like me to tell you why?

Arkady Sergeitch and I...

We’ve had a rather important conversation.

In consequence of which I have decided to depart.

He imagined that I... oh!

Well...

...that I'm in love with Natalia Petrovna.

It's a queer notion, isn't it?

Of course, there are no grounds at all for his suspicions,

still he's worried by them.

You know...

For the peace of mind of his friends,

a decent man must be ready at times to sacrifice...

...his own pleasure.

What would you do in my place?

Would you go away too?

Perhaps.

I am very glad to hear that.

Alexey Nikolaitch,

you may, perhaps, still imagine that love is the greatest bliss.

I have had no experience,

but I imagine that to be loved by a woman one loves is a great happiness.

May God grant that you long preserve such pleasant convictions!

It's my belief, Alexey Nikolaitch, that love of every kind,

happy as much as unhappy,

is a real calamity if you give yourself up to it completely.

Wait a bit!

You may learn yet...

...how those soft little hands can torture you.

With what sweet solicitude they...

...they can tear your heart to rags.

You will know what it means to be tied to a petticoat

how shameful and agonising that slavery is!

But it’s no use me saying all this...

...because you will not believe it. Not now.

Thanks for the lesson, Mikhail Alexandritch.

Though I wasn’t asking for it.

Please forgive me... I was just talking.

Not apropos of anything?

Just so, not apropos of anything in particular.

Good morning, Vera Alexandrovna.

Good morning, Natalia Petrovna.

Good morning, gentlemen.

Vera and I have been walking in the garden.

The scent of the lime trees is so delicious.

We expected to meet you there.

Alexey Nikolaitch couldn't go into the garden.

He has got his new coat on.

Of course, it's the only one I have, and it might get torn in the garden.

I suppose that's what you mean.

Oh no... I didn't mean that.

Ah, I'd forgotten to tell you, Natalia Petrovna,

I'm going away today.

Going away?

Where? Not for long, I hope?

That's as my business goes.

Mind you come back as soon as you can.

Alexey Nikolaitch...

...were they your sketches I found in Kolya’s room?

Did you draw them?

Yes.

You have a talent.

I see you are discovering...

...new talents in Mr. Belyaev every day.

Perhaps...

...so much the better for him.

However...

...it's time for me to pack.

Good-bye.

But you'll come to say good-bye to us?

Of course.

Mikhail Alexandritch, wait a minute, I'm coming with you.

I must have a few words with you...

Vera Alexandrovna, good morning.

It is you, doctor...

What is it, my young lady, you are not well?

Let me feel your pulse.

Ignaty Ilyitch...

That gentleman... your friend Bolshintsov...

...is he really a good man?

The most excellent, the best of men...

...a pattern and paragon of virtue.

He's not ill-natured?

Most kind-hearted, upon my soul. He's not a man, he's made of dough!

You've only to take him and mould him. He's a dove, not a man.

You answer for him?

As I would for myself!

Then you can tell him...

...that I am willing to marry him.

But as soon as possible.

Bravo, Vera Alexandrovna!

Won't he be overjoyed? Why, he worships the ground you walk on!

I didn't ask you that.

As you please, Vera Alexandrovna. Only you'll be happy with him...

Vera Alexandrovna...

I wanted to say good-bye to you.

You see, I can't stay here. I've done so much harm here already.

After I am gone,

I hope everything will settle down and be right again.

Turning rich womens’ heads

and breaking young girls' hearts is not in my line.

Oh, don't trouble yourself on my account!

I'm not staying here long.

I seem to have brought a plague into this house.

Everyone's running away.

I'll go back to Moscow, to my old companions,

I'll set to work.

It’s all over, flared up and has gone out like a spark.

Vera Alexandrovna... I'm very fond of you, believe me.

Give this note to Natalia Petrovna for me.

I can't say good-bye to her.

Are you going right now?

This minute.

I'm going to walk from here to Petrovskoe.

There I shall wait for Mikhail Alexandritch

and we shall drive on to the town together.

I will write then to have my things sent to me...

You see, it's all settled.

Give Natalia Petrovna this note and say...

No, there's no need saying anything.

Good-bye.

Good God!

Good God!

He...wouldn't even...

...say good-bye to me...

Oh, to you he said good-bye, anyway!

But he has no right to go off like this...

He can't do this.

Does she know that he is going?

Yes... she knows.

But why has he been in such a hurry?

You're not well, my darling?

You should lie down, rest.

You're pale.

Listen to me...

Rest for a while.

Yes, sure.

Arkady, I would like to...

Ah, Michel!

Didn't I beg you not to tell her at once? You told Natalia that you are leaving.

Why are you in such a hurry?

Do you suppose that is what has upset her?

Good-bye, Natalia Petrovna.

What's the matter?

What's wrong with Natalia?

Nothing's the matter with her. What's the matter with all of you?

Arkady, we were told Natalia had been taken ill.

Well, you shouldn't have believed it.

But why are you so cross, Arkady? Our sympathy's only natural.

It's time for me to leave.

Are you going away?

Yes. I am.

Ah! Well, I understand now.

Why has Alexey Nikolaitch gone out?

Where's he gone?

I don't know. He kissed me, put on his cap and went out.

And it's time for my Russian lesson.

I expect he will be back soon.

He won't come back.

He’s going to Moscow.

To Moscow?

Why? Is everybody going mad today?

Well, the fact is... Vera has fallen in love with him.

So being an honourable man he decided to leave.

I understand nothing. My head's going round.

All fluttering off in different directions like a lot of partridges.

And all because they're 'honourable people'!

And all at once on the same day.

Please, Mother, for God's sake, don't disturb Natalia.

I’ll see you off.

Matvey!

Matvey!