Fathers and Sons. Ivan Turgenev

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СКАЧАТЬ his friendship.

      Nicolai

      Have you made friends with him lately?

      Arkady

      Yes, quite lately.

      Nicolai

      Ah, that accounts for my not seeing him last winter.

      (Pause)

      What does he study?

      Arkady

      Natural science. But he knows everything. Next year he’ll take his doctor’s degree.

      Nicolai

      Ah,—a physician. That’s good. Russia can use doctors. Incidentally, Arkady, I’ve had a lot of bother with the peasants this year.

      Arkady

      Now that they’ve been emancipated. They’re difficult, eh?

      Nicolai

      Yes. They are being set against me.

      Arkady (examining the garden)

      You’ve no shade; it’s a pity.

      Nicolai

      But I’ve had an awning put up—

      (He points)

      We can have dinner even in the open air.

      Arkady

      What air though? I don’t believe there’s such a fragrance in the world as in the meadows here.

      (Arkady is suddenly embarrassed by his own enthusiasm)

      What would Bazarov say if he heard me gushing like this?

      Nicolai

      Of course. You were born here, so everything here is special to you.

      Arkady

      Oh, Dad, it makes no difference where a man was born.

      Nicolai

      Still—

      Arkady

      No. It makes absolutely no difference.

      Nicolai (pause)

      I don’t recollect whether I told you but your old nurse, Yegorovura, is dead.

      Arkady

      Really? Poor thing!

      Nicolai

      That’s about the only change here at Margino.

      Arkady

      That suits me fine.

      Nicolai

      Ah.

      (Hesitates)

      There is one change. I think it my duty to prepare you.

      (Pause)

      A severe moralist might regard my openness as improper; but after all it can’t be concealed—

      (Nicolai is having hard going)

      Of course, I have always had decided ideas about the relation of father and son— What I mean is—you have a right to disapprove, of course, however—

      (He is helpless)

      Arkady (easily)

      Fenitchka?

      Nicolai (mortified)

      Don’t mention her name aloud, please.

      (Pause)

      Well, she is living with me now. I have installed her in the house—in two little rooms off the drawing room.

      (Pause)

      But that can all be changed.

      Arkady

      (who is somewhat amused at his father’s embarrassment)

      Goodness, Daddy, what for?

      Nicolai

      Your friend is going to stay with us—it would be awkward. Not to mention your legitimate objections.

      Arkady

      Please don’t be uneasy on my account or Bazarov’s. He’s above all that.

      Nicolai

      Well, but, you, too—the little cabin is so horrid—that’s the worst of it.

      Arkady

      Goodness, Dad, it’s as if you were apologizing. You act as if you’re ashamed.

      Nicolai (terribly embarrassed)

      Of course, I’m ashamed.

      Arkady

      Nonsense, Dad, nonsense; please don’t. What a thing to apologize for! Please, stop—

      Nicolai (changing the subject)

      I have sold the timber.

      Arkady

      Why?

      Nicolai

      The money was needed.

      Arkady

      I’m sorry about the timber. But what an exquisite day it is today!

      Nicolai

      To welcome you, my dear boy. Anyway, now you are at home, we must have supper and rest.

      (Bazarov returning with Piotr)

      Bazarov

      A meal would not come amiss, certainly.

      Nicolai

      Yes, yes, let us have supper directly.

      Piotr

      You wish supper to be served?

      Nicolai

      Yes, yes—

      Piotr

      The cook has been ready for Arkady. It will only be a minute.

      Nicolai

      Wouldn’t СКАЧАТЬ