The new convert; a drama in four acts

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Act One

Scene : A large room richly furnished. A sofa on the left. Draperies over the windows. On the right, a chiffonier, and near it a stand with flower pots. A table with a variety of souvenirs and small bric-a-brac. In the center of the table a large yellow vase with dark figures.

On the sofa, Moorinov is sitting with a newspaper in his hand. He is a strong, well-built man, with dark hair and a slightly grayish beard.

Moorinova, his wife, is tidying up the room. Two lackeys stand near the door awaiting her orders in silence.

Pull those curtains down ! Why did you leave them up? One can see through. (The lackeys fix the curtains.) Why? What are these three candles for? It looks as if someone is dead here. . . . Someone might

come in later and think Well? Bring another

candle.

Lackey Yes, ma'am.

Put the vase in the corner! Someone is liable to push it off the table. It cost more than a thousand.

The lackeys remove the vase and leave the room.

Well, there you have it. A house full of servants and I have to take care of them all. (Looking at her husband.) Other mothers have help from their big daughters, but I have mostly trouble.

Moorinov, lifting his head from the paper. Well, I think you have little trouble from Kate.

Yes, yes, you are always taking her part. I mustn't say a word about her, though I'm her mother.

But what's the use of wasting words even if you are her mother?

Oh, well, what's the use of talking? I am not an educated lady, and of course it is not my fault that my father did not spend a fortune for my sake just as you are doing for Kate. And he loved me no less than you love her. That's just why I obeyed him, but you have brought her up as a student and now you can blame yourself for it.

Blame myself? Why? What for? I don't see any reason for it.

Moorinova I think there is.

Moorinov, putting the paper on one side. Why, did you speak to her?

Moorinova, timidly, uncertain.

Yes, I did.

Well, and what?

Nothing, just as usual. Of course, she got angry. " I'm tired of you people," she said, — " with your marriage propositions. — Why " — said she, — " I hardly have time to refuse one before I have another."

And yet she is not satisfied. (Dignified.) Well, well, I should think she ought to be happy with such a proposition, and he such an exceptionally fine fellow.

Moorinova It's just what I told her.

Moorinov And she?

"I don't want it! I don't want it! I don't care about his title. I don't want him nor his titles !" — she kept on — " Besides, we can never agree in our ideas."

Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! If this isn't the limit. What has e got to do with his ideas?

It's just what I told her. How, says I — did I get married to your papa, says I — Why, until the wed ding day I didn't even see him. Not only his ideas, says I — but even his features were unknown to me, and yet, thank God, says I, . . . Perhaps, if I had seen him, I would not have married him. (Smiling.) When he came to the wedding, says I — a friend of his — a young man, a very handsome fellow, came with him and my heart went out to him. Which one is it? Mother dear in Heaven and God almighty above — I prayed in silence — just make that good looking fellow to be my husband. Oh Lord! you are able to do everything. . . . But it did not turn out the way I wanted, it was the other one that became my husband, it was your papa. Well, said I — that good-looking fellow turned out to be a crook, but your papa, said I — although he wasn't very good-looking, yet turned out to be a fine man, and we've lived together very happily all these years. And therefore — said I — parents always know how to make a girl happy. Don't you see, said I — a girl is foolish and she doesn't understand anything.

I suppose she did not agree with you, did she?

No, indeed she did not. " Times are not the same now as they use to be," she said — " we have our own ideas nowadays."

Yes, that is true, times are different now, and they are hard indeed. (Thoughtfully.) Nonsense! All their ideas, what can all those ideas be that a girl has ? Nonsense. (Seating himself nearer to her, confidentially.) Listen, do you think she has someone on her mind? Did you notice anything? You know a girl's heart is like an empty keg, you can pour into it anything you wish, but if it is full — it is all over. . . . Well, have you noticed anything?

Moorinova, aroused.

Why, couldn't I see it? I am her mother!

Moorinov That's it ! That's just why

Don't frighten me! Say it openly, whom are you suspecting?

Well, now — what about our neighbor Norov, didn't you notice anything? He is educated and so is Kate. He comes here pretty frequently of late. It doesn't take long, you know! . . .

Moorinova, laughing aloud.

You've guessed it all right. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Oh what a shot!

Now, come, come, answer my questions. What are you giggling about?

Don't get angry. You are a smart man, I know you are, but this time you made a bad shot. Yes sir ! a bad shot. You didn't guess this time. Why in the name of Heaven, should it be Norov? He doesn't even speak to her. I think he doesn't know how. One day I sat in the other room and the door was open. They didn't know I was listening. Now what do you think he was talking about to her? About the people and how the people are suffering.

About the people? and what else?

Oh, I didn't listen any longer. I got sleepy from his talk. I could see he was a foolish man. He actually called the people brothers ! Well, that wasn't so bad ; in the Bible it says the same, and there is nothing to it any way. But when he says that rich people owe a debt to the poor people, well, although I am not educated yet I can see that it is foolish. How can a rich man owe anything to a poor man, if the poor man hasn't got a cent to his name?

Oh, you stupid woman! Why didn't you let me know about this immediately?

Well, I declare! What could you expect! Do you think I would bother you with such nonsense? Just as if you had nothing else to bother about.

Why, don't you know, that with those very words he poured poison into her heart and soul? Why, this is just what they call Nihilism, through which so many thousands of people have perished.

Oh my God! Why, it's those who blow up and shoot.

There are some that do it. They end up by shooting. At first they talk about pity " for the people." Then they blow up and shoot so that the people should become free from the Czar, they say — "to abolish the cruel government and relieve the people from their suffering."

Oh, that rascal! I'll take a broom and just chase him out of my house. My daughter, my darling little girl! Why! Oh dear, oh dear! I must, I must run and

Here, wait! You'll spoil it all, don't mix in. You send me Kate, I'll talk to her, perhaps it is not too late yet, perhaps it is not gone too far.

I'm going right now ! I'm going

Goes out.

Moorinov, alone.

Yes, that's what those ideas mean. . . . This is horrible! Like a thief he stole into her soul and robbed me of my pride and hope! Oh, it is utterly impossible, impossible! I am as timid as a woman. Why, it is only about half a year since he first entered my house. Is it possible that what I planted all these years and taken care of, can be utterly destroyed with the first touch of that stranger? No! I shall never believe it ! Well, I guess I will not anger Kate with too many questions. I'll just watch her, that's all. Just watch her. That's what's necessary. Oh dear ! Times are pretty hard now. Hard indeed !

Enter Kate.

Kate

Hello papa! Did you call me? Mama came and told me you wanted me and she said it so seriously that it frightened me.

You are a Cossack-girl — You are not so easily scared. What have you done today? (Comes near her.) But you are all wet and your hair is all loose.

Kate I have been rowing and got a little damp.

Moorinov, with caution.

And in such weather?

Kate

Oh papa, how beautiful it is on the Neva ! I turned around the island and almost unnoticed I reached the sea. How sweet it is, how pleasant to approach and cut the waves ! Here it throws you up and then down again, but you hold on and you keep going forward and forward — it seems as if the Neva is angry at you, because it cannot do with you as she would like to. She tries to upset your boat and throws water at you. Lots of birds are whirling over your head in groups and at that moment I feel as if I were a wild bird over the sea. You know, papa dear, how I would like to be a bird ! — but not a canary nor a nightingale — they are kept in cages. I'd like to be a free sea bird. The one that can fight the waves and is not afraid of the storm.

She throws off her light cape and fixes her hair.

Well, Kate, you are awfully careless in your ways! It doesn't take long for an accident to happen. I suppose you didn't think for the moment what it would mean to me should anything happen to you?

Kate, throws her arms around his neck.

Papa, my darling papa ! You'll pardon me but you need not worry about me — nothing can happen to me. I am like the enchanted sword that neither breaks nor melts, and that is just why I am so happy.

Moorinov, very kindly, smoothing her hair.

And how long do you intend to carry on like this — thoughtless and careless? Don't you ever think that it cannot always go on this way ? It may be all right as long as mama and I are alive, but when we are gone — what then?

Kate

Oh, papa, why think of this? I never have such thoughts.

That's just it! You think it is always going to be this way. Years go by, and oh how fast they do go, you hardly have time to look around. Now is the time to prepare your future, and if you don't do it, we have to do it for you.

Kate

Ha, ha, ha, oh, ha, ha, ha! I'll bet you, you are going to talk about Volkov to me now. Did I guess? Honestly, papa, I am tired of this. How many have I already refused, but still you and mama insist just the same and you keep bringing me those fellows. It looks as if you are trying to dig up a hidden treasure for me.

Those hidden treasures are only in fairy tales, my child, but a man like Volkov you cannot always get. Life — my dear daughter — is a very serious affair and I would like to have an earnest talk with you.

Kate

Don't, don't! I know all about it! I know everything you are going to tell me. First, he is a nephew of Count Mentirov, isn't it so? (Moorinov nods his head.) Secondly, — if I marry him I shall become the wife of a count's nephew. Thirdly, — you would be the father of the daughter who is the wife of a count's nephew, and Count Mentirov at that. — Isn't it so ? I don't see anything else.

Moorinov, smiling.

It is of no use getting angry with you. You are a child yet and you don't realize what rank means in life. Yet this isn't all. He loves you Kate, he loves you dearly. He'll do anything for your happiness. Now just think and be serious, if only for one minute.

Kate

Very well papa, I'll be serious. You say he loves me, but it seems to me he loves your money more than he loves me. He says I could do anything I want to with him. Well, I don't like this kind of love. I have no faith in it. It doesn't seem to be real love. At times I can't bear him at all. I am afraid of him at times, and at times I feel as if I'd like to tease him. Sometimes it looks to me as if he hates me. We are total strangers, and we have absolutely nothing in common.

Oh, nonsense! Life is not a romance. You'll get used to him and learn to love him.

Kate

Oh, how dreadful, how monotonous it must be to try and get used to someone you don't like! No, I want life to be a romance — a real romance, and if it can't be so, I don't want it at all. Papa, what is the use of a life full of misery? Why can't life be a romance? Romances are written from life.

Oh, I don't know. Those romances that I have seen, I would rather have not seen at all. A girl like you, thoughtless and careless, falls in love with someone, but what follows after? Quarrels, sorrow, tears, and despair. Then she weeps her whole life after her lover, who is carrying on a romance elsewhere. Oh no, Kate, not this kind of a future am I preparing for you, — oh no. Your place is the highest in society, you must shine, you must rule.

Kate

Yes, yes, that means I must be a crank, full of caprices, a spendthrift, and a society flirt. Well, what can I do if all this is so unbearable, so hateful to me?

Moorinov, comes near to her and talks very earnestly and emphatically.

You must help me to build up the glory of our family. (Kate is listening very attentively.) You see, this is the aim of my life. I worked all my life and I have laid the foundation. Now, who is going to finish building the rest of it? Aren't you going to help me? If I should die tomorrow, what would become of my toil? Do you know that when you were born I was very sorry?

Kate Were you? Thank you.

Yes I was. I had always prayed to God for a boy. But when you started to grow, becoming cleverer and lovelier every day, I rejoiced. You, my dear Kate, are worth more than three boys. That which takes a man to work scores of years for, you are able to obtain at once, honestly and at the dawn of your life and in my presence. All you need to do, is to stretch out your hand. Just think of this, Kate ; if you marry Volkov, your children will carry his and my name. I can fix that with the money I possess ; and with the title of a Count we can reach everything, and then all that I have dreamt of and striven for, all that I have lived and hoped for, will be accomplished, and I shall die happy. (Silence.) Well, you are silent?

Kate

My dear papa, pardon me. I am sorry, but I cannot accomplish your wish, to help you to realize your dream. I'm not after social standing, nor do I want any glory. I don't need them. I hate them. Papa, darling, I wanted to tell you this for some time, but I had no courage. I despise palaces and luxury. I want to forsake all this and go. I want to go to those who are poor, who are suffering, who are in need of light and aid. I want to work for the unfortunate ones, for those who have been wronged, to share with them sorrow and joy, to live for them and die for them if necessary. This is what the happiness of my life consists of.

Kate, my child, my daughter! Oh God! What have I labored all my life for?

Enter Lackey and after him Volkov.

Lackey Alexander Petrovich Volkov !

Moorinov, thinking for a moment.

Ask him in.

Enter Volkov in the uniform of a military officer.

Moorinov, approaching to meet him.

Well, well, Mr. Volkov, pleased to see you. We expected you here yesterday. We were thinking you'd call on the way back from the club. We waited till about eleven.

Kate seats herself on the sofa at the further end of the room, in a corner, and is hardly noticed by the newcomer.

Volkov, laughing harshly.

Well, I guess I'd be a pretty sight if I had come in here last night! Why, that noise is in my head even now. Don't you know, Metka is going to be married and he made a little party for the boys. Well, that was the last bachelor-booze there. On such an occasion, of course, I couldn't refuse, don't you see? . . . impossible, you know. ... I am frank with you and I own up — I am boozing now. I am taking it all in and having a devil of a time while I am single to remember my younger days by. I'm raising the devil while single, but as soon as I'm married — it's all over. You'll see Mr. Moorinov, I'll take an oath on that, — not a drop — not a smell even.

Moorinov Sh . . . Sh . . . don't you see? Kate is here.

Volkov, confused.

Why didn't you stop me? (To Kate.) Pardon me, Miss Katherine. I didn't notice you were here. We all are sinful. The Nihilists, I guess, are the only ones that don't drink nowadays.

Kate

Why, not at all, Mr. Volkov. Why excuse yourself ? I am very pleased to hear the happy news. Are you going to get married? I wish you good luck. And may I know to whom, if it is no secret?

Volkov Miss Katherine, I think you know it well.

Kate No sir, I do not, and I am very anxious to know.

Volkov You are joking, Miss Katherine. . . .

Now what's the use of all this? Mr. Volkov is making you a proposal, and, of course, like a gentleman, he first asked my permission. This may not be quite stylish but it is very polite. I gave him my sanction. Now it's up to you, and remember, he deserves a proper answer.

Kate

Can you blame me, papa, because it looks to me like a joke and sounds so comical?

Turns to Volkov with a very earnest expression on her face.

No hurry, Miss Katherine, no hurry. I'm not insisting on an immediate answer. I'll wait; take your time and think it over. . . .

That's right. She'll think it over. I'U let you know her decision. It is very nice of you, I'm sure. . . . Now, how is his Highness the count? Is he in good health ?

Volkov, with great dignity.

My uncle? Yes, he is well. I saw him the other day. He asked me to tell you that he'll be here later this evening.

His Highness Himself will come here? I suppose I am indebted to you for this great honor?

Uncle thinks a great deal of you and your family. He very much approves the ... he is very much in favor of . . . for his part we could . . . however, we will talk about this later.

All right sir ! Just as you say. But would you like to step into my study? I have a fine smoke for you there. Cigars of a special brand. (He lets Volkov pass through the open door and hastily turns to Kate.) Think it over, think it over well, do you hear? Don't be too hasty. Remember, your future depends upon your word.

He goes off. Kate remains alone in deep thought. By the side door enters Norov.

Kate, jumps up frightened.

Who is this? Oh, is that you? Why did you come?

Why did I come? What a question! To see you, of course ! Isn't this enough ? Just think. The whole week I couldn't get away for a minute. I thought you surely would be angry, but instead you ask me why I came?

Kate, thoughtfully.

No, it's all right. You did well to come here. I didn't mean to say that.

Thank you, but what is the matter with you, Miss Katherine? Are you not feeling well? Or is there any trouble? Would you tell me, please? We are friends, we are comrades, and we promised to tell everything to each other.

Kate

I'll tell you all, everything, only just let me pull myself together. . . . Tell me why didn't you come all this time? I felt so lonesome.

There you have it. First you ask me why I came, now why I stayed away. Now I won't tell you.

Kate Please do. I don't feel like joking just now.

Pardon me. Now I'll tell you all about it. We were very busy getting this ready. (Reaches in his inside pocket.) Just done. My first piece of work. (Hands a paper to Kate.) Just look, how lovely, the government printing looks worse than this, yet this was done in the attic.

Kate

Why, what's this? A proclamation! (Reads the heading.) " FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY COM- MITTEE TO EVERY HONEST RUSSIAN CITIZEN." Thank you. I can't read it now, I will later.

Hides the paper in a music sheet.

What's the matter with you? Please tell me. What happened to you? You frighten me.

Kate

Oh, I have such unpleasantness to contend with! Listen. (Speaks fast.) Volkov is with papa. He proposed to me. Papa insists on my marriage to Volkov.

What? Volkov proposed to you? That rascal dared to face you? Do you know what this bird did?

Kate

No, I don't know. What did he do? I haven't heard anything about him.

The scoundrel betrayed Miss Artyomevy and her brother. He got into their house as a friend. There were several gatherings and they talked on different subjects. The police smelt it and one day they were all arrested.

Kate Well? Then what?

Of course they were cross-examined and Volkov betrayed everyone of them in order to save himself. He was mean and treacherous enough to say that he purposely came into the house in order to find out the character of their gatherings so that he could turn them over to the police. He is a fine bird, isn't he? No wonder his uncle, the count, likes him so much.

Kate Oh no ! It can't be; papa would know about it.

Well, it's an old story. He might have managed to hide the facts from papa. Besides, your father would see these things in a different light.

Kate

Oh heavens! and papa wanted me to marry such a man.

Kate, how can you endure all this ?

Kate What shall I do?

Why, quit it ! Make an end to this conservative way of living and come to us. We are waiting for you.

Kate

This will kill my father. How can I be happy with such a sacrifice?

Norov, comes nearer to her.

It will not kill him. He'll think it over. He'll understand this. Besides, I am not calling you for happiness, but for our cause. We will fight together tor the freedom of our country, together; we shall be stronger and better; if I ever thought it would be different, I would have fled from you ; you would have never heard a word from me. Give me your hand and let us be comrades always — in our life of joy or sorrow; my feelings towards you are not only brotherly or comradely — I love you, Kate.

Kate, throws herself into his arms with a joyful cry, but immediately steps back. Speaks with a lowered voice.

No, no, I cannot. I am not strong enough. (Behind the scenes Gorlova's voice is heard.) " What's the hurry? What are you running for? You have lots of time to tell them." (Gorlov more loudly.) "No, no, I'm not hurrying."

Kate

They're coming! (Kate and Norov quickly draw apart.)

Enter, Moorinov, Moorinova, Gorlov, Gorlova, and Volkov by different doors.

how lovely it is here ! Just like a palace. It's just God's will to make one rich and another poor, and it's not always those who deserve that get it. Well, I can't help it, but I just like to tell the truth. How are you, sister? (Kisses Moorinova.) How are you, brother-in-law? (Shakes hands, then turns to Kate.) And why are you so quiet? What ails you? Oh yes! I know. I know all about it. No girl wants to get into the harness, but it's our women's hard luck.

Just think. What news !

Wait! wait! what are you hurrying for? You'll have lots of time to tell it to them. Don't be so hasty !

Gorlov No, no, I'm not hurrying. I'm just. . . .

Gorlova Very well then, keep quiet.

Sitting down.

Moorinov, to Gorlov.

Here, Mr. Gorlov, sit right here. There is a draught through that window. You might catch cold and I should have to be responsible to your wife. She is such a very strict lady.

Thank you. Never mind, don't bother; I'll sit right here, near Kate. (To Kate.) May I?

Kate

Why, yes of course! Please do, uncle. I'll open the screens and shut off the draught. (Opens screens and is not seen by Gorlova. In a low voice.) Well, did you get me the music I asked you for?

Yes indeed. I was almost in every music store. Here it is.

Gives her a roll of music.

Well, what about that news ? We are waiting for it. You always have news even if there isn't any in the papers.

You're quite right ! I always do have news even if there isn't any in the papers. Just think! Count Mentirov is appointed Prime Minister of the Interior. His Majesty has just made the appointment. He ! he ! he! What do you know about this! Tomorrow it will be in the papers, but I got the news from a friend that the government. . . . Well, are you satisfied?

Well, well! This is certainly good news. Many thanks. (Presses and shakes his hand. Then he turns to Volkov and shakes his hand.) I congratulate you.

Norov, to himself.

Hm, some imp is appointed to keep the destiny of the people in his hands and they are happy.

Moorinov, aside to his ivife, in a low voice. We need champagne for the great guest. We must make a big reception, and we mustn't forget musicians even if it has to be the Germans from the street.

Moorinova I know, I know ! Don't teach me.

Goes out.

Not only we, his nearest friends, ought to be happy, but all Russia should rejoice. It begins a new era and the nobles will regain their former position.

Oh no, excuse me. I have nothing against the nobles, but excuse me. ... I had the pleasure to hear him say . . . here I sat and there sat he. The nobles, he said, have outlived their times. Now, said he, the people's interest is of most importance. My policies, said he, are . . .

Moorinov, interrupting.

It can't be, no it can't be. I read his projects with my own eyes. He says : " The peasant must be strictly watched, and by enforcement of the nobles' rights, we can prevent a Revolution." I think you are mistaken.

Yes, yes, you are right. He always makes mistakes.

Gorlov, excited to Moorinov.

Why is it that I am mistaken and not you? I am telling you here I sat, and there sat he. I heard him with my own ears. . . .

Moorinov . . . but I saw it with my own eyes.

Allow me, gentlemen; why should you quarrel? Can't you see that the count played a joke on you both? . . . and not on you only. . . .

Moorinov A joke? What do you mean by this, sir?

Yes, just a joke. Everything he does and says is only a joke and even his appointment as Minister is a joke.

How dare you, sir, to talk that way in my house and about my friend. . . .

Volkov In my presence and about my uncle. . . .

Excuse me, gentlemen. I personally have nothing against the count, and your friendship and relationship concerns me very little. He is a government official. In his hand the destiny of the Russian people is placed. I, therefore, have at least the right as a Russian citizen to express my feeling of discontent and disregard, which I have towards that devilish appointment joke.