TONY

As in the daytime so at night. A lot of faces. _(From the door)_ And
in regards to whiskey, maybe I'll send it and maybe I won't. I can't
tell yet.

SAVVA _(to Lipa)_

Has he been that way a long time?

LIPA

I don't know. I think so. He drinks an awful lot.

PELAGUEYA _(going)_

No wonder. You're enough to drive a man to drink. Cranks. _(Exit)_

LIPA

My, how stifling! I don't know what to do with myself. Say, Savva, why
aren't you nicer to Polya? She is such a wretched creature.

SAVVA

A slavish soul.

LIPA

It isn't her fault if she's that way.

SAVVA _(coldly)_

Nor mine either.

LIPA

Oh, Savva, if you only knew the terrible life people lead here. The
men drink, and beat their wives, and the women--

SAVVA

I know.

LIPA

You say it so calmly. I have been waiting very much to have a talk
with you.

SAVVA

Go ahead.

LIPA

You'll soon be leaving us, I suppose.

SAVVA

Yes.

LIPA

Then I won't have any chance to talk to you. You are scarcely ever at
home. This is the first time, pretty nearly. It seems so strange that
you should enjoy playing with the children, you a grown man, big as a
bear.

SAVVA _(merrily)_

No, Lipa, they play very well. Misha is very good at the game, and
I have a hard time holding up my end of it. I lost him three pairs
yesterday.

LIPA

Why, he is only ten years old.--

SAVVA

Well, what of it? The children are the only human beings here. They
are the wisest part of the--

LIPA _(with a smile)_

And I? How about me?

SAVVA _(looking at her)_

You? Why, you are like the rest.

_[A pause. Being offended, Lipa's languor disappears to some extent._

LIPA

Maybe I bore you.

SAVVA

No, you make no difference to me one way or another. I am never bored.

LIPA _(with a constrained smile)_

Thank you, I am glad of that at least. Were you in the monastery
to-day? You go there often, don't you?

SAVVA

Yes, I was there. Why?

LIPA

I suppose you don't remember--I love our monastery. It is so
beautiful. At times it looks so pensive. I like it because it's so
old. Its age gives it a solemnity, a stern serenity and detachment.

SAVVA

Do you read many books?

LIPA _(blushing)_

I used to read a lot. You know I spent four winters in Moscow with
Aunt Glasha. Why do you ask?

SAVVA

Never mind. Go on.

LIPA

Does what I say sound ridiculous?

SAVVA

No, go on.

LIPA

The monastery is really a remark