Redemption and Two Other Plays | Page 7

tell you that Elizaveta Protosova will be here directly. There's only one thing I ask you: do you still refuse your consent to my marriage----
SOPHIA KARéNINA (interrupting). And I most assuredly do.
KARéNIN (continuing. Frowning). In that case all I ask is for you not to speak to her about it.
SOPHIA KARéNINA. I don't suppose we shall even mention the subject. I certainly shan't.
KARéNIN (standing at head of sofa L.). If you don't, she won't. (Pleadingly.) Mother dear, I just want you to know her.
SOPHIA KARéNINA. One thing I can't understand. How is it you want to marry Lisa Protosova, a woman with a living husband, and at the same time believe divorce is a crime against Christianity?
KARéNIN. Oh, Maman, that's cruel of you. Life is far too complex to be managed by a few formulas. Why are you so bitter about it all?
SOPHIA KARéNINA (honestly). I love you. I want you to be happy.
KARéNIN (imploringly to PRINCE SERGIUS) Sergius Abréskov!
PRINCE SERGIUS (to SOPHIA KARéNINA). Naturally you want him happy. But it's difficult for our hearts, wearied from the weight of years, to feel the pulse of youth and sympathize, especially is it difficult for you, my friend, who have schooled yourself to view Victor's happiness in a single way....
SOPHIA KARéNINA. Oh, you're all against me. Do as you like. Vous êtes majeur. (Sniffing into her pocket handkerchief.) But you'll kill me.
KARéNIN (deeply distressed). Ah, Mother, please. It's worse than cruel to say things like that.
PRINCE SERGIUS (smiling to VICTOR). Come, come, Victor, you know your mother speaks more severely than she could ever act.
SOPHIA KARéNINA. I shall tell her exactly what I think and feel, and I hope I can do it without offending her.
PRINCE SERGIUS. I am sure of it.
[Enter FOOTMAN.
Here she is.
KARéNIN. I'll go. (Goes to back of sofa.)
FOOTMAN (announcing). Elizaveta Andreyevna Protosova.
KARéNIN (warningly). Now, Mother.
[He goes out L. PRINCE SERGIUS rises.
SOPHIA KARéNINA (majestically). Show her in. (To PRINCE SERGIUS.) Please remain.
PRINCE SERGIUS. I thought you might prefer a tête-à-tête?
SOPHIA KARéNINA. No, no. I rather dread it. And if I want to be left alone in the room with her, I'll drop my handkerchief. ?a dépendra.
PRINCE SERGIUS. I'm sure you're going to like her immensely.
SOPHIA KARéNINA. Oh you're all against me.
[Enter LISA R. and crosses to R. C.
(Rising) How do you do? I was so sorry not to find you at home and it is most kind of you to come to see me.
LISA (R.C.). I never expected the honor of your visit, and I am so grateful that you permit me to come and see you.
SOPHIA KARéNINA (C.). You know Prince Sergius Abréskov?
PRINCE SERGIUS (L.--Heartily). Yes, I have had the pleasure. (Crossing to her, he shakes hands.) My niece Nellie has spoken often of you to me.
[Goes to L.C.
LISA. Yes, we were great friends. (She glances shyly around her.) And still are. (To SOPHIA.) I never hoped that you would wish to see me.
SOPHIA KARéNINA. I knew your husband quite well. He was a great friend of Victor's and used frequently to visit us in Tambov, (politely) where you were married, I believe.
LISA (looking down). Yes.
SOPHIA KARéNINA. But when you returned to Moscow we were deprived of the pleasure of his visit.
LISA. Yes, then he stopped going anywhere.
SOPHIA KARéNINA. Ah, that explains our missing him.
[Awkward pause.
PRINCE SERGIUS (to LISA). The last time I'd the pleasure of seeing you was in those tableaux at the Dennishovs. You were charming in your part.
LISA. How good of you to think so! Yes, I remember perfectly.
[Another awkward silence.
(To SOPHIA KARéNINA.) Sophia Karénina, please forgive me if what I am going to say offends you, but I don't know how to cover up what's in my heart. I came here to-day because Victor Karénin said--because he said that--because he--I mean because you wanted to see me. (With a catch in her voice.) It's rather difficult--but you're so sweet.
PRINCE SERGIUS (very sympathetic). There, there, my dear child, I assure you there's nothing in the world to---- (He breaks off when he sees SOPHIA KARéNINA pointing impatiently to the floor. She has dropped her handkerchief.) Permit me. (He picks it up, presenting it to her with a smile and a bow; then looks casually at his watch.) Ah, five o'clock already. (To SOPHIA KARéNINA.) Madame, in your salon pleasure destroys the memory of time. You will excuse me.
[He kisses her hand.
SOPHIA KARéNINA (smiling). Au revoir, mon ami.
PRINCE SERGIUS (bowing and shaking hands with LISA). Elizaveta Protosova, au revoir.
[He goes out R.
SOPHIA KARéNINA. Now listen, my child. Please believe how truly sorry for you I am and that you are most sympathetique to me. But I love my son alone in this world, and I know his soul as I do my own. He's very proud--oh I don't mean of his position and money--but of