Ostrovsky, Aleksandr Nicolaevich, 1823-1886 / 2008-09-20 00:00:00



VARVARA (_to Glasha_).
Carry the bundles down to the chaise, the horses are at the door. (_To
Katerina_) You were married off young, and you never had any fun when you
were a girl; and so your heart is restless still.
[_Glasha goes out._
KATERINA.
And it always will be.
VARVARA.
Why?
KATERINA.
I have been like that from my birth up, full of fire! I was only six years
old, when do you know what I did? They offended me somehow at home,--it
was in the evening and quite dark--I ran away to the Volga, and got into a
boat, and pushed it off from the bank. They found me next morning, ten
miles down the river.
VARVARA.
Really! And were there any men in love with you, as a girl?
KATERINA.
Of course there were!
VARVARA.
Well? And didn't you care for anyone?
KATERINA.
No, I only laughed at them.
VARVARA.
And you know, Katia, you don't love Tihon.
KATERINA.
Oh, yes, I do! I'm dreadfully sorry for him.
VARVARA.
Oh, no, you don't. If you're sorry for him you don't love him. And indeed
you've no great reason to, I must own. And it's no good your being so
close with me! I noticed a long while ago, that you were fond of some one.
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