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·THE WILTZ OF THE DOGS A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS

·BY
LEONID
ANDREYEV
ANATHEMA
THE LIFE OF Max
THE SORROWS OF BELGIUM

·THE
WALTZ OF THE DOGS
A Play in Four Acts
BY
LEONID ANDREYEV
AUTHORIZED TRANSLATION FROM THE
ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT BY
HERMAN BERNSTEIN
LONDON
BRENTANO'S LTD.
PUBLISHERS

·COPYRIGHT, 1.922.
BY THE MACMILLAN COMPANY.
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

·CHARACTERS
HENRY TILE
Carl Tile, his brother
ELIZABETH
ALEXANDROV, nicknamed "Foklusha"
“HAPPY JENNIE"
ANDREY TIZENHAUSEN
Ivan. YERMOLAYEV
IVAN, man servant
Two HOUSE PAINTERS

·No text on this page.

·THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS ACT I SCENE: Two house painters are singing a song behind the wall. They sing it softly, without 'words, monotonously. Carl Tile, a student, is sitting at his brother Henry Tile's writing table. The apartment is new, not yet completely finished or furnished; nor is the room in which Carl Tile is sitting completely finished. It is intended as a drawing room, and the new furniture is arranged in strict order: armchairs, plain chairs, a small round table near a couch, an oval mirror; but there are no®rugs, no draperies, and no paintings. In the middle of the room a table is set for dinner. Everything in the room is angular, cold, lifeless---life had not yet begun there. The new little piano is very glossy, music is arranged on the music stand. CARL Tile is busying himself with a skeleton key. 0 ·2 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [Act 1 CARL The house painters are singing. He whistles softly to the tune of the quiet song without words. Then he strikes the table with his palm softly and says: Yes. He strikes the table twice again after, measured pauses; repeating: - YesYes. Pause. I have just opened my brother Henry's table with a skeleton key. I was looking for money. But I found only twenty-five rubles-only twenty-five rubles. That's too little. A gain he strikes the table after measured pauses. Yes Yes—Yes. I wonder whether my brother Henry-Henry Tile-knows that I am a cardsharp, a gambler, a thief, that I am looking for a woman to support me! No, he does not know. My brother Henry is not wise. No. No. Now he'll think the house painters stole the twentyfive rubles, he may not even notice that they are missing. “Brother Carl !” he says, "Brother Carl." Yes.--But could I?–If Henry had much money, oh, a lot of money, of course and if it ·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 3 could be done unnoticed, oh, of course, unnoticed -could I kill Henry, my brother Henry Tile? He rises and walks up and down the room twice. He is tall, straight, in a long student's coat, hanging clumsily and loosely upon him. His hair is brushed back smoothly, and is glossy. The dark blue collar of his coat is unusually high.. Carl's face is dry, somewhat stern, with regular features, and wry decorous. He sits down at the table again and taps it three times, saying: Yes_Yes Yes. The house painters are singing. A sad tune. A quiet tune. I am a scamp, yet I am fond of sad songs, while my brother Henry has no taste at all. And his new apartment is dreadful. There is something here that inspires crime. The house painters are singing. He whistles softly to the accompaniment of the tune. He hears the sound of the door opening in the corridor, voices, and rising slowly, he walks up and down the room with meas- . ured steps as before. Enter HENRY TILE, and his associates,· DMITRY YERMOLAYEV, a stumpy man of Russian type, and ANDREY TIZENHAUSEN. Behind then walks ALEX- ANDROV, smiling confusedly and happily. He ·4 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (Act 1 is nicknamed "Feklusha"-he had been a schoolmate of Henry Tile in the first classes of the gymnasium. HENRY Hello, Carl. How are you? CARL Hello, Henry. Thank you. And how are you? HENRY Thank you, I'm well. Gentlemen, are you all acquainted with my brother Carl? Carl, these are my associates at the bank—they are all gentlemen for whom I have a great deal of respect. TIZENHAUSEN How do you do, Mr. Tile? YERMOLAYEV Very pleased to make your acquaintance. You resemble your older brother very much, yery, much. HENRY Q, yes, we resemble each other a great deal. He is a fine fellow, a serious worker. To Carl: And this gentleman is known as Feklusha--are you acquainted ?" They call him Feklusha.

·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 5 . Laughs. We used to go to school together---to the Peter school. He was expelled from the second class, and he has had hard luck all his life. Feklusha, you were expelled from the second class, weren't you? Laughs. FEKLUSHA From the third, Mr. Tile. For lack of ability. My conduct was excellent. HENRY He says, for lack of ability! Laughs. I met him on the Nevsky yesterday. It was raining hard-Twenty years have passed since we parted, still I recognized him. And he was walking very fast. You were running, Feklusha, .weren't you? FEKLUSHA It was raining, and I had no umbrella. I was running! HENRY I invited him to dinner today. But, gentlemen, I hope you will forgive me if the dinner is not as good as I should like you to have in my new ·1 6 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [Act I home. This is my first dinner at home, and I cannot guarantee that my new cook is an expert. YERMOLAYEV Mr. Tile, why should you excuse yourself? I only hope we are not inconveniencing you. HENRY Oh, no, I am glad.. TIZENHAUSEN What excuses ! On the contrary, I am highly flattered that you invited me to the first dinner at your own home. When you are married, and you will have everything in order, you will forget your old friend Andrey Tizenhausen. HENRY Everything will be in order, but I will never forget old friends. Sit still and smoke your cigar. YERMOLAYEV To Carl: Didn't I see you last week åt Donon's restaurant? You were sitting there with a lady and an officer- I believe he was an officer of the guards? CARL Lying. No. I fever go to Donon's. 0 ·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS HENRY Çarl can't afford such expensive restaurants. YERMOLAYEV Then I must be mistaken. Excuse me. But he looked exactly like you. HENRY You were mistaken, Dmitry.' To Carl: Well, how are you getting on with your work? I like to hear about your achievements. CARL Lying. I delivered the second installment yesterday. HENRY Oh, that's good. You are a serious worker. But, gentlemen, isn't this song annoying you? I hear it again. My house painters are singing there. TIZENHAUSEN It's without words. I didn't think they called that a song. YERMOLAYEV Listening. But it's good! There is something of the stagecoach driver in it.

·8 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I . 1 To Henry: My father was a stage-coach driver. HENRY It sounds very good to me, too. Although my father was of Swedish descent, I feel that I am a .Russian, and I. understand this. This is Russian sadness. TIZENHAUSEN Although my name is Tizenhausen, I don't even know how to speak German. I am a Russian. Nevertheless--you will pardon me, Henry, I don't understand the meaning of this Russian sadness. HENRY Oh, one must feel it. TIZENHAUSEN Do you feel it? HENRY Not now. Oh, now I am so happy that I cannot feel any sadness--Russian, Swedish, or German! All laugh. TIZENHAUSEN Manly words, Henry! But won't you show us your new apartment before it gets dark? I am

·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 9
dying of curiosity, I want to see how you are
building your nest. Look out, Henry, I am an
old and experienced man!
HENRY
Oh, you can't frighten me, you old grumbler!
Laughs.
I am only a happy fiancé, but you will see what a
definite plan I have. Oh, you'll seell
YERMOLAYEV
I'd be delighted to see.
HENRY
Please follow me. Carl, be so kind as to stay
here with Feklusha while I show them my home.
Feklusha, please smoke, the cigarettes are on the
table.
They go out. FEKLUSHA, confused, takes a.
cigarette. Carl lights a match and holds it
out to him, while he examines him coldly.
FERLUSHA
Bending over to the match,
Thank
you very much, I'll do it myself.
CARI,
Please. Why do they call you by such an absurd
name-"Feklusha"? It's a woman's name.

·10 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I FEKLUSHA How shall I tell you, Mr. Tile? I suppose it's on account of my character. I am always somewhat timid, inclined to tears, and in the same manner, too hasty-quick in my thoughts. CARL Why "in the same 'manner"? FEKLUSIA They say so. Carl No, they don't. But you are not very quick today. Where are you employed? FEKLUSHA How shall I tell you, Mr. Tile? I'm employed by the police. CARL What! FEKLUSHA Ņo, no, I am working in the office of the chief of police, in the passport department. Mr. Henry Tile knows about it. 2 CARL Are you getting much ?

·ACT IN THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
II
FEKLUSHA
Forty rubles-well, together with gratuities and
extras, and so on, it comes to about ninety rubles.
A very trivial sum.
CARL
A large family?
FeKLUSHA
Enormous !
CARL
Why don't you get into the detective service? It's
more profitable, you could earn more.
FEKLUSHA
You're joking. How can I?
Carl
No. I am serious. You are hardly suited to be
a provocateur, but as an ordinary detective you
might do.
It isn't as hard as it seems.
How
much does a good detective get?
FEKLUSHA
A trifle—they don't get much.
Carl
I mean a good detective ?

·12 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I FEKLUSHA Oh, a really good detective gets enormous sums, But since you are talking to me in such a friendly spirit, I must confess to you, I have tried it, I have made all kinds of efforts--but- Carl' But what? FEKLUSHA Nothing. I have no abilities of any kind, I am not fit for anything worth while. That's my misfortune. That's why I'm doomed I have no abilities. CARL None? FEKLUSHA Not the slightest! You know, there are so many opportunities around me that if God had only given me some talent, I could have provided for my family perfectly. But without talents, I run about, and no matter how hard I try, I can't earn another kopek. How can I? Carl Feklusha, could you make or get-I don't know what you call it there-could you get me a false foreign passport?

·ACT 1]
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
13
FEKLUSHA
No. I couldn't!
How could I?
Carl
But if you tried for a substantial sum?
FEKLUSIA,
What do you need it for?
CARL
One must always have a foreign passport for an
emergency
No, I am only jesting, of course.
Were you really running when my brother Henry
met you?
FEKLUSIIA
You are laughing at me, Mr. Tile? Pardon me,
but I don't quite understand your conversation.
Carl
No, Feklusha, I am not laughing. Do I look
like a man who is fond of laughing? Henry asked
me to entertain you, and I am entertaining you.
Does Henry intend to assist you?
FEKLUSHIA
I would be extremely happy! He told me that
he was giving financial aid to his brother--he
meant you, Mr. Tile?

·14 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I CARL Yes. But I prefer to speak about you, Feklusha. Tell me, when you. were a detective, did often have dealings with murderers ? you FEKLUSIJA With murderers?'. Henry and 'his friends return, talking. Henry is laughinge HENRY You are surprised, you old grumbler? Let me brush off your coat, you have soiled your sleeve, Dmitry. CARL I'll bring the brush. YERMOLAYEV It isn't worth bothering, really, it isn't. HENRY He'll bring the brush. Carl, fetch it. Well, gentlemen, how do you like it? Laughs happily. YERMOLAYEV It's a wonderful little apartment, Henry.

·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 15 TIZENHAUSEN Yes, I am astounded, Henry. HENRY In the dining room I will have oak-colored wall paper, eventually I will change it to oak veneer. The windows of the nursery., 'as I said before, will always have the sun. It will always be light there. That's hygienic, 'and essential in Petrograd. Unfortunately, I had too little sunshine during my own childhood, so I want my children to have plenty. Sunlight is essential. TIZENHAUSEN But, Henry, you talk as if you already had children, and a heap of them! That is the self-assurance of a hachelor! HENRY I will have them. 'Enter Carl with a brush. HENRY Please, Dmitry, Carl will brush your sleeve. •I will have them. I have already bought a children's cot-in a week from now it will be in its proper place waiting for its master. Laughs.

·16 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I YERMOLAYEV And when is the wedding to take place ? HENRY In a week from now the apartment will be ready. In seventeen days, counting from to-day, the wedding will take place. To-day, by the next mail, in about twenty minutes from now, just before dinner, I will get a letter from Elizabeth, in which she will inforin me exactly on what day she arrives. Elizabeth went to Moscow to see her parents. Now this room, Andrey! Here, rugs. There, portières. In these wases, always fresh flowers. TIZENHAUSEN That's a luxury, Henry. HENRY Fresh flowers are not a luxury. And here, over the piano, I will have two gravures--meanwhile I haven't enough money for paintings--the head of Beethoven and Giorgoni's “Concert." Are you looking, Feklusha? FEKĻŪSHA I am staring! HENRY Laughing ·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 17 Staring! And here, Andrey, in this corner, will be an armchair in which I will sit quietly while Elizabeth plays Beethoven and Grieg. You see, I have already secured the music from which she will play for the first time, while I will be sitting in my armchair. Shakes the dust off the music and replaces it carefully and tenderly. How dusty! . TIZENHAUSEN That's from the workmen, Henry. HENRY There will be no dust in my home. Have you a piano, Feklusha? FEKLUSHA Where would I get it, Henry? HENRY Laughs. He says, where would he get it? Let me tell you, Andrey, this nook where I am going to sit and listen is my particular joy. YERMOLAYEV Have you a lease for this apartment?

·18 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I HENRY Yes. I have a lease for three years, with the, privilege of renewing: I don't want to change apartments every three years. Yes, Andrey. My mind is dry and practical, I have no talent for mușic, but I am extremely fond of it, just as my brother Carl is. CARL But you play; Henry. HENRY What! Don't joke, Carl. Carl Have you forgotten? You played well in our nursery days. TIZENHAUSEN So that's the sort of man you are, Henry! At the bank we are under the impression that you are only a splendid financier, with a most remarkable head for figures, while now it appears that you are also a musician. Henry--a Mozart! HENRY Laughs. Not quite so important. Yes, I recall. There's a little piece I used to play with two fingers, that

·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 19
my mother taught me to play when I was a child.
It is called by a strange name—"The Waltz of
the Dogs."
CARL
Play it, Henry.
HENRY
Threatening with his finger:
Now, now, Carl !
TIZENHAUSEN
No, you must!
To Yermolayev:
Don't you think he ought to play it for us, or
we'll be offended and leave.
YERMOLAYEV
So that's the kind of talents you have, Henry! I
never suspected it, never ! And at the bank we
don't know anything about it. Play!
HENRY
Laughs.
Now, now.
But I must admit that Elizabeth is
very fond of my "Waltz of the Dogs," very!
All laugh.
CARL
Well, then, Henry?

·20 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I HENRY Carl, you are a jester. Mockingly: But since the audience demands it- 6 Sits down by the piano, says with mock solemnity: I beg the audience to listen attentively. I will now play "The Waltz of the Dogs." He plays "The Waltz of the Dogs.” During the playing he sits straight, serious, his face is immobile, almost petrified, but after finishing his play, he bursts into laughter. While HENRY is playing, Carl watches him coldly and closely, then he is the first to applaud. General applause, but as there are only few listeners, the sound is light. HENRY Bowing mockingly: Ladies and gentlemen, your humble servant! I cannot play an encore, but whoever wishes to hear this music again, is invited to come in seventeen days to the wedding ceremony of Henry Tile and the maiden Elizabeth Molchanova. Then I shall play it again.. He laughs and closes the piano cover.

·ACT 1]
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
21
FEKLUSHA
At what time will the wedding take place?
.
HENRY
At half past seven. And don't be late! But
you
will learn all this from the invitations which are
already being printed.
TIZENHAUSEN
Are you happy, Henry?
HENRY
Yes, my friend! Let me clasp your hand, but
endi
silently, silently, Andrey. This way. And now,
gentlemen, don't you feel that after my music
your appetite has grown stronger? Aren't you
hungry? Carl, please tell my new cook that in
ten minutes we shall be ready to have her pass
an examination.
CARL
I am going.
Exit, soon returns.
HENRY
Are you hungry, Feklusha?
FEKLUSHA
Yes. It wouldn't do any harm to eat.

·22 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I 6 HENRY Laughs. He says, it wouldn't do any harm! And the cognac? Will that do any harm? FEKLUSHA That surely wouldn't do any harm. All laugh. TIZENHAUSEN I suppose you think that your schoolmate doesn't drink anything but sacred water? Then you are making a great mistake-he drinks cognac. HENRY Laughs. He drinks cognac! FEKLUSHA Laughs. A pleasant occupation! There's no use in hiding the fact: in spite of my general lack of ability, this talent- Sighs. I have. YERMOLAYEV It's most remarkable, Henry. I have watched you for eight years, we have been in restaurants together, but I have never seen you drink too much!

·ACT 1]
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
23
.
HENRY
Laughing.
Really?
YERMOLAYEV
Never!
TIZENHAUSEN
And you never will, Dmitry.• He has a strong
head, such as this world has never seen before !
HENRY
Do you think so? Perhaps you are right. And
what is more-Gentlemen, the bell! That's the
postman, bringing a letter from Elizabeth. Carl,
please.
Exit CarL. HENRY is agitated, but restrained.
HENRY
To Fekiusha:
So you are fond of cognac?
CARL
Entering.
A letter from Moscow, registered. Sign here,
Henry.
HENRY
Signing.
I always asked her to sendºit registered. Here
are twenty kopeks for the postman: So. Now
they are writing us from Moscow."

·24
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
LACT I
t
Tearing the envelope open.
You will pardon me, gentlemen ?
TIZENHAUSEN
How can we prevent a lover from reading his
letters ? Go ahead, Henry, we are not here.
HENRY reads slowly and lòng. He turns pale at
the first lines, and keeps growing ever paler.
No one but CARL is watching him.
YERMOLAYEV
Softly:
A wonderful little apartment! 'It's very hard to
find one like it nowadays.
FEKLUSHA
You can't even touch any apartments now-it's
simply terrible.
TIZENHAUSEN
Have you a family?
FEKLUSHA
An enormous one!
CARL
Loudly:
Aren't you feeling well, Henry?
All look with alarm at Henry. He gets up, walks
two stepsp and without saying a word strikes

·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 25 the table with a powerful blow of his fist. Bottles and glasses fall. All jump to their feet. CARL Henry! TIZENHAUSEN Henry! Henry strikes the table once more just as forcefully with his fist, without saying a word. He stands silently, surveying them all with red .eyes, as if looking for some one to attack. YERMOLAYEV Bring him some water! HENRY I need to water! TIZENHAUSEN Henry! My dear Henry! Has anything terrible happened? HENRY No, nothing terrible. CARL Henry, calm yourself. HENRY I am calm.

·26
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
(ACT 1
TIZENHAUSEN
No. Something terrible has happened. My dear
Henry! We are here! We are all your friends,
Henry!
HENRY
I must ask you to excuse me, but there will be no
dinner to-dạy. Card, tell the new cook that she
may go
home
Exit CARL, 'returns soon.
TIZENHAUSEN
Who cares about the dinner! You shouldn't
worry about such trifles, Henry!
now.
YERMOLAYEV
Who cares about the dinner?
HENRY
There will be no dinner here to-day,
He suddenly strikes the table again.
TIZENHAUSEN
Almost crying.
Oh, my God! What a misfortune, Henry!
HENRY
Yes? Here is a very strange letter, Andrey.
Either there's something wrong in this letter, or

·.
ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 27
I can't read it. Read it, Andrey, and tell me.
Perhaps I have grown blind
TIZENHAUSEN
Reads.
No, you haven't grown blind, my poor Henry.
Reads.
No, it's impossible!
HENRY
And does it say there, “I still love you"?
..TIZENHAUSEN
Yes, yes, Henry.
HENRY
So. Then I am not blind. And does it say there
"But beeause of the insistence of my parents I am
going to be married."
TIZENHAUSEN
Henry! She is already married. She is already
married!
HENRY
She is already married to a wealthy man. What
is his name, Andrey ?
TIZENHAUSEN
His name is not mentioned.
.

·28 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [Act I HENRY Not mentioned. So. And how did she sign it? TIZENHAUSEN Reading: "Your unworthy Elizabeth." HENRY Unworthy Elizabeth., Yes. Unworthy Elizabeth. Suddenly strikes the table forcefully. Unworthy Elizabeth! TIZENHAUSEN But my dear friend, my unfortunate friend. Carl Keep up your courage, Henry! HENRY I will not do it any more. YERMOLAYEV Henry, it isn't worth worrying about. Such things flappen in life. You will find a better bride for yourself. HENRY I will not do'it any more. But, Andrey, don't you find that it is written with precise exactness: "Un- ·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 29 worthy Elizabeth.” Who? “Unworthy Elizabeth." Who? Henry Tile. And who else? "Unworthy Elizabeth.” Don't you feel like laughing, Feklusha? FEKLUSHA Frightened. No, Henry. HENRY You must not laugh. I will not allow any laughter. But, Andrey, don't you think that the whole letter is written in very precise language ? TIZENIAUSEN Excuse me, Henry, but in my opinion—the opinion of an honest man—this is a contemptible letter. Yes. HENRY And in my opinion it is simply a very precise letter. Henry Tile loves accuracy-all his life he never made a mistake in a single kopek, he never made a mistake in addition, he never made a mistake in a single cipher, and now they have written a precise letter to Henry Tile. And it is signed: "Unworthy Elizabeth." Gentlemen, I should like to remain here alone. TIZENHAUSEN But how can you stay here alone, my dear friend?

·30 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I HENRY Never mind. I'll stay here alone, CARL If you like, I'll stay with you. HENRY No, Carl. I don't need you. Good night. Tomorrow we will meet at the bank. Carl I want to say a few words to you. Quietly: Here is some money, please take these people to a restaurant and treat them to a good dinner. CARL May I clasp your hand, Henry? HENRY It's hardly necessary, but, please. Press it firmly. CARL I am pressing it firmly. HENRY Smiling: No, press harder still. CARL I am. What do you want?

·ACT 1) THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
31
They strangely measure their strength. The
others look on uneasily.
HENRY
Are you pressing with all your strength? Press
harder.
CARL
I can't press harder.
HENRY
And I?
Presses Carl's hand.
TIZENHAUSEN
Don't, Henry. Leave him!
Carl
Henry, stop!
HENRY
Smiling:
And I?
CARL
Turning pale and shrinking,
It hurts. Stop! You'll break my hand!
Henry releases his brother's hand and laughs.
HENRY
You are very strong,
Cari.
CARL
I don't like such jokes!

·32 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I cuse me. HENRY Morosely: Excuse me, Carl. That was really wrong. Ex- Good night, gentlemen. The door shuts itself, so I will not come out with you. Carl, I ask you once more to forgive me. All go out ifresolutely, one by one, with different expressions upon their upon their faces, shaking HENRY'S hand. HENRY remains alone; walks up and down the room. Ņe is tall, wears a dark coat, with round flaps, gray trousers, neaily creased—his usual costume. All new and strong, and his shoes are also strong and new. His face is regular, darkcomplexioned, stern. His hair is short. He wears a small mustache. The house painters resume their song. HENRY stops and listens. HENRY What's that again? Who is there? What's that? Listens, suddenly strikes the back of the armchair violently. Stop!

·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 33 The song is continued. It is sung softly, sadly, monotonously. HENRY walks over to the door and shouts. Eh, you! Stop! Quit your work! Go home! He walks up and down the room again, pauses, walks again, looking at the door impatiently. They call this “Russian sadness.”' What nonsense, "Russian sadness!". Is there also such a thing as Swedish sadness? Then lofeel it too! Who? Henry Tile. Who? Unworthy Elizabeth?. And who else? And again Henry Tile, Henry Tile--O my God! Sighs, whistling, as one who has a toothache. The two house painters, frightened, slip by quictly in the dark like two shadows. Wait! It isn't necessary to work any longerit's dark already- you can't see anything. And tell your master that I don't need your work any more, anyway. Where are you going? This way, there's no one there. The door shuts itself. The house painters go out, HENRY roams about the room, going to unexpected nooks, taps on the wall, as though looking for some forgotten door. He gradually blends with the gathering darkness. .

·34 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT I I can There is no one there, and there is no one here. Alone. Oh, Elizabeth, Elizabeth! Alone! Now I can break everything, smash and throw to the ground! Throws something on the floor. I can destroy—and no one can stop me. destroy everything. Here is the piano. He strikes the piano forcefully, and it resounds. How it sounds! And if I strike it again? He strikes it again and it sounds again. How it sounds! When I banged the table, they were frightened and they cried: “Henry, Henry, Henry!" I suppose I must have struck it powerfully, for my hand hurts. They cried, “Henry !" then, but now nobody will cry. I can strike, break, destroy. Nobody will stop me—I am alone. And I can take the revolver from the table, put it against my head and fire. What then? Then I will lie on the floor until morning. Then some one will break the door-who? Pause. No! But she is already married. My God! My God! My God! She is already marriedalready! My God! I hadn't thought of this. What shall I do, what am I going to do all night ·ACT IN THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 35 long-all night. She is already married-How am I going to pass the night? It is so early, darkness has just set in. What am I going to do all night long! Elizabeth! Liza! Pause. No. Pause. Suddenly hts figure stirs in the darkness and he walks quickly. But that is impossible! I have forgotten! I have taken the apartment for three years. That's impossible, that's stupid—I cannot. Three years ! I am ashamed. I have made a nursery, but I am not so ashamed of that. And my apartment? My God! And I have placed music upon the piano. Music. I bought it. Yes. What was I thinking about? She would have played, and I would have been sitting quietly, listening. I would have kissed her hand. Perhaps it would have been just as dark as it is now. I would have taken her gentle hand and put it to my lips. How is it done? This way. Silence. In the darkness his soft voice is heard, full of longing: What a long night! What a dark night! Liza! Curtain

·ACT II,
Scene: The same scene as in the first act, only
the dinner table is missing. Nothing is
changed there, although a year has gone by.
It is evening and electric lights are burning.
CARL Tile is sitting at the writing table,
cross-examining Ivan, the ran servant,
CARL
And what time does my brother usually come
home?
IVAN
He has his dinner at the restaurant and comes
home about eight o'clock. He goes out again at
nine or ten.
I don't know when he comes back.
CARL
And when do you go home?
IVAN
At ten. Sometimes he sends me away earlier.
CARL
Did yếu serve in the army?
36

·ACT 11] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 37 IVAN Yes, sir. In the cavalry. Carl Ah! Fine! You look all right, Iyan, and you answer questions sensibly. Fine! IVAN Glad to serve you. CARL Fine! Well, does he go out every evening? IVAN No, twice a week. All the other evenings he stays home. Perhaps he goes out after ten, only I don't know about it. CARL Correct. Who visits him? IVAN No one. CARL Really? IVAŅ Only Mr. Alexandrov comes up very often. Carl Which Alexandrov? From the bank?

·38 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (Act II IVAN Smiling: No. They call him "Feklusha." CARL Ah! What do they do? IVAN I don't know. CARL You answer wonderfully. But what do you serve them? IVAN Cognac. Carl Much? IVAN Plenty. We have a large stock of it. CARL Indeed! I know this Mr. Alexandrov. Be careful, Ivan, that he doesn't steal a fur coat some day. IVAN Smiling: I'm watching him. CARL You are a splendid fellow. Now, Ivan, tell me: I suppose you have a key of your own for the outside door?

·ACT IN THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 39 IVAN Yes, sir. I have two keys for the back door. One is an extra key in case I lose the other one. CARL Correct. Can't you give me one of the keys? I sometimes pass here after ten o'clock. I want to get a book, and there is no one to open the door. Ivan I doubt it. CARL Nonsense. I am not Mr. Alexandrov, who may steal a fur coat. Here you have five rubles. IVAN Thank you very much. But I still have my doubts about it. CARL Nonsense! Here are five rubles more. 3 IVAN Here is the key. But in case anything happens ? CARL Of course, I take everything upon myself. You are a splendid fellow! I like sensible people. Here are two rubles more. Wait. Wait. Who's ringing the bell?

·40 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (Act II IVAN I suppose it is Mr. Alexandrov-it can't be any one else. Excuse me. Exit, returns shortly, followed by FEKLUSHA. Announces, smiling: Mr. Alexandrov.. FEKLUSHA Flatteringlyo Good evening, Mr. Tile. Carl walks up and down the room, without responding, as though not noticing Alexandrov at all. It is almost I suppose Henry will be here soon. eight o'clock. CARL walks silently, then stops in front of FEKLUSHA and looks at him fixedly. CARL I am dreadfully sick of you, Mr. Fekłusha! For more than six months I haven't come here once without seeing that simpleton's face of yours. Why do you snoop b'around here? You work for the police, while I am an honest man, a student ----you are repulsive to me.

·ACT I) THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 41 FEKLUSHA What will you do about it, Mr. Tile? • CARL I've offended him. "Mr. Tile!" Yes, I am Mr. Tile, and if you steal a fur coat some day, Mr. Feklusha FEKLUSIIA Upon my word, I'll complain to Henry. Why do you persecute me, why do you make my life miserable?. I work for the police, but I am an honest man--I have a family. CARL He talks of honesty! IVAN I'm going to complain! CARL And I will tell him that you are lying. Whom will he believe, "Mr. Feklusha? I'm bored. I didn't have enough sleep last night. Tell me some interesting lie. Ivan I am not a liar. Lie yourself.

·42 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (ACT II CARL Rude-rude into the bargain! It seems you have no abilities of any kind. That's terrible—to be a nonentity, a fool, to be unable to do anything, even to lie. And in addition to that, to have an enormous family, dirty children--to love them, and wipe their noses tenderly! Fool! And in addition to all that to be sensitive, to have a certain self-respect. Self-respect! And I suppose his wife beats him too-I can tell by his beard. Your wife beats you, Mr. Feklusha, doesn't she? FEKLUSHA I don't feel like answering you. CARL I suppose your wife is a very untidy woman. And you are not particularly clean yourself, Mr. Alexandrov. You are repulsive to me. Why aren't you just an insect? Then you could be easily removed with insect powder. We wouldn't have to stand upon ceremony with you. How absurd! · He walks silently, then stops again in front of FEKLUSHA, very close to him. Are you angry? Don't be angry. Believe me, I was only' jesting. Don't you want to look at me at all? Well, let me see your little eyes. I ·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 43 slept very poorly last night, I spent the night with a.woman, and I am nervous; do you understand, Feklusha, I am nervous! Under such circumstances a man will talk all sorts of nonsense. FEKLUSHA I'm not angry, but why should you offend a man like that? I haven't done you any harm. It's a sin, Mr. Tile. CARL It isn't right, I have already admitted it. Tell me, my dear fellow, what have you been doing here with my brother Henry? FEKLUSHA Nothing. Upon my word of honor ! CARL Since you give me your word of honor, I bow to you and am silent. But what does he do? Every man does something-what does my brother Henry do? FEKLUSHA I don't know. Upon my.word of honor! CARL Henry stays home, he has given up his sprees, and spends his evenings with a strange character

·44
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT II
like you. Don't you think Henry has gone out of
his mind—not altogether, but a little?
FeKLUSUA
Oh, no I don't think so at all. You and I
may
go out of our minds, but not he!
CARL
It is very interesting to talk with you. You have
such fascinating little eyes, Mr. Feklusha, and if
you are not a downright scoundrel, then I know
nothing about scoundrels.
FEKLUSIIA
Again?
CARL
Let us combine, Mr. Feklusha. Do you want to
make twenty thousand rubles? You can't imagine
it? Well, then, here is the proposition: Persuade
my brother Henry to insure his life for a hundred
thousand rubles.
FEKLUSIA
I don't understand you. I can't tell when you are
jesting and when you aſe not.
CARL
It's as plain as day. Altogether one hundred
thousand rubles. Twenty thousand for you, and
.

·ACT 11] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
45
eighty thousand for me, as his brother, and for
the idea.
FEKLUSHẠ
But, for that, he would have to die!
Carl laughs.
CARL
You are comical.
FEKLUSUA
But what is he going to die from? What an idea!
Henry is a strong man.
CARL
Laughs loudly.
You are very comical, Mr. Feklusha! You ought
to be in a circus. You are a clown!
FEKLUSITA
Rising.
I am going to complain to Henry! What do you
mean? Why do you annoy me like Satan? Satan!
CARL
Indifferently:
You are a perfect fooll. And there is such an
odor about you—I suppose you don't know what
a bath is. Fie! Go and take a bath. I'll give you
some money for a bath.

·46 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (ACT II FEKLUSHA I'll tell him everything, you'll see! CARL I Still more indifferently: Hold your tongue! I am disgusted with you. want to walk and think. Keep quiet-and don't disturb me: If you breathe a word about it I will tell my brother Henry this evening that you were urging'me to insure his life and kill him. Silence! He walks up and down the room slowly. FEK- LUSHA is silent. A knock on the door in the corridor. After a few seconds HENRY enters. HENRY Good evening, Carl. How are you you? ning, Feklusha. Sit down. Good eve- CARL Thank you, and how are you, Henry? HENRY Quite well. Have you been here long ? CARL A little, while.

·ACT 11 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 47 HENRY Did you come for money, Carl? I believe your month is not up yet. CARL Thank you. I still have enough. I still have enough. Besides, I have found a good pupil. HENRY Don't stand upon ceremony with me, Carl. I intend to increase your allowance twenty rubles a month. Féklusha, at yesterday's conference they decided to increase my salary by twelve hundred a year. FEKLUSIA Really? I congratulate you, I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. HENRY The management appreciates my services. CARL I don't even congratulate you, Henry-it is so natural. Yesterday I met Tizenhausen, and he told me that you have become ideal. He assured me that he had never seen such a correct, tireless, and perfect worker as you are. Everybody fears you at the bank.

·48
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
[ACT II
HENRY
Oh, yes, they are all afraid of me.
When I pass
by, they don't dare lift their heads from their
work. Yesterday I dismissed two clerks for not
being punctual. Yes, people have reason to be
afraid of me.
CARL
Of course, you don't include me among them? I
am jesting; •Henry. But here is something I
wanted to ask you seriously—I was talking about
it with your friend here.
HENRY
With my client, Carl. The Romans used to say
So.
Cari
I beg your pardon, with your client. I find that
his condition is terrible. He has an enormous
family, lack of means, lack of abilities.
HENRY
Well?
Carl
I don't neea any more money. Be generous,
Henry, give him the increase of twenty rubles a
month.. I ask you seriously.

·ACT 11] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 49 Pause. HENRY looks at his brother attentively. CARL is serious and modest. HENRY Good, Good! Feklusha, did you hear what he said ? Thanks to my brother, Carl, now you will get twenty rubles a month from me. FEKLUGHA Confused. I really don't know—My God! Thank you, Mr. Tile. I can't express my—but in the name of my whole family—! On the point of tears. The brothers look at him. Carl To his brother, softly: He is agitatea. Loudly: Well, good night, Henry, good night. Are you staying home this eveping? HENRY No, I have an appointment. Good night, Carl." The door shuts itself. Exit Carl. HENRY waits until the door closes. Mockingly shows with his face and hand how the door closed, and laughs' loudly! FEK- ·50 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT II LUSHA looks at him with a certain sense of fear. FEKLUSHA Henry, you were drinking this evening at dinner? HENRY I always drink at, dinner. If Carl were not my brother, I would have said that Carl was a-fool. (Laughs.) They gave me an increase of twelve hundred! They say I am ideal. Feklusha, they are afraid of me at the bank! FEKLUSIA L'aughs flatteringly. Very clever, Henry! I am amazed how you do it. Was it true that you dismissed two clerks? HENRY Yes. FEKLUSHA After all, I am sorry for them. Have they families? HENRY Whatever the situation, I cannot permit inaccuracies. They deserved to be dismissed. FEKLUSHA And what about the twenty rubles for me? Is that true, or were you only jesting?

·ACT 11]
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
51
HENRY
You are a rabbit-simply a cowardly rabbit. No,
I was not jesting. You will get twenty rubles a
month-but not long, not long, Feklusha!
(Laughs.) These foolish people at the bank are
afraid of me. I want to steal a million from
them, and they are afraid of me! I want to steal
a million from them, and, they say, “Henry Tile
is an irreproachable worker, he is ideal.” Isn't it
comical, Alexandrov?
FEKLUSHA
Sternly:
I don't believe it, Henry. These are only words
to test me, nothing else. Excuse me.
HENRY
You believe I am so honest?
FEKLUSHA
I don't believe anything. I admit that with all
your talen't you could easily appropriate from the
bank. not only one million, but two millions-as*
many as you want. Butz!
HENRY
Steal, Feklushal Speak as a friend-steal!

·52 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT II FEKLUSHA Still worse-steal! But what's the sense of it? What's the sense, Henry? I ask you with tears in my eyes, explain it to me, don't torture my head, don't torment me! Here they have given you an increase of twelve hundred and they will soon give you andcher increase-Henry, you are my benefactor, but I am absolutely convinced that you are just making sport of me. HENRY You are foolish, Feklusha. FEKLUSIIA I have heard that many times. You can't surprise me with that, nevertheless I don't believe in your plan. My God! My God! And why do yoụ talk to me about it? What sort of comrade am I to you? You have the mind of a cabinet minister, and what am I? No. I am absolutely sure you are jesting, you are just acting, as in a play. You are not going to run away anywhere! HENRY You are a fool, Feklushai You are all fools, and of усу knows Henry Tile with his great soul. I have a great soul! My soul dwells in a palace, and not in this. stupid apartment, where the nurnone ·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 53 sery windows face the sun! But let them be deceived-I am gladdened by the sight of the deluded fools. FEKLUSHA I don't want to know about it, I don't want to! Do you hear, Mr. Tile, or no?. I don't want to hear any more about it. For the past.six months, ever since you told me about it, I haven't slept a single night-upon my word! HENRY Why should you sleep? FEKLUSHA What do you mean? I once lived without care. HENRY Why should you sleep? I do not sleep nights either. Oh, I have slept long enough, and now I have awakened. Don't you see the sun that is shining for me at night? That is my sun, I have awakened. Henry Tile, who is fond of punctuality, who placed this stupid music upon the piano, who leased the apartment for three years, for ten years, for a hundred years-Henry Tile has awakened! Would you like me to play for you "The Waltz of the Dogs"?. Listen. I'll play for you "The Waltz of the Dogs.”

·54 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT II He plays it in the same serious, wooden, affected manner as before. Then he laughs. HENRY Did you hear it? . FEKLUSHA I did. You were drinking at dinner this evening. HENRY I always drink at dinner, I told you that before. But I see that you too need a drink to brighten up your dull brain. Rings. We'll have a little cognac now. FEKLUSHA Laughing, pathetically: Now I believe you again. How you say it, a little cognac. HENRY Not so loud. Enter Ivan. Ivan, give us some cognac-or-that would be finem let us have some Swedish punch. Quick! Exit Ivan. Do you like Swedish punch?

·ACT 11] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 55 FEKLUSHA I adore Swedish punch, but what's the use? I don't see the use of it. HENRY The use of it is that you drink cognac and punch, while Henry Tile is deceiving the fools with his arithmetic. And the use of it is also and I want you to take note of it—that in about two weeks from now I am going away with a million rubles. I will not tell you the exact day. FEKLUSHA Why should I know the exact day? But how will you go, if you haven't even a foreign passport? HENRY I have it. But listen: Yesterday I was again examining the railway map and I discovered that my original plan of escape by way of Stockholm will not do. I'd be caught in Stockholm or in Malme, I am a severe critic. I see everything in advance. I have another plan now. FEKLUŞHA What is it? HENRY I am not going to tell you. ) ·56 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (ACT II How many FEKLUSHA I wouldn't remember it, anyway. plans you have already told me! I forget them as soon as you tell them to me. What a head I have! Are we going to examine the map this evening? I like it-it's so interesting, it takes my breath away. HENRY No. Not so loud. Ivan is coming. Enter Ivan, with punch, which he puts on the table. Ivan, you may go home now, I'll not need you this evening. Good night, Ivan. IVAN Good night. Exit. HENRY Drink, Feklusha, brighten up your dull brain. It's excellent punch! FEKLUSHA If I could only brighten it up! To-day my little boy took sick---the measles, I don't know- I went away from home—there is nothing for me to do there. A fine father, indeed!

·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 57 > HENRY This evening we will go to that dirty little tavern of yours. I want to drink much this evening, to talk and see many people. But not fools! Feklusha, do you know that Elizabeth came to me twice and knocked at this door?, FEKIUSIIA No. Really? She was here herself?, HENRY Yes. The first time she was sent away by Ivan, and the second time I myself opened this door for her, I raised my hand this way and said to her, "Go!" She said, "Forgive me." I said to her, "Go, foolish Elizabeth !" and I closed the door. FEKLUSHA Drinks and laughs. I pity the women, they are foolish. But you loved her? HENRY Nol And we are going this evening to that little tavern of yours--I like the people in that tavern! FEKLUSHA Very well, then, let us go. I am ready for anything.

·58 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT II HENRY And I like you, too. With you I can talk as if I were alone. And yet I am not alone, because you have ears. But I am alone because these are the ears of a donkey! But you are sly--you are a very sly little animal. FEKLUSA How am ļ sly? What are you saying? I was dreaming of becoming a detective--why, anybody would escape from under my very nose, and I wouldn't even notice it! Eh? Drinks. HENRY No. You are a very, very sly little rabbit. I can see it. You have thought up something for yourself, you don't want to be a fool. Oh, you are a great scoundrel! But that doesn't matter, for I have already been forewarned by my angel ! Laughs. That doesn't matter! FEKLUSHA Stop this. Is it possible that you know all the trains and all the steamers? HENRY 0 All ·ACT 11] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 59 FEKLUSJIA Just think of it! All? And I can't even find the right street car, I always get into the wrong one. And is it possible that you need only two sheets of paper in order to get that million ? It's hardly credible! HENRY Only two. FEKLUSHA What a talent! And what kind of papers do you need? HENRY You don't have to know that, you foolish Feklusha. That's superfluous. But in about two weeks a certain very correct gentleman will be traveling on a certain steamer and he will have a million in his pocket. And traveling on a cer. tain steamer that gentleman will raise his hand this way—he will stretch it towards the distant shores and say, Good-by, distant and foolish shoreş! Good-by, apartment with a nursery facing the sun! And good-by and be cursed, and dead, and buried, Henry Tile, who loved order! Feklusha, would you like me to clasp your hand so that your bones will break?

·60 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS ACT II FEKLUSHA No. I don't like such jokes, Henry. HENRY Mr. Tile, and not Henry! If I see you again in any way disrespectful to me, Feklusha, my old comrade, the orfily friend of Henry Tile, I will not only break your hand, but I will break every bone in your body. Do you hear? FEKLUSHA It was unintentional. How could I allow myself to be disrespectful to you? My God, don't I understand the difference? HENRY Well said! Empty your glass and let us go at once to your little tavern. There you 'will keep quiet and drink until your eyes turn green, and I will drink, laugh, bang the table, and talk about the foolish, dead Henry Tile. Come! FEKLUSHA Rising. I was going to ask you something, since you are so kind. Of course, I am a married man, but why shouldn't we go to a certain house on the way from the cavern? The women there are ex- ·ACT 11] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 61 cellent, they are even intelligent. Really! It would be nice for you, too. HENRY Foolish and vulgar. You are a dreadfully petty scamp, you are a rabbit. Come FEKLUSHA Emptying his glass. Right away. Well, then, we won't. I am not a scamp at all. I• am simply an unfortunate man. If my child is ill—I am coming. HENRY Turn out the light. They turn out the light and go out. For some time the stage is empty. Then the door from the other rooms opens slowly, a careful whisper is heard, and two shadows, dimly lighted by the lantern in the street, move in the The restrained laugh of a woman is heard. CARL Loudly and firmly: There's no one here. They went away. You may come in. · Don't be afraid. room..

·62
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT II
WOMAN's Voice
Oh, I hurt my knee.
Laughs.
We are here like thieves.
6
CARL
I can't find the switch.. I think it is here. Wait,
Liza, don't go before I turn on the light.
ELIZABETH
No, don't turn on the light, wait. I am sitting in
an armchair. But I don't realize where I am. It
is terribly interesting. We are like thieves in a
strange apartment. They also sit in armchairs
and look around this way. Let us make believe
we are thieves, Carl.
Jestingly, in a threatening whisper:
Let us kill and rob your brother Henry Tile.
CARL
I haven't the slightest desire to play. But it was
stupid of me not to take along the Aashlight.
Where are you? I can't see you.
ELIZABETH
Here.

·ACT II] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 63 CARL I can't see anything, Liza. I am falling asleep. Another night like this and another day like today, and I'll fall asleep while walking. Strange! Aren't you tired? ELIZABETH Laughing softly: No. CARL And I- Yawns. Do you ever let your husband sleep? ELIZABETUL My husband-yes. But how interesting it is that we can't see anything. I don't know where you are sitting. What room is this? I am afraid to look at it in the light. I was in this apartment only twice. It wasn't finished yet, but Henry showed me how it would be finished. Tell meno, don't turn on the light, but tell me—here, over the piano, are two pictures. Wait, I recall, yes, the head of Beethoven and some "concert”-yes? CARL No. There are no pictures here.

·64 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS '[ACT II ELIZABETH And the rugs? CARL There are no rugs here. ELIZABETH And the armchair in the corner? CARL I don't know. I am telling you Henry left the apartment unfinished. I am tired of this, Liza. Why did you drag me here? What do you want here? ELIZABETH I want it. CARL If this isn't your usual foolishness it is a perverted whim. It's immaterial to me, but this is simply uninteresting. And if it is part of your program this evening to shed tears about the broken home, then pardon me—I'll fall asleep. ELIZABETHI I don't remember Henry's face. Does he resemble you? I can't recall his face. CARL Good night. I am falling asleep.'

·ACT IN THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 65 ELIZABETH You are dreadfully abominable. I am surprised that such an honest and honorable man as Henry should have such a dishonest brother. CARL And therefore, leaving the honest Henry, you became the mistress of the dishonest Carl? Correct! ELIZABETH According to you, I am also Carl Also what? First you betrayed Henry with your husband, now you are betraying both Henry and your husband with me. Well, your husband, of course, is a fool, but after all--and then, you are supporting me. You know, that is not particularly moral. ELIZABETH Turn on the light. CARL Gladly. Looking for the switch. Lizette, I don't understand, why you are so disgusted with me. You have just said'so tragically, "Abominable." There!

·66 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (ACT II Turns on the light. ELIZABETH is sitting in the armchair near the piano; she covers her eyes with both hands as the light is suddenly turned on. Carl sits down again, tired, blinking at the light. I am convenient, because you may say everything and do everything, with me. The devil take them! They have been drinking punch here. That makes the picture lively. Mr. Feklusha is managing his affairs quite nicely. Punch! ELIZABETH takes her hands away from her eyes and examines the room with fear. She wears large diamond earrings. She is beautiful. ELIZABETII This is terrible! This is terrible! Carl It is simply tasteless. ELIZABETH No! It looks as if a crinhe had been committed here. A crime was committed here. I am a murderess, Carl! Carl Nonsense! A woman's nerves! But something is here--a certain interesting odor. Crime!

·67 . ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS There's a word that should be pronounced cautiously. It has a magic effect. Ah, the devil take it. And the door. He has a key, he may come back any moment. Let us go! ELIZABETII Wait. I am looking. I love him! CARL I have no doubt. What wonderful diamonds you have, Liza! ELIZABETH I love him. Why have I done it? It wasn't necessary, it wasn't necessary at all. I have an enormous amount of money, but I don't need it, I don't need it at all. But at that time I wanted money-or didn't I want it? I don't know. I don't know! Carl, I'll give you ten thousand tomorrow, if you like. Carl I do. ELIZABETH I'll give you twenty thousand, if you like. CARL No, you won't; my dear. You wop't give me even ten thousand, but you will give me five hundred

·68 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT II
for this visit. I know you, my dear! But I am
not complaining. I am satisfied.
Walks uneasily.
Liza, my nerves are on edge.
Stretching himself
We must do somét’ing. Let us go driving like
mad in an automobile. Come. Meanwhile, let
me kiss your car-you have such wonderful ears.
ELIZABETH
1
Ears or-earrings?
CARL
Both. You are such a darling.
ELIZABETH
Don't dare!
Leave me alone.
CARL
I dare. And now this one!
Kisses her ear.
ELIZABETH
Mockingly:
Karlusha!
CARL
Quickly stepping away, angrily:
Please!

·ACT ] \ THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 69 ELİZABETH Karlusha! Karlusha! CARL Turning pale: I have already asked you never to call me by that foolish name. My name is Carl ånd not Karlusha. Please remember! ELIZABETH Also turning pale, but continuing to laugh. Karlusha!• Nol You are just Karlushal Carl Violently: But I ask you--seriously! You may call me whatever you, like, I will not be offended, but I can't bear this nickname. Do you hear? Don't irritate me. Don't irritate me! ELIZABETH And what will happen if I do-Karlusha? CARL Slowly: What will happen? My brother Henry will be tried for the murder of Elizabeth. I will choke you. Silence!

·70 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS "[ACT II . ELIZABETH Retreating, in a whisper: Karlusha, Karlusha; Karlusha! CARL Advancing a step, also in a low voice: Keep quiet. Will.you? For the last time- ELIZABETUI Hiding behind the armchair: Karlusha! CARL advances towards her silently. ELIZABETH retreats, without turning her widened eyes from him. Suddenly she stops and listens. Hush 1 Frightened. Some one is coming. Carl Also frightened. Where? Ssh! ELIZABETH Footsteps. CARL No.

·ACT 11" THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
ELIZABETII
Some one is behind that door.
Carl
Tss. Where?
Both are pale, bending, listening attentively.
Pause. The electric light is burning.
Curtain

·ACT III
SCENE I: Night. Fog. The bank of one of the
Petrograd cánáls. Lanterns are seen in the
distance. A cast iron gate is seen distinctly
in the foreground. Beyond it, the canal and
the other side are enveloped in darkness, and
enormous houses are outlined faintly in the
background. Lights are seen in some of the
windows here and there the lights are faint
and motionless like yellow spats.
HENRY Tile and FEKLUSHA are standing and
talking, half leaning against the gate. Henry
is smoking a cigar.
HENRY
You are drunk, Feklusha, you are absolutely
drunk. Your eyes are green.
Come.
FEKLUSIIA
I won't.
HENRY
Shall I call a cab? Then you won't have to drag
your feet.
72

·ACT IN THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
73
FEKLUSHA
I don't want to.
HENRY
I'll give you some more cognac.'
FEKLUSIIA
I don't want any.
You're .drunk yourself. 'I
don't want to go to your apartment-leave me
alone. I don't want to!
HENRY
Don't yell:
FEKLUSHA
I'm not yelling
Pause.
Let me go, Henry. I will go down on my knees
before you, if you like. I will go down on my
knees before you, but let me go, or I will shout
again.
HENRY
Alexandrov!
FEKLUSHA
I won't.
Why did
you take me along?
Cries.
I was hiding, but you found me—I can't bear it
any more. I don't want to go to shat tavern any
.

·74 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS {ACT III more. > I don't want your cognac, I want to go home my wife is waiting for me. .HENRY You are drunk.. Don't cry, it's foolish. Listen, have you forgotten what you wanted to do? Try to recall! Recall! You were planning to betray me when I run away with the money—in order to get one third. That would make you rich-rich I Recall! FEKLUSHA Well, I wanted to do it, but now I don't want to do it. I was driven insane by your maps; I began to feel like a bloodhound. I was running and running, without knowing where I was running. The day I met you on the Nevsky was cursed—I felt happy—I had found an old friend! HENRY Yes, that day was cursed. You express yourself precisely. Come to my house, come; it will be very nice there. Have you forgotten? We will light all the lamps, I will get some cognac. FEKLUSHA I won't go. That's my last word, Mr. Tile. HENRY Call me Henry ·ACT 111]* THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 75 . FEKLUSHA I don't want to. Either you run away with your million or to the devil with it all! To the devil! HENRY Very well, I'll run away. Have another drink, it's cognac. FEKLUSHA Where did you get it? Drinks from the bottle. Very good. And you? HENRY I'll have a drink, too. Drinks. FEKLUSHA Laughs. Fine comrades! The people of your bank should see you now-how funny! By God! HENRY Laughs softly They are sleeping, and they see in their dreams that Henry Tile is busy with his arithmetic. While Henry Tile is drinking cognac with Feklusha. Both laugh, swaying.

·76
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS '[ACT III
FEKLUSHA
Where are we? I don't know this place. Where
are we, Henry ?
HENRY
This is the Catherine Canal. And that is the fog
...and there is the water. Do you want to spit
into the water?
FEKLUSHA
I do.
Spits.
And what is that?
HENRY
Those are the lighted windows of the houses on
the other side. Someone is awake.
FEKLUSHA
And I thought only we were awake. Haven't you
any more cognac? I would drink some more. I
feel cold.
HENRY
Come to my apartment, and I'll give you more.
There is a little round table, and on the table are
cognac and punch. Are
you
fond of punch?
FEKLUSHA
Still obstinate,'but weakening,
1
.

·ACT I) THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
77
I won't go.
Either you run away right now,
or—1 Why don't you run away? What sort
of a thief are you? Upon my word of honor!
I'll throw myself into the canal, by God, I will!
HENRY
Oh, what a sly little beast you are! You are all
very sly beasts, and you want to be slier than
Henry Tile; but you cannot. He will deceive you,
Feklusha! I was jesting. You may run after me
night and day, but you will not overtake me. You
will lose .your reason altogether, your eyes will
turn yellow, you will be howling at the door, but
you will not overtake me!
FEKLUSIIA
My eyes are yellow now. And you are also drunk.
HENRY
You are foolish! I cannot be drunk. I drink
this—(Throws the bottle into the water) -and it
turns into fire, it burns like a flame. I am full of
fire!
FeKLUSHA
I would have run away twenty times.
HENRY
Oh, yes. You would have run away twenty times.
Another fool would have run away twenty times

·28 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS "CACT III —and twenty times the police would have caught another fool! But I am waiting. I am thinking and waiting. Oh, I have grown tired of making plans and upsetting them, but soon I am going to have a plan which cannot be upset-and then I shall disappear. One, two, three-Uf! Blows at his fingei's: Where is Henry Tile? Disappeared. Excuse me, he has put on a magic cap. Feklusha! Could you overtake a phantom? FEKLUSHA Laughing plaintively: Now it seems to me that I believe you again. You are a real tempter-a demon. I had better go home. HENRY Believe me, please, believe me! I have a remarkable mind which sees everything. You say this is the fog, and I am telling you that these are the wings on which Henry Tile will fly away. I have a remarkable mind; it thinks while others sleep. What is it thinking about? Everything! what dreams I see, what a happy man I am! Laughs happily. Excuse me, I pushed you.

·ACT IN] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 79 FEKLUSHA Never mind, Henry, that's nothing. HENRY That's impolite. Excuse me. Fools ask me, What do you do all day long, you are always alone? Why, I haven't enough days and nights for thinking! Thinking! Thinking! They take me to see gay women, they take me .as if I were sick and needed a cure, and they ask me, Isn't it fine, Henry Tile? And I say to them, Very good! What a wonderful orgy! Laughs. FEKLUSHA Also laughing: Are the women nice? Henry You are foolish. As if I needed women! For a trifling sum I can be immoral-how foolish! Listen, I am now thirty-four years old, and I may live another thirty-four years--and what if I should be old, that doesn't matter. The Popes of Rome are made Popes only when they are old that doesn't matter. And in America-or wherever I shall be, wherever there will be the man who will emerge from the stupid 'skin of

·80
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
'[ACT III
+
Henry Tile—in America I will invest my million.
Oh, I know how to handle money! I have a plan,
I have given much thought to it, I have considered
everything, and I know a dozen combinations
which will bring me a hundred millions in five
years. Is that good-a hundred millions ?
FEKLUSHA
What a question!
HENRY
No, Feklusha, that isn't so good—but a thousand
millions, but two thousand millions—that is good!
Then I could live! Then I could amuse myself!
On that I could have palaces, buy women, be the
benefactor of idiots, have a Henry Tile of my
own who would love accuracy—then I could amuse
myself! I will amuse myself!
FEKLUSHA
No, I don't want to. Leave me, Henry. My
dear fellow! Why did you take me by the hand?
Leave me.
HENRY
You must believe me, my old friend! You must
love me. I have a remarkable mind.
FEKLUSHA
I do love you,
I'do love you!

·ACT 1] "THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 81 HENRY Bending down towards him, softly: Silence! Do you know that I, Henry Tile, am a criminal? I am! FEKLUSHA Really? At last, thank Godb HENRY You can think of money only? No, it isn't money. It is women--it is little children who are still lisping, "Henry, Henry!" It is the murder of human beings, it is deception, it is betrayal, mockery, falsehood, cruelty--and what else is there? What else is there that Henry Tile has not yet tried? FEKLUSHA Faintly: Leave me. HENRY We are going to have cognac soon—you like cognac? Or punch? My dear Alexandrov, I will give you punch, yes, as much as you like. FEKLUSHA Again punch? I don't want any. Rudely:

·. 82 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS' [ACT III When did you manage all this? You are lying, you haven't enough money for all that. I don't want to hear any more of this nonsense, that's enough! HENRY Laughing happily: I'а am preparing myself, I must know everything. You remember how they taught us at school? I am preparing myself. I am painting pictures, 1 am a famous painter. I have achieved everything! FEKLUSHA Leave me alone. HENRY Be silent, or I will throw you into the water! I have achieved everything. They—these people ---they know only the body of crime, but I, Henry Tile, I have penetrated into its soul. Oh, how I know the soul of murder! FEKLUSHA I'll call a policeman. HENRY Keep quiet, you fool! FEKLUSHA Loudly: Po ·ACT 111]' THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 83 Henry closes his mouth. A light struggle, followed by a pause. Only the frightened outcry of Feklusha and the heavy breathing of Henry are heard. HENRY But I was only jesting. This is so foolish. 'I was jesting, don't you understand? You will not cry now, will you? FEKLUSHA No. I was scared. HENRY Of course, of course! You thought I was talking seriously, and you were frightened. Don't shiver like that, donet shiver. You are a poor little rabbit, while I am a wolf, isn't that so? Laughs, trying to appear kind. I am a wolf, am I not? FEKLUSHA I like you very much, Henry—you are my benefactor. Why should I cry? Sobs. Leave me, I am chilled, I may catch a bad cold.

·84
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS' ACT III
Yes, yes,
HENRY
it is very damp and foggy, you may catch
cold, my dear fellow. Your health is very poor.
You mustn't shiver. Don't--we will go soon.
Shall we go or will you wait a little? I'll wait.
FEKLUSHA
I am going in a little while.
HENRY
Oh, what a foolish little beast! He is shivering
But we will warm him up with hot punch, with
very hot punch, and we will have some music. Do
you like music, Feklusha?
FEKLUSHA
I do. Some one is coming. Let my hand go.
HENRY
Laughing:
That is the King of the Forest, Feklusha. "The
child, all shivering, is clinging to its father."
Who's coming ? Who wants to scare my little
rabbit?
Laughs.
That's nothing: It's a lady in a large hat. It's
a beautiful woman for a song, and you will be a
Don Juan to-fight!

·ACT 1]. THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 85 FEKLUSHA No. HENRY Yes, yes. You said so yourself. Well, smile, smile“-you are a splendid fellow! A woman with a large hat and bent wet plumes emerges silently from the fog. HENRY Good evening, beautiful lady. May I know why you are walking alone in such bad weather? The woman looks at them silently. HENRY Laughing: Don't be silent, Feklusha, you must be a gallant cavalier., Ask her. You are a Don Juan this evening. FEKLUSHA What shall I ask her? Aren't you afraid to walk alone, mademoiselle? HENRY Laughing: He says, aren't you afraid to walk alone? Well? Now let us hear the beautiful lady's answer. Well ? The woman is laughing and waving her hand.

·86
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS' ACT III
WOMAN
Good evening, friends. Are you laughing at me
or not? What are you standing here for, at the
canal? Were you waiting for me?
HENRY
She asks:
Were we waiting for her? Well,
Feklusha, answer. She is a very nice lady.
FEKLUSHA
What shall I answer? You are so 'strange,
Henry! Let's take a cab, and that's ali.' What's
the use of answering?
HENRY
Rejoicing:
That's it! There's a brave fellow!
Both laugh. The woman, after thinking awhile,
also laughs.
WOMAN
Are you drunk? Why do you stand near the
canal? I am chilled, I am going home. What
time is it?
FEKLUSHA
Happy people dor't watch the time. Henry,
what did I say? Happy people don't watch the
time!
3

·ACT W] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 87 Laughs loudly; Henry also laughs, clapping him on the shoulder. I WOMAN If you are so happy, take me along with you. am also happy. My friends have nicknamed me "Happy Jenny.” I bring luck with me wherever. go. They all praise me. Come, why are we standing here? The bird on my hat is afraid of the rain ! I FEKLUSHA Laughing Happy people don't watch the time? What? And what were you thinking of, Jennie? HENRY Approvingly: Yes, yes, Feklusha, you have let loose. But we must ask the beautiful lady about her price. WOMAN What's the sense of that? You are talking nonsense. Let us go, and that's all. HENRY Feklusha! It was Henry Tile who asked what is your price. He was afraid the price would be too high.

·88
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS, [ACT III
WOMAN
Oh, not at all.
HENRY
Laughing:
Yes, he was afraid! But we are not afraid
and we ask you to come along, Happy Jennie.
Now we are all happy.
FEKLUSHA
All! I like her. You take her. Jennie, do you
like cognac?
HENRY
Of course, she is coming along with us, of course.
And there will be cognac, and hot punch. Come!
WOMAN
But where are you taking me? I am afraid to go
to a strange place.
FEKLUSHA
We are kind people, Jennie-don't be afraid.
Henry, shall I take her arm? Jennie, your arm!
Oh, what a little hand:
HENRY
But you are a real Don Juan! Come. And I
will be your protector. Go, my dear children, I
will follow.
They go. Henry follows them:

·ACT III) THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
89
WOMAN
Where are we going?
FEKLUSHA
Do you love me, Jennie? I am a kind man.
The bank is deserted. Fog. Night.
Curtain.

·SCENE II: The same night. When the curtain goes up after a brief intermission, the audience sees the same unfinished room in Henry's apartment. The room is brightly lighted. On the table are cognac and fruit. HENRY, FEKLUSHA and "HAPPY JENNIE' are seated at the table, drinking. They have already drunk a great deal. The' taple is in disorder. FEKLUSHA, intoxicated, is without a coat, in a soiled shirt and torn vest. The woman's waist is partly unfastened, but she still wears her large hat with the wet plumes. HENRY Have another glass, Jennie. Please. And eat this pear. WOMAN Merci, I feel embarrassed. You are the host but you are not drinking anything yourself! HENRY Oh, no. I am drinking, too. Please-Your health, "Happy Jennie!" 90 ·ACT W] 'THE WALTZ OF THE DOOS 91 FEKLUSHA I drink your health, too! WOMAN I'll be drunk. Well, here's to the health of the one who loves ! They drink. . WOMAN I'd like to have some lemon. How much do you pay for your apartment ? HENRY Twelve hundred. WOMAN Including the porter ? HENRY Oh, yes. Including the porter. WOMAN That isn't expensive. And a nice neighborhood, too. Well- To Feklusha: What is it? Why do you pull me? FEKLUSHA Jennie; take off your hat!

·92 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS' [ACT III HENRY Feklusha, you are impolite to the lady, you should be attentive to her, instead of pulling her. Fie! FEKLUSHA Let her take her hat off! Tell her. Jennie, take your hat off! WOMAN What do you want of my hat? Let it dry... It'll dry better on my head. You're not going to buy me another one, anyway. HENRY And don't pull her hair! WOMAN It didn't hurt. We are having such a serious conversation here, and he bothers me. That isn't expensive, twelve hundred_not expensive at all. But you should let some of the rooms. What's the use of keeping them vacant? They're empty. Ah, you have filled my glass again, how quick you are ! HENRY «Your health ! WOMAN My health is all right. Now, really, the rooms are empty. And good rooms, too. Arybody

·ACT 11]. THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
93
would take them so many people need rooms,
and here they are idle. Put out a green sign in
front of the house: "Two rooms to let."
HENRY
And with windows on the sunny side that is very
important.
WOMAN
With windows facing the sun, why not? Write it
out and paste it downstairs, or the porter will do
it. You wouldn't have to bother. Do you keep
a cook, or do you have your meals at a restaurant?
HENRY
At a restaurant. You know, there is so much
trouble when you have a cook.
WOMAN
Oh, yes, sometimes you get a cook who will give
you a lot of trouble! But, oh, you men, how little
you know how to live! It's funny to look at you!
HENRY
Another drink !
WOMAN
think it's too much? I'd like
Merci. Don't
some lemon,
Don't you

·94
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS. [ACT III
To Feklusha:
Again? How annoying you are--what is it you
want?
0
FEKLUSHA
You came up with me, not with him. Tell her,
Henry!
Henry and the woman laugh.
WOMAN
Of course with you, with you. Well, give me your
lips. I'll kiss you-don't be angry.
FEKLUSHA
I don't want to be. You must love me, do you
hear?
HENRY
He is jealous. Feklusha, are you jealous ?
WOMAN
Jealous into the bargain, just think of it. Oh, you
fussy little goat!
HENRY
He is a very jealous rabbit I
WOMAN
Oh, you foolish Feklusha! Look, even your friend
is laughing at you, he is thinking, how foolish you

·ACT 111] •THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 95 are, and your beard is like that of a goat. Oh, you little goat! Strokes Feklusha by the beard; he laughs happily. FEKLUSHA Let go! Jennie! WOMAN No, I won't: Are you going to be jealous ? Are you going to be jealous? You little rabbit. I was jesting a little. Now I can have another drink: Have a drink, Feklusha! HENRY She loves you. WOMAN Of course, I love him, he is so funny. Well, you gaping fool, why do you spill the drink on the tablecloth? You're spilling it on the cloth, and it'll have to be washed. Be careful. To Henry: We've spilled so much, excuse us ! HENRY Never mind, that doesn't matter. Have this pear, please. Why don't you have some fruit? Feklusha, have some.

·96 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS' [ACT III FEKLUSHA I am eating. He is very kindhearted, Jennie. He is very kindhearted, isn't he? WOMAN He is the host, but he doesn't touch anything himself. HENRY Oh, no! FEKLUSHA I love you very much, Henry. I love hinery much, Jennie--he is kindhearted. I know him well. He calls me "Alexandrov"_and I come rushing to him. You can't get away from him- Oh, no! WOMAN Oh, I am tired sitting up this way. May I sit on the couch? It's softer there. FEKLUSHA I'll sit down, too. HENRY Of course, please. Alexandrov, why don't you help the lady? WOMAN Laughing, intoxicated: Or I am going to wash the dishes right away. I ·97 ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS am so foolish. Others do all sorts of things, but when I have had too much to drink, I start washing plates, cleaning knives and forks! It's very funny! I wash a little, but I smash a heap of dishes. HENRY If that will give you pleasure- WOMAN Oh, no. I I am not drunk yet. Ah, that's good. Sits down on the couch. And you, little rabbit, sit down, and I am going to tell you a little story. Once upon a time there was a little rabbit-his ears were long-Oh, so long! She tickles Feklusha's hand, he laughs and withdraws his hand. Henry looks at them from the distance. He is silent, as though not there at all. FEKLUSHA Do you love me, Jennie? WOMAN I love you, of course I love you! Once upon a time there was a little rabbit. FEKLUSHA Do you feel chilly? I love you, ·98 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS. [ACT III WOMAN I feel warm now-I was chilly before. Wait, I'll take my hat off. I'm tired of it-to the devil with it! Look at the plumes ! My dear, I had been pacing the sidewalks ever since five o'clockthat's enough to chill anybody. FEKLUSHA Laughs. And I have five children! WOMAN Laughing: Oh, you rabbit! What do you want so many children for? I had one, and lost it-and you have fivel Girls? FEKLUSHA Three girls, and one little boy died-Sasha. How many is that altogether? WOMAN Well, of course, girls. Just think of it! I had a 'little boy, a little rascal. FEKLUSHA Now, fet us count!

·ACT 111] •THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 99 WOMAN What's the use of counting? You are a queer fellow. What an accountant you are--counting his children on his fingers! Stop'it! FEKLUSIA You're wrong, Jennie. It's always best to count, or you may forget. Wait, I'll ask him. Henry, how many children have I, eh? Henry maintains silence, his eyes closed. WOMAN guess he is dozing, be quiet! Let him sleep a little. I FEKIUSHA Aren't you afraid of him? WOMAN Why should I be afraid of him? You are impolite to me, but he is very polite. I like him very much. Bę quiet, let him sleep. FEKLUSHA He knows how to count! He has a million! WOMAN Really?

·100 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (ACT IN . . FEKLUSHA Laughs. I am doing it purposely. I am sly, too. He thought I was 'away, but he is wise, but at the same time he's a fool, a big fool. WOMAN He is wiser than you. Are you wise ?, Let me see. FEKLUSHA I fooled him. Laughs. He thought I was away, but I was standing beneath his window every night. I watched all his tracks. He can't run away from me-Oh, no! WOMAN Don't shout! FEKLUSHA I am not shouting. "Alexandrov !" You'll find out the kind of man Alexandrov is! I'll make you wince I can cry, and I can dance, if I want to that's the kind of man I am. And if I want to, I can kill myself, and then, go and look for Alexandrov! "Alexandrov !" WOMAN You are just talking downright nonsense. ·

·ACT m) THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
IOI
FEKLUSIA
It isn't nonsense. You have no right to say that
to me. I'll hit you on the jaw.
WOMAN
What an angry rabbit you
are!
FEKLUSHA
No, I am not a rabbit. I am a man.
I am a man. It was he
who made me a rabbit, but I am a ran. I have
no ability, but I am a man. I have a heart beating
here, I believe in God, but he doesn't. What right
has he?
Crying:
I can't bear it any more!
WOMAN
Now, now! What is it you can't bear?
FEKLUSHA
Weeping:
I can't bear it
any
more!
WOMAN
Stop it, I am sick of it. Or I'll fall asleep, do you
hear?
FEKLUSHA
Kiss me

·102
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS' (Act III
WOMAN
First he cries, then he wants me to kiss him.
There !
FeKLUSHA
I don't want you to kiss me. Your nose is crooked.
Why did you coné here with a crooked nose?
Get out!
WOMAN
Get out yourself! Just think of him! You didn't
invite me here. Get out yourself! You 'nasty
little rabbit!
FEKLUSHA
Jennie!
HENRY
Loudly:
Alexandrov! Do you want some more cognac?
Now, now-no fighting. Don't raise your hand!
FEKLUSHIA
I am not fighting. It is she.
c
HENRY
You had a little quarrel? That's nothing. That'll
pass. Have some cognac, Happy Jennie.

·ACT III.THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
103
FEKLUSIA
Laughs.
Her nose is crooked, Henry.' The devil brought
her to us!
WOMAN
And who brought you?
Puts on her hat angrily.
HENRY
Oh, aren't you ashamed, Alexandrov? You are
offending our guest! That isn't right. What sort
of a man are you?
FEKLUSHA
Laughs.
The devile brought her here.
HENRY
Then you should be grateful to him, and not
angry. If the devil had brought me such a woman,
I would have said to him, Thank you! And I
would have clasped his hairy, honest hand!
Lqughs.
Oh, yes, that would be an honest hand! Orodo
you think that the devil cannot have an honest
hand? . What do
you think, Jennie?

·104
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT III
1
WOMAN
There are all kinds of devils, just as there are all
kinds of people.
HENRY
Solemnly:
Do you hear, Alexandrov, you fool? Drink, liven
up your dull brain! Drink, Jennie, drink some
more-drink faster!
Soon the cock will crow.
My night is passing, and I haven't had a single
one of my dreams. Drink faster. Swallow the
fire! Here I, Henry Tile, am swallowing hre!
Look! One, two, three!
Drinks a large glass of cognac.
FEKLUSHA
I too! Look, Henry! I too!
Empties his glass, coughs; the woman, laughing,
taps him on the shoulder.
WCMAN
So will I!
HENRY
He too! All of us! Drink faster, I beg you, my
dear guests, I beg you: drink faster! The night
is pacsing rapidly, but we must be faster than the

·ACT 1] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 105 night. Let us rush like wild horses. Do you know how to neigh like a horse, Feklusha? FEKLUSHA I do. What time is it? I must.go to work tomorrow. HENRY What work? You are out of your mind. What work are you talking about? Have you forgotten, my old friend, have you forgotten that you are working for me? FEKLUSHA I am done for! Drinks. Jennie, drink! WOMAN I'm drinking Laughs. You're driving us fast. They drink, loudly clanking their glasses. HENRY Jennie, kiss Feklusha. Feklusha, kiss Jennie. WOMAN Drinking and kissing!

·106
THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS, (Act III
HENRY
Quick. I want to see how a man kisses the woman
he loves. Just think of it, I have never seen it.
Well?
FEKLUSHA
Well?
WOMAN
Laughing.
There!
They kiss.
HENRY
More-more--more passionately! Ah! That's
the way!
WOMAN
Laughing:
What a queer fellow--he's never seen it before.
Now, my little rabbit, we are like husband and
wife----we kissed each other three times.
+
FEKLUSIIA
I love you.
HENRY
Good! Oh, I know something else. We are all
going to laugh soon. Wait. I'll be back in a
minute—just a miriute!
Goes to his bedroom quickly.

·ACT 11] •THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 107 WOMAN I am drunk, my dear little rabbit--the whole room is dancing before my eyes.. Laughs. What is he up to now-the flatterer? FEKLUSHA Kiss me some more. Everything seems to be dancing. · It's so funny! WOMAN That'll do. Let me rather stroke your head now. What thin hair the little rabbit has the crows seem to have pulled them out. Have the crows pulled out your hair, little rabbit? FEKLUSHA The crows. Henry Tile enters, with changed make-up, and changed walk. He has on a light wig, baldheaded, and red beard. His cheeks are very red. He stops and looks silently at the frightened woman and at Feklusha. . WOMAN Who is that? Listen!

·108 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS. [ACT III FEKLUSHA Look here, there's nobody here! Who's that? Why are you staring at us like that? Calls, frightened: Henry, somebody is here! Henry laughs triumphantly. HENRY Distorting his words: Permit me to ask you: Is Henry Tile at home or has he fled already? I am an Englishman-Sir Edward Thomson. I am red-headed. FEKLUSHA Is it possible? Henry! By God, I have sobered up! I was wondering who it was I was scared to death. Is it possible? Laughs. Henry and the woman also laugh. HENRY You didn't recognize me? FEKLUSIIA How could I? And your figure, even the figureand that red beard! Laughs. WOMAN And baldheaded. But why baldheaded? 4.

·ACT ] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 109 HENRY Look! He walks across the room with a changed gait, imitating an Englishman. FEKLUSIA Wonderful, quite a different man. I don't understand a thing! I am out of my mind. Is that you, Henry? HENRY I. I can change my walk, I can change my voice, and everything else. Every night I put on this costume, I look at myself in the mirror, and I walk up and down this room alone. I am practicing. Do you understand me now, you fool? FEKLUSHA That's what I call wonderful. That's really wonderful. Jennie, do you see? It isn't enough to kiss his hand-that's what I say. HONRY Changing. his voice: Don't you want some music, Mr. Alexandrov, and you, my beautiful lady? I am a musician, and at your service. FEKLUSHA I do, please, let us have it. Jennie, musie!

·IIO THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS. [Act II HENRY I am a famous musician. Listen, Feklusha, I will play for you "The Waltz of the Dogs.” Listen! He sits down with his usual affected manner, emphasizing it, and plays “The Waltz of the Dogs,” explaining as he plays: . Little dogs are dancing. Nice little dogs. Titata! FEKLUSIA Little dogs---well, well! HENRY This way. This way. They pull them by a string -they hold out bits of sugar-ta-ta-ti-ti-. And then the little dogs lift their feet-this way—this way--and they dance--the foolish little dogs. This way, this way! FEKLUSHA More! Please, play it again! WOMAN More More! HENRY No. That's enough. He walks away from the piano quickly; he stares at the woman furiously, and then at Fekluha, and'he stamps his foot.

·ACT 111] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS III Who am I? Oh you fools! The best musicians in the world will play for me, and I will step with my foot-I will crush their stupid violin with my foot, and will say "Enough!" I will stand with my feet upon your stupid music! 'Enough! The most beautiful of women will fall at my feet and kiss the mud of my soles, and I will stand with ту foot upon her beautiful naked breast and say, Enough! And she will be crushed while still kissing with dying lips. Enough! I will cry! Enough, you foolish, trivial, unworthy-creature ! ili bangs the piano with great force. WOMAN Oh, don't! Better play some more. FEKLUSIIA Don't, Henry, I am afraid! You'd better play -about the little dogs. Let the little dogs dance again. HENRY The little dogs? FEKLUSHA Yes.. Laughs happily. How they pull them by the string, and they lift their little feet, their little feet! Raises his feet.

·II2 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS. [ACT III HENRY Their little feet? FERLUSHA Yes. Please. I like it. HENRY Yes, yes. . Laughs. He likes it, he likes it. Very well, then, the little dogs. WOMAN AND FEKLU'SHA Begging: The little dogs? ... HENRY Sitting down at the piano; with changed. voice. Listen! I am a famous musician, and here I am playing for you the famous "Waltz of the Dogs.” Dance. He plays "The Waltz of the Dogs." Feklusha, raising his hands, and imitating a dog dancing, turns around easily on his toes. His face is serious and solemn. The woman joins him. •Raising her hands, she also dances turning around easily, as in a dream, Her face, too, is serious and attentive.

·ACT 111] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
113
Turning around his red head and red cheeks,
showing his white teeth, Henry looks back at
them, laughing and playing.
Curtain

·ACT IV
The same scene. Night. ELIZABETH, CARL and
FeKLUSHA in the room.
ara
ELIZABETII
I should like to see the other rooms. Would it be
right? I don't know.
CARL
Why not? Look around, if it gives you pleasure.
You needn't pay any attention to Feklusha. We
are friends now. But how fat I am getting, Liza
-have you noticed it?
ELIZABETH
Yes.
CARL
It's almost indecent. I gained aņother pound last
week, in spite of my exercise and horseback riding.
I'll have to get a masseur.
Mr. Feklusha, what
do you do in order to be so thin? You will soon
look like an Indian fakir.
FEKLUSIA
What? Yes. I have grown very thin.
114

·ACT IV] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 115 . CARL How much do you weigh? FEKLUSHA What? I don't know, I have never weighed myself. CARL, Liza, don't you think our friend Feklusha looks like a lunatic who has escaped from an asylum? But why don't you look at the other rooms, Liza? Gg. We will chat here. What are you looking . at? ELIZABETH Carl, is it possible that eighteen months have passed since we were here? Look—the same music. CARL Yes, Henry is conservative. I suppose eighteen months have passed I don't know. But Liza, I don't understand the charms of these heartrending recollections. In this respect I am a European. The Russians don't live, they only remember something and whatever they say or whatever they write, is always like a recollection. ELIZABETH And Henry?

·16 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS: (Act IV CARL Henry? I must say that I hardly know my brother Henry. Still, I am convinced that if he came in now, he would drive both of us out--notwithstanding the charms of your recollections. Make haste, my dear. FEKLUSHA He won't be here so soon. I know his habits. CARL So much the better. I wouldn't like to quarrel with Henry. ELIZABETH My husband is dead, and my child is dead, but here nothing has changed. There will be the head of Beethoven-when is it going' to be there? Carl, I am going into the other rooms. I'll be back soon. CARL Go. The switch is near the door, you'll find it easily. Mr. Feklusha, sit down near me. Exit Elizabeth. Feklusha sits down near Carl. CARL Well, Mr. Feklysha? Why do you smell of sour beer? 'You always think up something new. You .. . + ·ACT [v] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 117 look either sick or drunk. Why do you stare at me this way? Well? FEKLUSHA It's done. CARL What's done? FEKLUSHA He's insured. For a hundred thousand---as agreed., CARL Rising. Really? Where is the policy? Has he the policy ? FEKLUSHA The policy will soon be here. They promised to have it in a few days. I am telling you the truth. CARL Yes ? Walks. CARL No! No. You are lying, Mr. Feklusha, you are lying, I can see it! You are a perfectly unbearable fool—why do you lie to me? A queer man who doesn't understand his own advantage -and lies into the bargain. Or are you sorry to ·118 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS, [ACT IV lose the cognac you are drinking with Henry? But you have already drunk yourself sick--you need a hospital now your eyes are like those of a mad dog. We, the' Tiles, we can drink much. We e come of strong stock, but I wouldn't advise you to drink much more! HEKLUSHA I haven't touched a drink in a month now. Enough! CARL That sounds pretty strong for reklusha, but if that's the case, why are your eyes so half-witted? And what is it you like so much about Henry? He treats you like a scamp. Or is it that you are sorry for him, that you have human feelings? FEKLUSHA Yes, I am sorry for him. Why shouldn't I feel sorry for him? CARL Fie! Drop it! It's disgusting to hear you talk! Besides, I'll tell you frankly—I know something about medicine, and I tell you that in a year from now no insurance company will take a risk on Henry. There are certain symptoms, you understand, which I don't like at all I am afraid for him.

·ACT Iv] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 119 FEKLUSIA In a week-or two-the policy will be here. Cart Do you want me to believe that? FEKLUSHA It will be here. CARI I want you to know that I am not pafticularly interested.' I live quite well now, and soon-meanwhile, it is a secret-I am going to marry Elizabeth. And do you know how much money she has? Well. I suppose you haven't prepared that note either it's impossible to have any dealings with you. FEKLUSHA I have prepared it. Here it is. Carl Reading: "I ask that no one be blamed for my death. I leave no will. Give my servant Ivan five hundred rubles. Henry Tile." So. Was that your idea the five hundred for Ivan? FEKLUSHA Yes.

·I 20 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS, (ACT IV CARL You are a wonderful criminal, Feklusha. I take back everything unpleasant I have ever said to you. I know Henry's handwriting. This is a masterpiece. Most remarkable ! Is that his paper, too? FEKLUSHA Yes, from his desk. Give it back to me. CARL How old are you—forty? I must tell you that you have been forty years a blockhead! To bury such a talent in the ground! It's inexcusably stupid! With such a genius for forging handwritings you could have made a fortune long ago. It's stupid! FEKLUSHA Let me have the note. C CARL Putting the note away in his pocketbook. don't get that! Show me the policy, then you'll get your masterpiece—then it will be in safe hands. « Comprenez, Mr. Feklusha ? Oh, no, you

·ACT IV], THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
121
FEKLUSHA
Hesitating:
Very well. You are a great criminal yourself,
Carl.
CARL
Indifferently:
So-so. I must live somehow—money does not lie
in the streets. Give me a million, then you may
demand 'honesty of me. But to ride in a cab,
while others are driving about in automobiles
thank
you.
But there is one thing of which you
must beware-that's greed! That's what kills
people like us. Here is Liza. Well, how is it,
Lizette, have you shed tears there?
ELIZABETH
Carl, it is terrible.
CARL
What is it, Lizette? Ghosts?
ELIZABETH
Don't laugh. One of the rooms is only partly
covered with wall paper. Dust, lime, spiderwebs
-what room is that? I forget what he told me
that time—what is that terrible room?

·122 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS, [ACT IV CARL I don't know. Henry has so many absurd fantastic ideas. I think it's the nursery. Laughs. For your unborn children, Lizettel SEKLUSHA Yes, the nursery. In his excitement at that time, Henry ordered them not to touch the roomsuppose it has been neglected since then. ELIZABETH Go out, Carl, and ask Alexandrov to go out with you for awhile. I want to stay here alone. Do you mind? CARL Not at all. Let us go out, Feklusha, and chat. You are fåscinating like a bride this evening-I am really fond of you. Call us, Liza. They go out. Elizabeth remains alone, holding an embroidered handkerchief. She wears large diamond earrings. ELIZABETII How, strange! Three years have passed. My husband and ту. child are dead and buried, and here everything is the same as it was and the

·ACT IV] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
123
apartment is waiting for me. Who am I? Liza.
I have come purposely from Moscow. I came
here before I came to Henry. He was not at
home, and I waited. Then I could come in and
wait. Henry, I am waiting for you!
Pause.
Henry, I am waiting for you.
Pause; Elizabeth weeps.
I love you, Henry! I am happy to kiss the table
at which you sit; to kiss the floor on which you
walk, to kiss the room in which I did not want to
live. I? I don't know. Who else if not I? I
love you, Henry. I swear by the Almighty God, I
love you, Henry, and I never loved anyone but
you, and Ionever called anyone but you! You are
strong, and you do not forgive. You drove me
out when I knocked at your door. Go, you said.
Go, unworthy Elizabeth-you said, and shut the
door. And I went away.. I love you, Henry.
Weeps.
Why are you so sad, if you do not love me, Henry?
Yesterday you were walking along the bank of
the canal, you thought you were alone, but I was
riding in a carriage and looking at you from the
window. You were so sad! And I fell in love

·saw no one. 124 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT IV with you all over again, like a little girl---you thought you were alone--you walked sadly and Perhaps you were even crying, Henry? Perhaps you were also thinking of the unborn children? Oh, what terrible words-unborn children! Who were not born? Who did not see the light? Who were expected here and who failed to come? Who were not born? Who failed to come? Henry! Henry! Pause. Göd, make it so that my soul shall remain here, that it shall turn into the air that would embrace him! He will come home sad—and suddenly he will feel a certain warmth, he will smile and say: "Why is it so nice in this room? How nice! Who is kissing me? Is that you, Liza? Is that you, Liza?" Wecps. Your mother, who died long ago and cannot curse me, because she died lòng ago—she taught you to play; you were then a little boy and she moved your little fingers--you had such tiny fingers then. Afterward, you played for me~I was sitting hert, and you were playing, and you wanted me to laugh, but I suddenly felt sad and terrified. I sud- ·ACT Iv] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 125 denly commenced to hate you and your apartment. I commenced to hate your mother-I felt sad and terrified! I did not understand anything at the time, and I went to Moscow. But now I know. You were playing about the unborn childrenyour laughter was sad. Henry, why did you play for me? Who were not born? 'Who did not see the light? For whom were they waiting here-- waiting—waiting—and who failed to come? Henry!: Weeps. I love you, Henry! Werps. Kneels and lowers her head on the keys of the .piano. Thon rises, adjusts her hair and wipes her forehead as though driving something away. Calls: Carl] Enter HEKLUSIIA and CARL. . CARI Well, shall we go home? It's time. The devil knows what it is, Liza. I have just been boasting to Feklusha about my health--and suddenly I feel a most annoying palpitation of the heart ! Do you think it's heart trouble?

·126 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS, [ACT IV ELIZABETH I don't think so. Let's go. Good night, Alexandroy. CARL I don't think it's heart trouble, but it's dreadfully disagreeable. Well, to the devil with everything, I must start my massage treatment tomorrow! Good-by, Feklusha, and please don't disturb me the next few days. I am going to rest-come in to see me in about a week. Or rather I will write you when to come. ELIZABETH Come, let us go, Carl! CARL Wait a minute. I have waited for two hours at a time for you, so you may wait for me a minute. Remember, Alexandrov, I will write you when to come. But see that everything is ready, understand ? It is high time for you to stop being such a fool you have children. Well, let us go. hope we won't meet Henry now. The devil take your fancies, Liza! .. They go out. FEKLUSIA Says to Carl in the corridor: The door shuts itself.

·ACT [v] , THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS
127
Carl's Voice
I know. Good-by.
FEKLUSHA
Good-by.
Feklusha remains alone. IIe sits down at the
table, takes out of his packet an envelope and
a carefully folded sheet of paper; reads:
"I ask that no one be blamed for my death. I
leave no will. Give my servant Ivan five hundred
rubles. · Henry, Tile.” So. Very well. He thinks
that I prepared one note, but I made two--the
fool Karlusha. He is greedy, but foolish. And
he didn't see that his note didn't have the date,
while no one would write a note like that without
dating it-foolish Carl! And the r in the other
note is different from Henry's r-he didn't notice
that either in his greed. Such fools get caught.
Goes over to the mirror, takes out a comb, combs
his hair.
They're coming out! i
suppose
it's
consumption
I feel cold and I perspire-but I'll show you my
consumption !
He walks up and down the room, examining things
with contempt.
I'll show youl

·128 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (Act IV He tries to open the locked drawer in the table, looks over papers, and pushes them aside with contempt.. Order! Scoundrels! I'll show you order! Sits down at the table and shakes his hands. It would be fine to put a bomb under the Nicholas Bridge and blow it to pieces-so that all would fly to hell. Yes. And I could put å bomb under the whole city, a bomb of tens of thousands of pounds—then I would also be blown to the devil. No, why should I? A wire could be stretched as far as Shuvalovo and a button placed somewhere on a tree, in the woods—I could press it onceand they would all be blown to hell! I think I'll wind up in a lunatic asylum-I was turning round and round, and now I can't disentang: myself. Oh, fiddlesticks! Thoughtfully: They'll beat me there. They say they beat people there—they break their ribs--that's unpleasant. And the food, they say, is poor there--the lunatics don't understand, but as soon as one of them complains, they break his ribs. They say to him, don't lie! The lunatic has no rights whatever, that is very unjust. Of course a lunatic may be quiet, then no one will touch him. The wardens ·51 ACT iv] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 129 like the quiet lunatics. I suppose they also suffer a great deal. Oh, yes! Of course—quietly. Rises and walks ever faster. It's easy for you to say, quietly. Yes. It's easy for you to say it, but for me, it's dreadful ----very dreadful. He turns around the room sènselessly; muttering indistinctly, without noticing that Henry Tile has entered. HENRY Good evening, 'Feklusha. FEKLUSIA What? What? HENRY say: good evening. Why are you running round like that? FEKLUSUA I? Nothing. Good evening, Henry. HENRY You were muttering. Are you ill? FEKLUSHA Laughs. Was I? There was no one to talk to, so I was talking to myself. I have found myself a comrade just as wise as I am. I ·130 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS, [ACT IV HENRY What were you talking about? FEXLUSHA My nonsense is of no interest to anybody. I was just talking about domestic affairs. Is it raining? HENRY Yes, it's raining Sits down, fatigued. FEKLUSHA Henry, Ivan has gone out. He said you sent him away for the evening. HENRY Yes, I sent him away. Sit down, please, and keep quiet. Silence, FEKLUSHA What is it, Henry? Why do you look so paleare you ill? Perhaps you ought to see the doctor. HENRY No. I am well. I suppose I am tired - I had to talk a great deal at the conference to-day--I had to discuss business. I argued with the fools and I am tired. Are you going to stay long to-night?

·ACT Iv], THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 131 FEKLUSHA No. Just a minute. I am going soon. Pause. HENRY What a pity I have no fireplace. I thought of everything, but forgot about a foreplace. It's true, we have steam heat. Well? FEKLUSHA Henry! There has been a change in your plans. Even if you swear to me! HENRY Yes? Wait. What's this odor of perfume? Yes, I can smell it. Have you commenced to use perfume? FEKLUSHA You are inventing now! I can't smell any perfume here. HENRY Yes, there is. But that isn't important. What did you want to say to me? Tell me. FEKLUSIIA I have told you. There has been a change in your plans. Tell me the truth, Henry, I will kneel before you. I haven't been in church in five years, ·132 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS, [ACT IV but I will go to church now and pray for you. Tell me the truth! HENRY You are fond of kneeling. What truth? I am tired to-night. FEKLUSIIA Why, my dear fellow! We have been friends remember, when we were small, when we were at school together. Tell me! Spare my life, "can't endure it any longer! Weeps. HENRY You are also crying? Strange. For some reason I see so many tears to-day. I was at the station this afternoon. FEKLUSIIA Sighing, wiping his eyes with a soiled handkerchief, What were you doing at the station ? HENRY I was watching the trains. No, I was sending off a letter. And there I saw an old woman in a shawl, walking on the platform-she was aloneand she was crying. Strange! Thoughtfully. t ·ACT Iv] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 133 FEKIUSHA People rarely cry in the street. Only when they are drunk or when they go to a relative's funeral. Henry, listen to me-or I am going to cry again! HENRY Really? Don't. No, there is ono change in my plan. And beginning to-morrow you will have rest-I am leaving tomorrow. FEKLUSIA Reddening: To-morrow? By what route? HENRY Tss! It is hard for me at this moment to talk to you, my old comrade, but come in tomorrow and you will know everything. Smiling: But don't try to rųn afteş me--you'll not overtake me! FEKLUSHA Why do you say that? HENRY Yes, yes, you are a sly little beast !

·134 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS, [ACT IV FEKLUSHA A fool is not helped even by his slyness—he will only fool, himself. Shall I come in early-before going to the office? HENRY You may in carly. Now go home and sleep peacefully, Feklusha, my old comrade. Are your children well? FEKLUSHA suppose they are well. Why have you 'stopped drinking cognac? Henry, your face seems to have come I grown darker. HENRY I don't feel like drinking. Go. FEKLUSHA To-day is just a month since we had our last drink of cognac. Remember? Well, I am going, I won't disturb you. Quietly; Have you put you put the money away in a safe place? HENRY Ssh!, Keep quiet. Good night, Feklusha, go. Have you rubbers on ? It's raining hard. Goodby, till to-morrow.

·ACT IV] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 135 FEKLUSHA If it's till to-morrow, it's not good-by, but au revoir. Au revoir, Henry. Good night. And I tell you, you are doing well to leave this apartment! I never said anything before, but now I may tell you: Leave it as soon as you can! If one should stay here alone for one hour, he'd lose his mind, by God! HENRY Yes, I arn leaving it. Good-by. FEKLUSHA Good night. May I say another word? I understand everybody and I can tell people by their faces. I can tell their inclinations, but here I am looking at you. You are very stern! Softly: And if I didn't know your thoughts • Henky Ssh! FEKLUSHA With sudden fury: With Don't hiss to me! There are no strangers here! What do you mean? I can hiss, too.

·136 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (ACT IV
Pause.
Excuse me, Henry!
Goes.
HENRY
The door shuts itself.
-- FEKLUSHA
I know, Henry.
Goes. Hesory looks after him, suddenly stops.
HENRY
Wait. It's raining hard. Here's money for a
cab. Take it.
FEKLUSHA
Thank you. Why so much? You embarrass me,
really
HENRY
Never mind. Go.
Feklusha stops at the door, looks at his hand.
FEKLUSHA
Henry! I am looking at my hand and I wonder.
You gave me twenty-five rubles, but why am I not
rejoicing? Of course, it isn't such a large sum,
but if this happened before, I would have felt
happy. And now, I feel-or does it seem so to

·ACT Iv] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS 137 me after my tears ?—I feel as if I ought to get more for my tears. Or is it figured out right? Without raising his eyes: Excuse me. Exit. Door is heard closing. Henry is alone. He looks at the watch. > HENRY It's eleven. I must take off my collar. He takes off his collar, his cuffs, his coat, and placesothom carefully on the armchair. He walks up and down the room heavily and slowly. Ile tries to wipe the window pane, behind which the rain is heard. Yes. It's eleven o'clock now, and the sun rises at about seven. How many more hours of darkness? Many-never mind the exact number, Henry! Henry Tile, say simply, many! Many hours, much darkness! I have never given any thought to what people do when they end their life, when they kill themselves, and now I feel very strange, I don't know what to do. Perhaps it is necessary to sit at the table, and I am walking? I must sit down. He sits down, but soon gets up and walks again. No, nonsense !. Suicides don't think whether they ·138 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS (act IV should walk or sit. I suppose they walk around. But where does this odor of perfume come from? Such sweet, strange, sad perfumc. Women who are young and who want love, use such perfume. But their hearts are sad-sad perfume! Sad women, and Elizabeth-now I don't remember her, but there was a time when I loved her--there was something—there was sadness. My God! Why do I say My God? My God! I don't know anything, i don't remember anything, I drin't love anybody! A murderer? A thief who has stolen á million? Henry Tile who loved accuracy? I don't know. There was everything and there was nothing. Why did I strike the table with my fists, why did I cry? Why did Henry Tile write figures, columns of figures, an endless caravan in an endless desert? There was everything—and there was nothing. There was a strange man who tossed about, who shouted, who donned a red wig like a clown, who swallowed fire. And there was another strange man who worked in the bank, who dismissed clerks, who looked stern and who was known as Henry Tile. What nonsense- .'Henry Tile!" And who will lie in a coffin Henry Tile or the other one? And where shall I be? Here I have already thought about the coffin—white, with tassels. I am terrified. Is ·139 ACT IV] THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS it possible that all is ended? I am terrified.' Has this really come? I have lived and lived and suddenly this. This! How horrible! Horrible! This! No! No! I am not afraid. I am not afraid. Oh, beware of deception, beware of deception, beware of deception! And so, the coffin, white, with tassels, and some ose is in it. Yes, of course. It is dreadful to Henry Tile with his figures, it is dreadful to that other one who wanted to steal, to kill some one, to violate, who put on the stupid red wig of a rogue. But where am I? My God, great wisdom and love, answer me: Where was I with my great, sad and lonely soul? I am no more. There is no one. There is nothing. There is only horror--and this.-This. Henry, Henry, my dear, be calm; you knew how to strike the table with your fist, now you must be calm. Yes. Good. Yes. I am cold. No, I am not cold, but it is cold here. Why did I take off my coat? I must put it on again. These are the kind of cuffs Henry Tite used to wear. Forgets to put on the coat. But this is unbearable. These empty rooms have such a terrible effect on me—as though there was a murderer there. A murderereis hiding in every room and waiting. It would be well to turn on the ·. . 140 THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS [ACT IV lights there, but I'am afraid to go in. 'But here I can do it. Oh, here I can do it. He turns on some more lights. Now it is light. But what a queer strange room. And there is absolutely no one here. I smell the odor of perfume again--who has perfume here? Have the murdecers perfume here? May the devil take the one who invented it. I must go into the bedroom. Opens the drawer of the table, takes out, a revolver and examines it in a businesslike manner, puts it on the table. I must shoot myself where I sleep. I must cover myself over my head with the quilt, as though I were going to sleep; then I won't notice it. Yes. I must do something else—what? I have forgotten everything. What? Oh, yes. I must write a note. Paper, ink, ink? No! I don't need any That's nonsense. There was everything and there was nothing, and this. This. I must go into the bedroom. What 'have I forgotten i My God, why do I say, My God? My God, what have I forgotten? What? He sits down at the piano. Now I will play. “The Waltz of the Dogs." Listen, Henry Tile, I will play for you for the last notes.

·141 ACT IV THE WALTZ OF THE DOGS time my favorite "Waltz of the Dogs." My mother taught me to play it this way. He plays, at first loudly, then ever more sofily. Towards the end, ho breaks off a musical phrase, his head falls on the piano, and he sobs softly. Then he closes the piano silently and carefully, takes the ra volver and goes to the bedroom. He stops, and says impatiently: What else? Oh, what else? He looks around the room perplexedly. I must-I must-what must I? I must shut off the light, yes, I must do it. It will burn all night. Let it burn. He goes into the bedroom. A moment of silence. Ile foon comes out of the bedroom, without a vest-he looks for something silently, as if he has either forgotten something, or could not find it. He is looking for something and not finding it, having stopped thinking of what he was looking for, he goes to the bedroom quickly. The room is empty for a while. A dull shot is heard. Curtain

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