his friendship.
Nicolai
Have you made friends with him lately?
Arkady
Yes, quite lately.
Nicolai
Ah, that accounts for my not seeing him last winter.
(Pause)
What does he study?
Arkady
Natural science. But he knows everything. Next year he’ll take his doctor’s degree.
Nicolai
Ah,—a physician. That’s good. Russia can use doctors. Incidentally, Arkady, I’ve had a lot of bother with the peasants this year.
Arkady
Now that they’ve been emancipated. They’re difficult, eh?
Nicolai
Yes. They are being set against me.
Arkady (examining the garden)
You’ve no shade; it’s a pity.
Nicolai
But I’ve had an awning put up—
(He points)
We can have dinner even in the open air.
Arkady
What air though? I don’t believe there’s such a fragrance in the world as in the meadows here.
(Arkady is suddenly embarrassed by his own enthusiasm)
What would Bazarov say if he heard me gushing like this?
Nicolai
Of course. You were born here, so everything here is special to you.
Arkady
Oh, Dad, it makes no difference where a man was born.
Nicolai
Still—
Arkady
No. It makes absolutely no difference.
Nicolai (pause)
I don’t recollect whether I told you but your old nurse, Yegorovura, is dead.
Arkady
Really? Poor thing!
Nicolai
That’s about the only change here at Margino.
Arkady
That suits me fine.
Nicolai
Ah.
(Hesitates)
There is one change. I think it my duty to prepare you.
(Pause)
A severe moralist might regard my openness as improper; but after all it can’t be concealed—
(Nicolai is having hard going)
Of course, I have always had decided ideas about the relation of father and son— What I mean is—you have a right to disapprove, of course, however—
(He is helpless)
Arkady (easily)
Fenitchka?
Nicolai (mortified)
Don’t mention her name aloud, please.
(Pause)
Well, she is living with me now. I have installed her in the house—in two little rooms off the drawing room.
(Pause)
But that can all be changed.
Arkady
(who is somewhat amused at his father’s embarrassment)
Goodness, Daddy, what for?
Nicolai
Your friend is going to stay with us—it would be awkward. Not to mention your legitimate objections.
Arkady
Please don’t be uneasy on my account or Bazarov’s. He’s above all that.
Nicolai
Well, but, you, too—the little cabin is so horrid—that’s the worst of it.
Arkady
Goodness, Dad, it’s as if you were apologizing. You act as if you’re ashamed.
Nicolai (terribly embarrassed)
Of course, I’m ashamed.
Arkady
Nonsense, Dad, nonsense; please don’t. What a thing to apologize for! Please, stop—
Nicolai (changing the subject)
I have sold the timber.
Arkady
Why?
Nicolai
The money was needed.
Arkady
I’m sorry about the timber. But what an exquisite day it is today!
Nicolai
To welcome you, my dear boy. Anyway, now you are at home, we must have supper and rest.
(Bazarov returning with Piotr)
Bazarov
A meal would not come amiss, certainly.
Nicolai
Yes, yes, let us have supper directly.
Piotr
You wish supper to be served?
Nicolai
Yes, yes—
Piotr
The cook has been ready for Arkady. It will only be a minute.
Nicolai
Wouldn’t
