Savva and the Life of Man - LightNovelsOnl.com
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LIPA
What is the matter, Va.s.sya? What are you so excited about?
FRIAR
Everything was so nice and fine. Oh, my! Why _don't_ you go home, Miss Olympiada? Do go, please. You have seen all there is to be seen. It's enough. What can you gain by staying here? Come, I'll go with you. Oh, G.o.d, there comes Mr. Savva again!
LIPA
Where?
FRIAR
There he is. For heaven's sake!
SAVVA _(enters and sits down)_
Has Kondraty been here?
FRIAR
No, Mr. Savva.
_[Pause. Again the piteous singing of the blind can be heard._
SAVVA
Got a cigarette, Va.s.sya?
FRIAR
No, I haven't. I don't smoke.
LIPA _(harshly)_
What are you waiting for, Savva? Go away. You are not wanted here.
Look at yourself. You are a terrible sight. Your face is black.
SAVVA
I didn't sleep all last night. That's why it's black.
LIPA
What are you waiting for?
SAVVA
For an explanation.
LIPA
You don't believe in the miracle?
SAVVA _(smiling)_
Va.s.sya, do you believe in the miracle?
FRIAR
Yes, of course I do, Mr. Savva.
SAVVA
Wait. You'll find out. What are they doing down there? They have already crushed three to death.
FRIAR Three?
SAVVA
And they'll kill many more. And they all keep shouting: "A miracle, a miracle!" At last it has come. They have got what they have been waiting for at last.
LIPA
And it's you, Savva, who gave them the miracle. It's you who are to be thanked for it.
SAVVA _(gloomily)_
Well, Va.s.sya, the monks are glad, aren't they? Tell me, don't be afraid.
FRIAR
They are very glad, Mr. Savva. They are crying.
SAVVA _(looking at him)_
_Crying?_ Why are they crying?
FRIAR
I don't know. I suppose for joy. Father Kirill grunts like a pig "Oui, oui, oui." They all act as if they were drunk.
SAVVA _(rising, agitated)_
As if they were drunk? What does that mean? Perhaps they really are drunk.
FRIAR
Oh no, Mr. Tropinin. It's all on account of the miracle. They are mad with joy. Father Kirill keeps grunting "Oui, oui, oui." He vows that if he remains alive he'll swear off liquor and live as a hermit.
