Redemption and Two Other Plays | Page 7

really loves
her, has grown accustomed to the idea of loving her, pour ainsi dire.
(Shaking his head.) I don't believe he could ever now care for another
woman.
SOPHIA KARÉNINA (sighing). And Varia Casanzeva would have
made him such a charming wife. She's so devoted already.
PRINCE SERGIUS (smiling). I am afraid I hardly see her in the
present ... tableau. (Earnestly.) Why not submit to Victor's wish and
help him?
SOPHIA KARÉNINA. To marry a divorcée? And afterwards have him
running into his wife's husband? How can you calmly suggest that a

mother accept such a situation for her son?
PRINCE SERGIUS. But, chère amie, why not approve of the inevitable?
And you might console yourself by regarding the dangers he'll avoid by
marrying this gentle, lovely woman. After all, suppose he conceived a
passion for some one----
[Convey the word "disreputable".
SOPHIA KARÉNINA. How can a good woman leave her husband?
PRINCE SERGIUS. Ah, that's not like you. You're unkind and you're
harsh. Her husband is the sort of man--well, he's his own worst enemy.
A weakling, a ne'er-do-well--he's spent all his money and hers too. She
has a child. Do you think you can condemn her for leaving him? As a
matter of fact she didn't leave him, he left her.
SOPHIA KARÉNINA (faintly). Oh what a mud-pen I'm slipping into!
PRINCE SERGIUS (amused). Could your religion aid you?
SOPHIA KARÉNINA (smelling her salts). In this instance, religion
would require of me the impossible. C'est plus fort que moi.
PRINCE SERGIUS. Fédya himself--you know what a charming clever
creature he is when he's in his senses--he advised her to leave him.
[Enter VICTOR who kisses his mother's hand and greets PRINCE
SERGIUS.
KARÉNIN. Ah, Prince Sergius! (Shakes hands with Prince--formally.)
Maman, I've come to tell you that Elizaveta Protosova will be here
directly. There's only one thing I ask you: do you still refuse your
consent to my marriage----
SOPHIA KARÉNINA (interrupting). And I most assuredly do.
KARÉNIN (continuing. Frowning). In that case all I ask is for you not
to speak to her about it.
SOPHIA KARÉNINA. I don't suppose we shall even mention the
subject. I certainly shan't.
KARÉNIN (standing at head of sofa L.). If you don't, she won't.
(Pleadingly.) Mother dear, I just want you to know her.
SOPHIA KARÉNINA. One thing I can't understand. How is it you
want to marry Lisa Protosova, a woman with a living husband, and at
the same time believe divorce is a crime against Christianity?
KARÉNIN. Oh, Maman, that's cruel of you. Life is far too complex to
be managed by a few formulas. Why are you so bitter about it all?
SOPHIA KARÉNINA (honestly). I love you. I want you to be happy.

KARÉNIN (imploringly to PRINCE SERGIUS) Sergius Abréskov!
PRINCE SERGIUS (to SOPHIA KARÉNINA). Naturally you want
him happy. But it's difficult for our hearts, wearied from the weight of
years, to feel the pulse of youth and sympathize, especially is it difficult
for you, my friend, who have schooled yourself to view Victor's
happiness in a single way....
SOPHIA KARÉNINA. Oh, you're all against me. Do as you like. Vous
êtes majeur. (Sniffing into her pocket handkerchief.) But you'll kill me.
KARÉNIN (deeply distressed). Ah, Mother, please. It's worse than
cruel to say things like that.
PRINCE SERGIUS (smiling to VICTOR). Come, come, Victor, you
know your mother speaks more severely than she could ever act.
SOPHIA KARÉNINA. I shall tell her exactly what I think and feel, and
I hope I can do it without offending her.
PRINCE SERGIUS. I am sure of it.
[Enter FOOTMAN.
Here she is.
KARÉNIN. I'll go. (Goes to back of sofa.)
FOOTMAN (announcing). Elizaveta Andreyevna Protosova.
KARÉNIN (warningly). Now, Mother.
[He goes out L. PRINCE SERGIUS rises.
SOPHIA KARÉNINA (majestically). Show her in. (To PRINCE
SERGIUS.) Please remain.
PRINCE SERGIUS. I thought you might prefer a tête-à-tête?
SOPHIA KARÉNINA. No, no. I rather dread it. And if I want to be left
alone in the room with her, I'll drop my handkerchief. Ça dépendra.
PRINCE SERGIUS. I'm sure you're going to like her immensely.
SOPHIA KARÉNINA. Oh you're all against me.
[Enter LISA R. and crosses to R. C.
(Rising) How do you do? I was so sorry not to find you at home and it
is most kind of you to come to see me.
LISA (R.C.). I never expected the honor of your visit, and I am so
grateful that you permit me to come and see you.
SOPHIA KARÉNINA (C.). You know Prince Sergius Abréskov?
PRINCE SERGIUS (L.--Heartily). Yes, I have had the pleasure.
(Crossing to her, he shakes hands.) My niece Nellie has spoken often of
you to me.

[Goes to L.C.
LISA. Yes, we were great friends. (She glances shyly around her.) And