Ctfi LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, ©N -..iap^ttB^la. Sh.elf..z:4.Jii«? UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. DRA6HKOV RUSSIAN DRAMA Five Acts by FLORENCE T. DONNELL \ New York: Press of William R. Jenkins. 851 & 853 Sixth Aye. 1890. DRA6HKOV RUSSIAN DRAMA Five Acts " y FLORENCE T. DONNELL. Copyrighted, 1890, by Florence T. Donnell. " PRESS OF WILLIAM R. JENKINS, 851 & 853 Sixth Ave., New York. CHARACTEES. Nihilists. DIMITRI MICHAELOVICH DRACHKOV, the Gen eral G overnor of Kiev. IVAN VASSILIEVICH STROGONOV, SERGE IVANOVICH MILUTINE, VASSILI PETROVICH OBRENOV, PRINCE VLADIMIR STRAKOVSKI, aide de camp of the General Governor. CONSTANTINE REMIROV, ) Tj nder i nspe ctors of NICHOLAS DIMITROVICH, j Police at Kiev. BARON RAPSKINE, Envoy of the Minister of the Interior. MATVEI, valet of Drachkov. OLGA IVANOVNA MILUTINE, Serge's sister. Time : 1884. Place : Kiev, Government of Kiev, European Russia. Act I, The Conspiracy. " II, The General Governor. " III, Nihilism and Nature. " IV, The Betrayal. " V, The Vengeance. TMP92-009116 DRACHKOV. ACT I. Large, sparsely furnished room. Table in centre, with chairs placed regularly around it, somewhat as in a committee-room. Pamphlets and newspapers scattered upon it. Stands of books left, and small printing press right. Large, white porcelaine stove right. Engravings and maps on walls. Door, 1. f. ; window, r. f., with view of the roofs and bulbous minarets of a Russian church. Approaching dusk, outside, with falling snow. SCENE I. IVAN and VASSILI seated. Vassili on the I. and Ivan on the r. of the table. Vassili. — You who have so much influence with Ol^a Ivanovna, you her brother's best friend, could you not say a word in my favor, tell her how I love her, how Ivan, rising indignantly, and pushing his chair noisily aside. — Well, you are suited, Vassili Petrovich, to be entrusted with the momentous interests of a solemn cause, you who have no thoughts but for the idle love- dreams of a sickly boy. When I tell you that if the present state of things but continues a few months longer we will have to shut up the last free printing- press in Kiev, you answer with abstracted glances and wandering eyes, or with some encomium of the graces 4 DRACHKOV. and charms of Serge's sister. When I tell you that if Drachkov but remains General Governor a year longer the holy cause of revolt and destruction will be dead in south-eastern Russia, you respond with some wild project of wedding Olga Ivanovna, covering your disgraceful folly with hypocritical talk about serving the interests of the propaganda by so sage an alliance. Vassili. — And why should it be a disgraceful folly to love Olga Ivanovna? Why should it be hypocritical madness to desire to wed her ? Could we not serve the cause better together than separately ? Surely you will not deny the distinction and grace of Olga, her un- selfish devotion to freedom and progress ; and my fidelity, surely you do not doubt that ? Ivan. — Your fidelity, no ; your intelligence, yes ; besides, I have other projects for Olga — other uses for her talents and devotion . Vassili, angrily. — Other uses for her talents and devo- tion ! You who think you can dispose of every one as a master, do you claim authority over Olga Ivanovna aJso? Ivan. — Ah! I think you even honor me with your jealousy, as if I had aught to do with such follies. Vassili. — But then you whom Olga so respects— so believes in, could you not say one word in my behalf- one word of reason and persuasion ? Ivan. — I make a marriage ! I was born into the world to destroy institutions, not to add to their slaves : and what will come after the great destruction, I know not ; perhaps if I did, I should not have the courage to work for it. But a truce to idle musings ; I believe I ACT I. 5 have caught a hesitating sentimentality from this silly talk. In our great and terrible task we have no time to waste ; and so to serious things. Do you know anything of the new affiliate, Nicholas Dimitrovich, whom Serge is to bring to us to-night? Vassili. — Only what Serge tells me of their meeting. It was Christmas morning. Ivan. — Christmas morning! He has not known him even four weeks, and yet brings him here, to the head- centre of all our propaganda for the governments of Kiev and Vollrynia, brings him here to discover our printing press, to learn our methods of work, our plans for the future, perhaps in order to betray us to the authorities, perhaps in order to give us up to the ven- geance of Drachkov. Vassili. — Ah, that I do not believe, for he hates the General Governor with a bitter hatred. Ivan. — And might he not affect that hatred in order the better to cover his plans? Who knows but he may be a paid agent, a spy of Drachkov? Ah, you have been easy dupes. Vassili, — Not as easy as you think. I will tell you about their first meeting and then you will judge if he is not sincere. Serge and his sister were walking up Vladimir street to their home, jostled by the immense crowd (coming from the old cathedral) — larger than usual at this season of the year when there are so many pilgrims in the city. Suddenly the two mounted cossacks who always precede the Governor's sleigh, came rushing down the Perspective, scattering the terror-struck crowd, who huddled back, like frightened sheep, against the side walks. Then came the sleigh with its three 6 DRACHKOV. horses abreast, dashing, at a mad pace, their bells tink- ling through the clear, cold air ; the hugh coachman on the box wrapped in his comfortable furs, clacking his long whip wildly, and recklessly driving on the masses of people while Drachkov sat within, stiff and straight, haughty and hard, answering a fugitive cheer of the stupid moujicks with an impassible military salute. Ivan. — Well, what of that? Have we not all seen that pompous spectacle before, and too often, too? Vassili. — But I had to tell you all that, to make you understand what follows. In the rush and skurry many found difficulty in escaping from the heels of the advanc- ing horses ; among them a little blond-haired fellow of about seven years of age who seemed to loose his head from confusion and fright, ran hither and thither, and would infallibly have been trampled lifeless if a man from the crowd had not rushed forward and, at the risk of his life, dragged him away just as the hoofs of the horses grazed his prostrate body. Ivan. — And that man was Nicholas Dimitrovich, I suppose ? Vassili. — Yes, you are right ; but wait, and you will see if he is really sincere . Drachkov rose quickly to his feet and ordered the coachman to halt, then cast his eyes on the sidewalk to the left from which came the sound of piercing cries. It was the mother of the little boy who, perceiving her child's danger, frantic with fright, would have rushed forward herself if she had not been held by Olga Ivanovna, who tried to console her. Ivan. — Well, what followed ? ACT t 7 Vassili. — Drachkov looked at the poor mother and Olga with such a strange, piercing glance, as if he were indignant at them for showing so much feeling. But Olga looked back at hirn proudly, her beautiful eyes flashing with indignation. Ivan. — Hum! so he stared at Olga, did he? Well, go on. Vassili. — Then he motioned with a short, imperious gesture to Nicholas Demitrovich (who had just carried the child back to his mother), and calling him to the back of the sleigh, spoke a few words to him, gave him some money for the poor mother, then — with the same impassible, haughty air, the same absence of excitement as if a human life risked were too small a trifle for a moment's thought — he gave the order to start, and the cortege rattled out of sight at a brisk trot. Ivan. — Continue ; I think I begin to understand it. Nicholas Dimitrovich, when he gave the mother her money, addressed some polite words to Olga Ivanovna. Is it not so ? Vassili. — Not at all. But Serge, who was there, con- gratulated him upon his heroism and, with his usual frankness, expressed a vehement indignation at the indifference and the careless brutality of the coachman. Ivan. — And Nicholas Dimitrovich answered in the same strain ? Vassili. — Oh, he was much more emphatic. He said that men like Drachkov could not be expected to have any feeling for the woes of the people ; and much more to the same effect. Then he walked home with Serge 8 ► DRACHKOV. and Olga. Serge asked him to come and see them, and he has been there almost every evening since. Ivan. — And of what did he talk ? Vassili. — Oh, while he played cards with Serge, he talked of the vices of the present administration ; of the future of Russia and, above all, of the harsh and resolute character of the present General Governor. It seems he has a cousin who was formerly in Drachkov's service — knew him in his youth, and has told Nicholas Dimitrovich of all his peculiarities. Ivan. — That is well. I may obtain some information from him, but I shall watch him closely ; and you, Vassili Petrovich, be cautious. (Noise of footsteps behind the scenes. Ivan starts forivard and listens at the door ; Vassili rises hastily.) Quick, put away the pamphlets and cover the printing press. ( Vassilli hastily gathers up pamphlets and papers and throws table-cover over printing pyress.) Ah, it is Serge and his sister : I recognize their steps ; but there is some one else with them. (Four knocks on the door : one, slowly ; then two, quicky ; then, after a short interval, another, slowly.) Who is there? Voice of Serge, from the outside. — Brothers in destruc- tion and danger, avengers in exile and death. Enter Serge, Olga, and Nicholas. SCENE II. SERGE, OLGA, NICHOLAS, VASSILI, and IVAN. (Serge takes Nicholas by the hand and advances towards Ivan and Vassili who stand in the c; backs toward the c. ACT I, 9 Serge. — Salutations, friends. I bring you a new associate, Nicholas Diniitrovich, whose amiabilit} r , talents and enthusiastic devotion to our sacred cause will, I trust, win him all the consideration he deserves. Olga. — And whose courage and humanity will be an honor to our brotherhood. Ivan. — You are welcome, Nicholas Demitrovich — received with a generous confidence. You will be recompensed, if faithful by esteem and fidelity ; if un- faithful, by a remorseless punishment from which no power — however highly placed, however deeply rooted — will be able to protect you. Nicholas. — Be assured of it, those to whom I really owe fidelity I shall never betray. ( Olga seated near table, I. c. , Vassili standing behind her. Serge, Ivan, and Nicholas nearer the foreground, I. Nicholas takes out a cigarette case and offers a cigarette to Ivan, who refuses ; and one to Serge, who accepts. ) Olga. — Oh, that Drachkov ! How can any one who wields so much power — who could make so many human beings happy — be so harsh and cruel. Vassili. — And what are other human beings to him if he can reach wealth, glory, and the favor of the Czar. Nicholas. — Dimitri Michaelovich was born rich, and has gained much glory in his profession ; since a sixteen- year old officer from the school of pages he won the cross of Saint George in the trenches of Sebastopol. Ivan. — For so determined a liberal, you seem strangely enthusiastic about our military despot, Nicholas Demi- trovich. 10 DRACHKOV. Serge. — Bat if you could only hear him talk when he is with us, how enthusiastic and sympathetic he is. Nicholas. — Those who underate their adversaries may wreck their cause. Is it not to your interest to know the real character of Drachkov? Ivan. — And what is it — this real character ? They say you have a cousin who was in his service in his youth. It is in youth that the real character shows. What sort of a young man was Drachkov — a man of pleasure like most of his kind ? Nicholas. — A man of work, rather — full of energy and ambition, though they say he had what people have agreed to call a tempestuous youth. Ivan. — In plain Russian that means a youth of vile and vulgar pleasures. Nicholas. — You may call it anything you like ; but, if a stormy, it was a very short one. Ivan. — And where did these tempests waft him — to the gaming table or the boudoir? Nicholas, smiling. — To the boudoir, I think ; but that is all ancient history. Ivan. — No history is too ancient which gives us a clue to the present. (Aside.) And he stared at the beautiful Olga. Nicholas. — However sincere a servant of a good cause I may be, I will yet warn you that it will be exceedingly difficult to trap Drachkov by any weaknesses he may possess, for he has an iron self-control. (Aside.) What are they aiming at? ACT t 11 Ivan, rising, and crossing towards r, near the back- ground. — Come this way, Serge, I have a little private matter to discuss with you — an affair that concerns you only. Meanwhile we will leave Nicholas Dimitrovich to continue his panegyric of his hero to Olga Jvanovna ; she will scarcely receive it as patiently as I. (As he goes up towards the background, he glances back at Nicholas who has joined the group formed by Vassili and Olga in the c.) The miserable spy, as if I did not see through him like glass. (Olga still seated near the table in c. ; Vassili standing behind, her chair, facing the audience. Nicholas, I. c. , facing Olga, his side being toward the audience.) Nicholas. — Surely, Olga Ivanovna has too upright a mind not to respect accuracy even if it makes her task more difficult. (Aside, glancing at Serge and Ivan.) What can they be plotting there ? Olga. — But why do you talk so differently now of the hard and cruel man who governs us here, you who shared all my brother's opinions and mine of his harsh- ness — his cruel, domineering and despotic spirit which cannot endure that there should exist any personal dignity or enlightenment where it has sway? Nicholas. — And I would not dispute your opinion s now. I have but tried to impress upon your friends that any other means of propaganda would be more successful than those which would jar against the strong and centralized character of Drachkov. Vassili. — But, you an intelligent man, how can you tolerate one who would strike at all liberty of thought — all freedom of expression. 12 • DRACHKOV. Nicholas. — To judge justly is not always to admire. But you, Olga Ivanovna, what is the cause of your fervent hatred of Drachkov ? Olga, rising. — What is the cause of my hatred of Drachkov! What is the cause of my hatred of all those who would trample under foot human dignity and human hopes ? It is because I love humanity ; because I have boundless and splendid hopes for its future. The more humble, the more dark, the more lowly the poor living creatures the more tenderly do I sympathize with them — the more magnificient and exquisite does their future appear in the transfigurations of my dreams. I hate Drachkov ; I hate all their oppressors — all those who would keep them in darkness, not so much for the poor joys of the dull present, of which they would deprive them, as for the dazzling and all- compensating future they would filch from them : for I believe in the future ; I believe in the justice of nature ; I believe in all beautiful, grand, and charming things. Nicholas. — Then you are a romantic, and not a nihilist. Ivan, who has listened to Olga's tirade, advancing. — And I believe in the present and the work it brings to us — the duty it dictates ; and so, Vassili Petrovich, and you, Nicholas Dimitrovich, you may both render us an important service by going down the first flight of stairs and waiting at the landing to see that no one mounts up here to disturb us. L o Vassili. — And why should I not be present at your conference? What projects can you share with Olga and her brother that you would conceal from me ? ACT 1. 13 Nicholas. — Come Vassili Petrovich, I am sure I am eager to perform a first service, come. Vassili, to Olga. — Promise me that you will not engage yourself to anything imprudent, that you will not let Ivan influence you against me, Olga. — That I cannot promise, Vassili Petrovich, for how can we think of prudence, when it may be a ques- tion of duty. But I shall not be easily influenced against you, for I have a very indulgent, and kindly feeling for you Vassili. Vassili. — Oh ! you are cruel, and you expect me to go down there ignorant of what may be done, or said here, even if it should wreck all my hopes of happiness, and ruin my life. Serge. — And are you not willing to render your friends this slight service ? Ivan, catching Vassili by the arm, and drawing him aside. — And do you not see that we suspect that man, that our safety, our lives, our whole cause may depend upon his being kept away for the next few minutes. Go down there with him, and do not lose sight of him for a second. Vassili. — And you will promise not to injure me with Olga Ivanovna. Ivan. — Silence, no more of this nonsense, I will not endure it. Go ! {Pushes forward Vassili, who advances sullenly.) Nicholas, catching Vassili by the arm, and drawing him towards the door. — Come ! come ! if it is a service to be rendered, let it be done quickly. {Exeunt Nicholas and Vassili sullenly, glancing back hesitatingly at Olga.) 14 DRACHKOV. SCENE III. SERGE, OLGA and IVAN. Ivan. — Olga Ivanovna I have a mission to propose to you, a work full of difficulty and danger, which will suit your high and generous spirit. Olga. — Difficulty! Danger! Oh! tell me of it, if it can but serve the poor creatures for whom we work. Serge. — But you told me she would be safe — you answer for her escape. Ivan. — And I still thiuk I can assure it, but I would not insult Olga Ivanovna by urging such a mitigation. Olga. — Ah ! do not speak of. danger, if you only knew what a joy, what a happiness it is to me, to at last do something for those whom I pity so deeply, so intensely. Ivan. — There is no time to be lost, for that man who has just left the room is Drachkov's spy, I know it. If we do not act quickly, we are lost. Olga. — Ah! do you believe it, but if you really think it, why did you not tell him so frankly, why did you not charge him with his guilt. Ivan. — And shall we waste on the minion balls which should be reserved for the master ; besides if we were to kill him here, his death might lead to our discovery. Olga. —Kill him ! Serge. — I can scarcely believe in his treason, he talked so of the miseries and sufferings of the people, and then he was always so simple and sincere at cards. Ivan. — He undoubtedly always lost, that was policy, and a few sentimental phrases cost little in any mouth ACT I. 15 Then Drachkov is no common adversary. He does not work with common tools, his spies are ho common spies. But I repeat it to you, if we do not act, and act to-morrow early, all is lost, all we have organized, all we have aimed at, will be destroyed in a day, and in one week, we, their last defenders, will be on our way to Siberia, there to fret out our lives in dull inactivity and unsatisfied longings. Serge. — To Siberia for life ! My God ! what a horrible fate. Olga. — And I can save you all, save our holy cause. Ah! tell me, tell me quickly. Do not speak of difficulty or danger. Nothing you can think of, nothing you can imagine will repulse or affright me. Ivan. — Then listen, listen attentively, Olga Ivanovna. You are intelligent and devoted, but you are a woman, a creature whose nerves thrill with fright at the sight of pain or peril. You would do many things for the freedom and future of Russia, but could you kill a man to serve them, aim at him without flinching, shoot him without hesitation, see him roll dead at your feet with- out uttering a cry of fright, a moan of pity. Could you do that, Olga Ivanovna, could you do that, if the man's name were Dimitri Michaelovich Drachkov, and his death would give liberty and happiness to the thousands who groan under his yoke. Olga. — Anything, anything ! even that if it be to serve the weak and the unfortunate, and if it be hard, if it be cruel, my life will answer for the life I have taken. Serge. — Ah ! but you will be safe. ]van has assured me of it ; has pledged himself to rescue you, without that I should never have consented. 16 DRACHKOV. Ivan. — I will do all I can, all I possibly can. I pledge you my solemn word. Olga. — Ah! do not say that. If I have any hesitation, any tremor of fright, any impulse of pity, the thought that I give my own life willingly, cheerfully effaces it. Do not attempt to rescue me, Ivan, you would but wrong me if you did. Serge. — Ah ! do not say that, Olga, if I thought there was real danger for you, I would never consent. Ivan. — But if anything is to be done, it must be done quickly, before this Nicholas Dimitrovich has time to warn his master. It must be done early to-morrow morning. Olga. — Whenever you wish. (Aside.) Oh ! if I were to hesitate, if at the last moment I were to fail. But no, I will not be so weak, so unworthy. (Aloud,) But how am I to meet the General Governor ? Ivan. — I can see but one way, present yourself at the palace early to-morrow morning with a petition, saying that you come in the name of the mother of the little boy, kicked by the Governor's horses on Christmas day, that the child has been injured, that you were a witness of the accident, and sustained the unhappy mother in her grief, and prevented her risking her own life in her excitment. (Aside.) I think that will unlock the palace gates, or I know nothing of men of Drachkov's stamp. (Aloud.) Then I will add more phrases, praying for compensation for the child's injuries, with all the ful- some obsequiousness customary in such documents. But to work instantly, what weapons have you, Serge ? Olga, aside. — Weapons. ACT 1. 17 Serge. — Only an old army revolver, but it is in ex- cellent condition. Ivan. — A revolver in the hand of a woman, never. If we give a woman a difficult and dangerous work to do, it must be quick and short, if she has six balls to fire, the first will be shot carelessly, the other five wildly, and the end will be noise and smoke. Olga. — And have you such a contempt for women, Ivan Vassilievich, that you think them incapable of any serious or noble work ? Ivan. — On the contrary, I think it is only a woman as accomplished and — and as intelligent as you are who would be capable of trapping a man like Drachkov. But what we must procure is a little portable pistol carryirig one heavy ball, it will make your work so much easier, and the results so much surer. Come, Serge, there is no time to lose. Serge. — Ah! Olga, if I thought there was danger, you do not believe I would consent. Olga. — Do not worry on account of me ; I am not afraid. Ivan. — Come, Serge, come ! or I must go without jou. (Exeunt Serge and Ivan d. If.) SCENE IV. Olga. — To kill a man, and Ivan described it so horribly. But what right have I to be so selfish, what right have I to think of my miserable fears, my still more miserable pity. And he, that Drachkov, why 18 DRAGHKOV. should I feel compassion for him, he so hard and so merciless, but they say he is brave and frank in his wickedness, and he will receive my petition haughtily, insolently perhaps, but not deceitfully, while I — . Oh ! it is a horrible thing to assassinate, to assassinate a brave man, who ever he be. If it could only be done in some other way, some open and courageous way. But, why should I complain, my short life has been useless, weary and sad, with nothing to brighten and glorify it but my dreams, my wonderful and noble dreams where all wrongs are righted, and all ugliness turned to beauty. And now when I give my poor life for their realization, I should be privileged, happy among all, only, only.... {Enter Vassilid. l.f. throwing door violently open,) SCENE .V. VASSILI and OLGA. Vassilt. — Ah ! there is some mystery. You need not deny it, Olga Ivanovna ; some project in which they wish to engage you, and which they think necessary to conceal from me. Olga, haughtily. —And why should t\iey think it neces- sary to conceal projects in which I am engaged from you, Vassili Petrovich. What right have I ever given you to interfere with my conduct, whatever it may be. Vassili. — None, alas ! none. You have always treated me with a cold, and heartless haughtiness. Olga. — Now, Vassili, I think you are unjust, for I have always tried to treat you gently, and kindly. But why do you always persist in speaking to me of love, ACT 1. 19 and marriage. I have told you such things do not, and cannot exist for me. Vassili. — And do you expect that men's eyes will be forever blind, their imaginations forever cold to your grace, and beauty ? No, an honest love may not exist for you, but do you think I am an imbecile, that I can- not derive what was that secret conference concealed from me? All those inquiries about Drachkov's character had a purpose, and that purpose is, failing to conquer the despot, to bend him to our will through the omnipotent influence of a beautiful woman, and that woman will be you, Olga Ivanovna. Olga. — How dare you insult me, Vassili Petrovich? "When I meet General Drachkov to-morrow, it will be for the first, and last time. For I will kill him, and the authorities will avenge him. Vassili. —You will kill him, and the authorities will avenge him, avenge him on you, and you have no thought of me, of one who (a slight rattling at the back of the door. ) Olga. — There is some one outside the door, I heard the lock rattle. {Olga, and Vassili hasten towards the door, and throiv it open, Nicholas standing on the opposite side of the corridor* facing the door, looks at them calmly. ) Vassili. — What do you mean, by standing in front of the door like that, listening. Nicholas. — Be calm, young man, I but followed your example. Did you not leave the post at which we had been placed more than a quarter of an hour ago ? 20 DRACHKOV. Vassili. — But I came here drawn by legitimate inter- ests, by legitimate ejections, while you came to play the spy, to listen behind that door to every word spoken here. Nicholas. — And I have heard them all, Yassili Petro" vich, and I share your opinion, that assasination is no work for a beautiful, young woman, and now, do you wish to follow me, for I am going. Vassili. — I leave Olga Ivanovna now. Never ! Nicholas . — Then farewell . {exit Nicholas.) SCENE VI. OLGA and VASSILI. Olga. — Why do you not follow him? What if he should really be a traitor ! What if he should really be- tray all our secrets ! Vassili. — And what do I care in comparison to the horror of loosing you, and by such a fate Olga. — And now you are really crazy, Vassili, or you would not compare a poor creature like me to the safety of a cause on which the happiness of millions of human beings may depend. Vassili. — And what is the happiness of millions of hu- man beings whom I may never know, in comparison with you whom I adore, to win whose love, and admira- tion, I would attempt, I would dare all things. ACT 1. 21 Olga. — Do not attempt any impossible tasks, Vassili, but perform simple duties, unless you would win, not my admiration, but my contempt. Enter Serge, and Ivan. d. l.f. SCENE VII. OLGA, VASSILI, SERGE, and IVAN. Ivan. — And why do I find you here Vassili, is Nicholas Dimitrovich gone ? Vassili. — Yes, lie is gone, but do you think I am going to permit you to send Olga on this infamous mission ? Olga.— There is but one man living who has a right to interfere with my conduct, it is my brother ; but even his objections would not move me, though his prayers might melt my heart. Ivan. — And he has consented, is it not so Serge ? Serge — Yes, I have consented, since you promise me you will answer for Olga's life. Vassili. — And I, I will never consent ; there is nothing I will not sacrifice, rather than that this abominable project should be executed. Ivan. — You would even betray our cause, condemn it to certain ruin, rather than sacrifice your egotistical passion. Serge. — You would have us all sent to Siberia, in order to gratify a ridiculous whim, for which you can give no rational reason. 22 DRACHKOV. Olga. — And I tell you, Vassili Petrovich, if you thwart this attempt, for which I give roy life, I will eter- nally despise you, and now Ivan, give me the pistol, I hesitate no longer. Ivan hands Olga the pistol. (Curtain.) ACT. II. DRACHKOV. Room in the Palace of the General Governor. Large table covered with green leather center; windows in the background, with heavy green curtains ; stiff high-backed leather chairs ; large porcelaine stove right, long bookcase left, surmounted by a bust of the Emperor. Panoplies of arms on the walls. Icon, or holy image, suspmded on the wall, between the windows, with small lamp burning below it. Doors r. and 1. near the back- ground . Matvei, {arranging furniture in an awkward and slovenly manner, picking up objects, blowing on them, then wiping them with the back of his sleeve, although he holds a feather duster in his hand.) There now, no complaints can be made this morning for everything is as bright, and burnished as a church altar. I don't know how people can live in a place where there's not a bit of dust or dirt to make one feel comfortable, and at home. And I who thought when I left my Izba fifteen years ago, that my fortune was made. As if anyone could turn an honest kopeck in a house kept in such order as this. To be sure I get good wages, but there's nothing unexpected in that, no little surprises. And I w T ith my education, and all the lessons I got from my uncle, the village pope ; if it wasn't for the State dinners every month and that nice young Prince Strakovski, I do believe I would never scrape in %. 21 DRACHKOV. an extra rouble. But lie's mighty liberal, always buying piles of books, and newspapers, in French, and German, and other outlandish jargons, not a word of which I be- lieve he reads, for I light the fire in the stove with them every morning. {Enter Strakovski, d. r. SCENE I. STBAKOVSKI and MATVEI. Strakovski. — Well, Matvei, has the governor come in yet? Matvei. — No, excellency, and as he is gone to the bar- racks, he won't be in for a good half hour yet, for he always finds something to do down there. Strakovski. — Very well then you will have time to run down to the bookstore on the Vladimir Perspectiv. ^/ There's twenty roubles, and I want you to get me the ^^ Figaro, the Kktfrt erdeutch, and the Gil Bias, and also the Revue des Deux Mondes, and the Revue Scienti- fique. Matvei. — Very well, excellency. Strakovski. — And look here, Matvei, the English Punch, if they have it. Matvei. — Very well, excellency, {looking at note.) But will those twenty roubles buy them all ? Strakovski. — Nonsense, Matvei, and leave lots o change besides, all of which you may keep for yourself, if you are quick. {Matvei starts for door, this time very ACT II. 25 quickly.) But, look here, ask for Schift'hausen's Science of Embryos, and Picot's Psychology of the Will, and be sure you get them, for I am going to a card party to- night, where there will be ladies, and so must cram up on those subjects. Matvet, reluctantly, Schiffhausen's Embryonic Science, and Picot's Willing Psychology ; but will the twenty roubles buy them too, excellency ? Strakovski. — Goodness, yes, and leave you a good ten roubles besides, and then, hold, get me Gyp's latest too. Matvei, coaxingly. But, little father, won't the Schiff- hausen, and the Picot, and the papers cost more than ten roubles, and you promised me all that was left before. Strakovski, searching in his pockets, and handing Matvei a coin. There's two roubles more, and that's the last kopeck I have about me, and so be off scamp, and make haste too. Matvei. — Your servant, excellency, (aside.) But I am sure the Psychologies, and the Embryos, will cost more than two roubles. (exit Matvei.) SCENE III. Strakovski, (seated at table in arm chair, taking up papers, looking at them, and then tossing them aside.) What a dull place, no society but stiff-necked government officials, rheumatic, old generals, each, and all of whom considers himself the greatest military genius of the age, and 26 DRACHKOV. thinks the world is going to perdition, because he hasn't been j:>roperly appreciated ; and then the literary dowa- ger countesses with dyed hair, who haven't enough in- come to live in St. Petersburg, and wreak their vexation on a poor fellow down here, by expecting him to carry a walking library in his head, and talking him to death, with Hegel, and Schopenhauer, and Pessimisum, and Pantheism, and Protoplasm, and every other kind of ism and asm that can enter their merciless old heads. And then for amusements, we have opera for six weeks in the winter, with a scratch company, and not a ballet dancer under fifty, and every one of them looking their full age, in spite of two inches of paint on their faded old faces. And then whist at the club all night long for a rouble a rubber, with a cross partner who won't let you say a word, and scolds your head off if you make a misplay. What a life for an active, and enterprising young man, {yawning.) And up at six o'clock in the morning too in midwinter. As to General Drachkov, I believe he really meant it as a kindness to his old friend's son, when he got me this appointment down here, for he positively enjoys it. Work, and power, that is his element. So many conspiracies to root out, so many details to watch over, so many soldiers to dis- cipline, and then war to talk about from morning till night, and we near enough to the frontier for the air to have a sniff of powder in it. Ah ! war that for example would be what I should like ! a glorious excitement, something worth living or worth dying for ; and then it would rescue a poor fellow from this accursed place^ even if it sent him with a short passport to another, which at the worst must be a deuced deal livelier. {Enter Matveid. r. with a package of papers in his hand.) ^all its good jokes in the first week of publication, and lives on its reputation ever afterwards. Enter Matvei, d. r. SCENE VI. MATVEI AND STRAKOVSKI. Strakovski (looking np). — Well, Matvei, what is it now ? 28 DRACHKOV. Matvei. — There's a wild-looking man out in the court- yard wants to see the Governor. He refuses to give his name, but won't take no for an answer. The guard think he's crazy, and talks of locking him up, but he seems so much in earnest I thought I'd come and tell you. Strakovski. — What kind of a looking man is he ? Matvei. — He looks like a student, but in spite of his coat collar pulled up around the neck, and his hat slouched over his face,, he seems quite a gentleman. Strakovski. — Some begging petitioner who tries to conceal his identity through shame, I suppose. Well, show him in. (Exit Matvei.) SCENE VII. Strakovski. — If he is really in want, I'll try and do something for him. If one can't find any other occupa- tion, maybe a good action would fill up the time better than these dull old papers. {Enter Matvei, holding open the door, while Vassili passes in before him . ) SCENE VIII. VASSILI AND STRAKOVSKI. Strakovski, aside. — He does look pretty down-hearted and tolerably crazy, too (pointing to a chair, r. c.) Sit down there, and if you have important business with the General Governor, you may tell it freely to me, for I am his aide de camp, and anything you may commu- nicate to me will reach his ear quickly. ACT 11. 29 Vassili, ivildly. — Important business, a matter of life and death, quickly, there is not a minute to be lost. Strakovski, — A matter of life and death, that is what all the petitioners say. Vassili. — A petition, who speaks of petitions ; it is no petition, it is a warning that I bring you freely, willing- ly, but on one condition, it is that you will ensure my safe exit from the palace, and that you will promise me that the — the safety of the other person involved will be guaranteed. Strakovski. — Whew ! a first-class conspiracy, just as in the melodramas or the French detective novels, and I am the person to whom it is to be confided (rubbing his hands). Vladimir, my boy, here is some real excite- ment. Well ! what is it, this dark and dismal mystery, which is only to be revealed on such strict conditions. Vassili. — But first you must pledge me your word of honor to accept my conditions, to permit me to leave the palace safely, to order no one to follow me, and, — and pledge me your word to let the young lady go freely, undetained and unharmed. Strakovski. — And is there a young lady involved ? Oh ! I will pledge anything to serve a young lady. But, quick, tell me the mystery, I am dying to hear it. Vassili. — You give me your sacred word that you will fulfill my conditions. Strakovski. — My sacred and solemn word, and now what is it ? Vassili. — A young lady will come to the palace this morning, a beautiful and distinguished young lady, tall, with blond hair and black eyes. She will be 30 DRACHKOV. here now soon, very soon, maybe in a few minutes, and she will ask to see the General Governor. Do not let her be admitted on any condition, on any whatever, but send her away instantly, unharmed, unmolested, unfol- lowed, you have pledged your word to it. Strakovski, laughing. — Ah! I see through it all now ; why did I not suspect it from the very beginning, wild and excited as you are. I will tell you your whole mys- tery. It is a case of jealousy. (Vassili staiis.) You are a jealous husband, the beautiful lady is your wife, and you want me to protect your domestic fireside from the aggressive gallantries of the General Governor, and maybe, forgive me, from the tender partiality of the fragile, fair one. Ha! ha! ha! who would have ever thought our grim chief was so gay ? Vassili, springing to his feet, angrily. — It is no question of gallantry, nor ever shall be ; do you hear me? No ! it is not of love that you, or anyone here should dare to think, but of assassination. Strakovski. — Assassination ! assassination on the per- son of my chief. Quickly ! Tell me the rest quickly. I accept all your conditions Vassili. — There is nothing more to tell. That young- lady is the intended assassin. A helpless instrument in the hands of designing men. She is not guilty, it is they alone whose domineering influence has been fatal. Strakovski. — And they ; can you give me any clue to them, and she, the girl, if questioned, would she not — Vassili. — You have pledged me your word to ask no questions. You have assured me she would be turned away, but not followed. ACT II. 31 Strakovski. — You are right, a word once given cannot be taken back (ringing hand bell on table). (Enter Matvei.) Strakovski. — Matvei conduct this gentleman to the street and see that no one follows him ( Vassili and Strakovski salute, then exit Vasilli followed by Matvei.) SCENE X. Strakovski. — To assassinate Drachkov, what a mean and cowardly action, and a woman, too. I will give orders instantly that the young vixen be not admitted but not followed, either. Enter Drachkov, d. r. SCENE X. DRACHKOV AND STRAKOVSKI Drachkov, — Who was that wild-looking young man Matvei was conducting down the staircase ? What was he doing up here ? ( Throwing his military overcoat and cap on chair, seats him- self in arm chair behind table facing the audience, Stra- kovski standing, r. c.) Strakovski. — Oh ! he came to give information, most important information. Drachkov, who has been sorting documents on table, look- ing up. — Imformation, and what was it about, Vladimir ? Strakovski. — A plot against your life, a plot to assas- sinate you, my general. 32 DRACHKOV. Drachkov. — Oh ! bah ! if we took all the plots we hear of seriously, we would have small time for anything else. Strakovski. — Oh ! but this was a real and undoubted plot, a genuine attempt at assassination, for he told me that the young woman who was to do the deed would be here this morning, in a few minutes perhaps. Drachkov. — A young woman ! Strakovski — Yes, a beautiful young girl, he said, and begged me so earnestly to have her sent from the pal- ace, to prevent her reaching your presence, and con- ducted himself so wildly, so excitedly, that I, half in joke, taunted him with being some husband, jealous perhaps of attentions you might have paid his wife. Drachkov. — You should not degrade your functions by such unseemly jokes, Vladimir Alexievich. Well, what happened then ? Strakovski. — Then he leaped to his feet and cried, with such a thrilling sincerity, " It is not jealousy, it is assassination ; this young girl is not to blame, she is but the instrument, the dupe of daring and domineering spirits, she is not the guilty one." Drachkov. — The dupe of daring and domineering spirits. Of course you had him followed, to discover his haunts and associates, to find the key to this mys- tery, to ascertain if it be not all the contemptible joke of some malicious mind. Strakovski. — Joke, it is no joke, my general ; I know, I feel it is all true. Besides, I could not have the young man followed, for it was the condition of his revelations that he should be permitted to go free, and I promised him that no attempt should be made to follow him. ACT II 33 Drachkov. — You should not make promises you may not be able to keep, or that it would discredit my authority to break. But he must have described the young girl in order that you might distinguish her. Strakovski. — Yes, he said tall and blonde, beautiful and distinguished, with flashing dark eyes, Drachkov. — Tall and blonde, w T ith dark eyes. (Aside.) If it should be she. (Aloud.) When she comes, on no account let her be sent away, but give orders to admit her to my presence instantly. Strakovskt, — Admit her to your presence! But may I not take some precautions, place some guards behind the curtains. Drachkov, — Precautions against a young girl, and to defend me — bah ! Strakovski. — But while there is still time, inay I not make some arrangements ? It would do no harm in any case. If it were my own danger, I would not plead so strongly. Drachkov. — I know that, Vladimir, and I appreciate it ; but none the less your anxiety is very absurd. Strakovski. — But then you might be entirely off your guard. They say she is very beautiful, and these con- spiring sirens are all so dangerous. Drachkov, severely. — Obey my orders, Prince Strakov- ski ; and when Remisov comes in send him up instantly. Strakovski, aside. — There's no timidity about him anyway, our chief, but he is grim, grim as the very devil. (Exit Strakovski. ) 34 DRACHKOV. SCENE XL Drachkov. — If it should be she. No ! that would be too cruel. Blonde, with a proud air, and flashing dark eyes. Yes, how they flashed on me full of pride and indigna- tion, but how they melted with a gentle pity, a compas- sionate tenderness when they fell on that happy little brat whose harmless bruises had won him such witching glances. And I, all the week past, I have not been able to expel the adorable vision from my mind. Shame on you, Dimitri, such follies at your age. To work ! To work. (Taking up sealed letter and opening it.) Hum! the Envoy of the Minister of the Interior, Baron Rapskine, will be in Kiev in two weeks' time on a voyage of Inspec- tion The sooner the better, for I have some counsel to give him. He will see my system works the best ; for all the ferments of disorder make but bubbles here. Enter Remirov (d. r.) SCENE XII. DRACHKOV AND REMIROV. Drachkov. — Ah! Remirov, is that you; well, what news is there? Remirov. — I could not make all my usual rounds, excellency, drawn away as I was by an important affair, but I think the seeds I have planted under your able direction are beginning to fructify, and wheresoever I have found a patriotic and rational chord, I have made it vibrate, suiting my conversation to my hearers as best I could. ACT 11. 35 Draohkov. — I believe it, Remirov, you are no ordinary police agent, you are a patriot. Remirov. — I was born in a part of Russia where all the nobility are foreigners, and I think what I suffered from their harshness and contempt has made me clear- sighted. But, excellency, I have most important news ; there is a plot to assassinate you. Drachkov. — A plot to assassinate me, hum ! Have you learnt anything else ? Remirov. — But what more could I learn ! Threaten your life, so valuable, so indispensable. Drachkov. — To threaten is not to take. But was there no other scheme spoken of, absolutely no other ? Remirov. — Absolutely no other, exceptisg to question me closely about your excellency. Strogonov, in par- ticular, seemed most anxious to — How shall I say it. Drachkov. — Strogonov. Yes, a shrewd, enterprising- fellow, most valuable to keep at large as an indicating- clue. Well! what did he seem so anxious to learn? Remirov. — It was at the Nihilist Club, back of the cathedral. Your excellency will pardon me, but he asked me if you had been wild in your youth. Drachkov. — What interest could that have for him, but go on. Remirov. — I answered him that your youth had been a very short, but I must ask your excellency's pardon again, a very tempestuous one. Drachkov. — Well, what did he answer? Remirov. — Oh ! it seems too silly to repeat. 36 DRACHKOV. Drachkov. — Nothing is too silly to repeat when it may be of use. Remirov.— Then, he asked me if those tempests had wafted you to the gaming table or the boudoir. Drachkov. — Well, what did you answer ? Remirov. — It seems so foolish and impertinent, but I wanted to see what he was leading up to, and so I answered — Drachkov, coolly. — To the boudoir. Remirov. — Yes, excellency, and then he showed a strange glee and excitement, as if he had just heard something he wanted to hear, and that pleased him very much. Drachkov. — That is strange. I don't quite under- stand it yet ; but when is this attempted assassination to take place ? 'Remirov. — Some time to-day, but the exact hoar I could not ascertain, your excellency. Drachkov. — And yet that w T as the only important thing to learn. I cannot spend my whole day guarding against imaginary assassins. Remirov. — Ah ! but this will be such a strange kind of assassin that she will be easy to recognize. It is the same beautiful young girl who roused 3'our excellency's penetrating suspicions on Christmas day, and about whom you bade me keep you informed. She was at the meeting of the club, and seemed madly roused against your excellency ; even said — Drachkov. — That is well, Remirov, you may go. {Exit Remirov, d. r.) ACT U. 37 SCENE XIII. Drachkov. — And she, that lovely, delicate creature, with the tender eyes, whose gentle hand would not hurt the meanest thing that crawls would yet kill me — me, while I, my God ! have I been mad enough to love her. (Enter Strakovski ushering in Olga.) SCENE XIV. DRACHKOV, STRAKOVSKI AND OLGA. Strakovski. — This young lady brings a petition which she says should secure her admission to the Governor's presence. {Aside to Drachkov.) My general, I implore you to let me remain. Drachkov. — Go, Vladimir, my child, I desire it, and you, Madame, be seated. (Exit Strakovski, reluctantly, d. r.) SCENE XV. DRACHKOV AND OLGA. (Olga still remains standing r. c. Drachkov standing, facing her, towards the center.) Drachkov. — Olga Ivanovna, be seated. Olga, aside. — Olga Ivanovna ; how does he know my name ? Drachkov. — Whatever be the conclusion of our inter- view, I have some things to say to you before it is ended. I am not ignorant what termination you mean 38 DRACHKOV. to give to it, but I would consider a life lost in convert- ing one noble, young soul from insanity to justice not wholly wasted. Olga. — And you, how can you speak to me of justice, General Drachkov, you who trample on every generous, and noble aspiration, for whom human dignity and human happiness are but idle words, But why do you call me by my name ; how do you know what brings me here ? Drachkov. —I know all about you, Olga Ivanovna. You were born nineteen years ago on a small estate in the Government of Volhynia ; your mother died when you were five years old ; you were educated by an intelligent, gentle and visionary father, and when he died, two } r ears ago, your brother brought you to Kiev, where, with some little wealth and total ignorance of the world, he, vain, shallow and selfish, you, noble, romantic and devoted, became the prey of a swarm of dreamers and adventurers. He, they valued lightly ; but you they rightly estimated as of a rare worth, and of you they have made their instrument and their vic- tim. Olga. — Their instrument — that I may fail to be ; but their victim — I am ready and willing. Drachkov. — And do you know what is their plan, their infamous plan ? They saw you, young, beautiful, inno- cent. Ah! it was on that innocence they counted, for it was to hide from you ignominies, you could not even divine. As to me, do you know why they made those inquiries about me, about my character ? It was to assure themselves that I would be vile enough to play the part they had prepared for me. Do you know why you are here, Olga Ivanovna ? ACT 11. 39 Olga. — I am here to avenge the unfortunate and helpless creatures whom you have humbled. Drachkov. — No, Olga Ivanovna, you are here for a greater shame than theirs. You are here to receive the kisses of Dimitri Drachkov, while you stab him to the heart. Olga. — And you, you dare to say such things to me. You, the all-powerful Governor of Kiev, you are not ashamed to insult me. Drachkov. — Ashamed ! ashamed of anything when such things can be. Dare, I will dare much more. I will tell you how truly they have calculated. (Advances towards Olga.) Olga, dimes pistol. — If you come one step nearer I will fire, and God have pity on me, for it is a terrible thing to do. Olga r. c. Drachkov c. but nearer the background, facing her. Drachkov. — Yes, Olga Ivanovna, it is a terrible thing, and a sad and heartrending thing, for I love you, do you hear me? 1 love you with all the intensity, aye, and all the poetry that only a heart not bound up in little things can feel, fori, too, Olga Ivanovna, have an unselfish soul ; I, too, have a heart for human woes ; but I love ray country, and I believe in my race ; I know how greedy and envious rivals gloat over every element of disorder that seethes within her. I know that she alone can destroy herself, but I know how quickly the jackals w T ould leap on her corpse. To preserve her national independence and her future, I would joyfully sacrifice my life, aye, and that of every other man that stood in her way. And now fire, for I love you, Olga, 40 DRACHKOV. I love you with my whole soul. Why do you hesitate ? Fire ! — and see how a soldier of the Tsar can die. During the preceding speech^ Drachkov advances nearer and nearer to Olga, till at the close, the muzzle of the pistol almost touches his breast. Olga drops the pistol, covers her face with her hands convulsively, turns and flees towards arm chair in which she sinks weeping hysteric- ally. Olga. — I cannot do it. My God ! I cannot do it. Drachkov. — Do not be afraid. I shall not approach you. No one will disturb you. Olga rises slowly, walks towards the door, looking bach at Drachkov, who still stands center. CURTAIN. ACT III. SCENE I. The home of Olga Ivanovna. Inexpensive, but pretty furni- ture; books and pamphlets on table r. c., and porcelaine stove, 1. c ; engravings on the walls, windows in the background, with chintz curtains. Doors, second gr. r. and 1. Large folding screen, near door on the right. Piano, easel, with box of water color paints on chair or stand near it ; vases with flowers and other signs of dainty care. Olga seated in front of easel c. paint- ing bouquet of flowers in vase. Olga. — It seems to me as if I could do no serious work, as if all the springs of my mind were broken ; as if I could scarcely think or even feel ; as if I had been born again, and had not yet begun to exist. That cruel day two weeks ago, how I have suffered since then, how many things have changed to me. All the past seems blotted out, all but that terrible five minutes when that man, whom I have been taught to hate, talked with such a wild and noble eloquence, and mastered me with his proud will. He said he loved me ; that I do not, I can- not believe, but one thing I know, I can never hate him more. Enter Serge, d. r. 42 DRACHKOV. SCENE II. SEKGE AND OLGA. Serge comes forward and seats himself near Olga. Serge. — You seem to be able to interest yourself in nothing else but painting and dreaming. Do you think that life is so easy to me that you can do nothing to aid me. Olga. — Life hard to you, Serge, and yet you always seem so easily amused. But tell me your troubles, if you only knew how glad I would be to serve you. Serge. — Oh ! they are not troubles a woman can help (confuted). That is, she can help them, but without knowing them. Money troubles, there ! Olga. — Money troubles ! Why, I thought we were rich, that is, above want, for that is all poverty or wealth could mean to me. But you know when the estate was sold, I had a fourteenth part ; you can always dispose of that. Serge, blankly. — Dispose of it. Olga. — Yes, freely ; have you not charge of it? And if any signature of mine is required — Serge. — Signature ! Olga. — Only let me know, and I will be so happy to give it, so pleased to do anything for you. We are all alone in the world ; we ought to try and be happy together, Serge. Serge. — Happy ! you never used to talk about being happy ; only of serving humanity and dying for it, and such grand things. You have been so changed since ACT 111. 43 that day you went to the palace (looking around him, and then drawing his chair up to Olga's, in a whisper), that day when you went to shoot Drachkov and didn't. Now, tell me the truth, what really occurred ? Olga. — What I told you, Serge. It was a cruel, a wicked, an unnatural thing. I felt that, I saw that, and — and I went away. Serge. — But you saw Drachkov, you were alone with him. Strogonov had promised to aid your escape ; I cannot understand how you missed such an opportu- nity. What kind of a man is he, that Drachkov, any- way? Olga. — A very brave man, Serge ; there is no braver man living. Serge — But, tell me the truth, is that jealous Vassili right ; did he try to make love to you? Olga. — Vassili Petrovich has a low and base mind, and I despise him. Serge. — And yet you might do well to conciliate him, for he knows how to be a very good friend, if he is spiteful sometimes. Olga. — I do not understand the art of conciliation ; as a stranger, I would despise him ; when he attempts to be a lover, I loathe him. Serge. — But you spoke about serving me, making sac- rifices for me, all idle talk ; like your other heroic projects, it will end in fizzle and smoke. You won't conciliate him, and yet he lends me money whenever I run short, for his rich old uncle, Paul Punschkin, keeps him liberally supplied, and more than once he has helped me out of a tight place when I had lost at cards. 44 DRACHKOV. Olga. — And you borrowed money from Vassili to pay your losses at cards. Serge. — And the household expenses, too, sometimes ; if you only knew it when you treat him so contemptu- ously, and do not think him good enough to speak to. Olga., aside. — And this is my brother. Serge. — And now, will you treat him more graciously? Olga, resuming her painting. — No ; but I will work to pay your debts that I may treat him with the contempt he deserves. Enter Vassili, d. r. SCENE III. OLGA, SERGE and VASSILI. Vassili. — Maronchka let me in at the outside door, and I did not think it worth while to knock here (throivs his hat and cane on table and stretches himself out on an arm chair). How are you this afternoon, Serge, and the beautiful and sullen Olga, too. You don't seem to think ordinary mortals worth your notice since you have been consorting with Counts and General Gov- ernors. Serge. — Vassili, be careful, I beg you. Olga takes no notice, of them and continues painting . Vassili. — Careful, and why should I be careful. Has anyone had any regard for my happiness, any consid- eration for my feelings? Did I not beg, did I not supplicate Olga Ivanovna not to go to the house of that cursed Drachkov ? ACT III. 45 Serge. — But it was that domineering Strogonov's doings. He always overrides everyone. Vassili. —Everyone ! Olga seemed madly eager to play the role of Judith to this new Holofernes. Only this time Judith hesitated, and Holofernes was permit- ted to live. Olga, riving. — Vassili Petrovich, you presume upon the money which, T have just learnt, you have lent my brother. You may consider this house belongs to you ; but me you will never see in it again. Exit Olga, d. r. SCENE IV. SERGE and VASSILI. Vassili. — Oh ! I am desperate and reckless now ; what more have I to live for ? You have all plotted together to ruin my future and break my heart. Serge. — And do you think I have no troubles, no anxieties, too ? If your uncle were to discover all ! Vassili. — What do I care. What is there to keep me in Russia, anyway ? (Noise of steps outside.) Serge. — Hush ! there is someone coming ; it must be Strogonov ; he never knocks. Enter Strogonov, d. I. SCENE V. SERGE, VASSILI and STROGONOV. Strogonov throws his hat on chair and comes down centre. 46 DRACHKOV. Strogonov. — You seem to take your lives easily. One •would suppose that everything was rolling on velvet. Where is Olga Ivanovna ? Serge. — She has had a quarrel with Vassili and has gone to her room. Stroganov. — I am glad to hear it. That attempt of two weeks ago has cured me of ever trying to use women in conspiracies again. Serge. — That's what I told you at the beginning. Vassili.— I hope you were satisfied with that fine experiment, Ivan Vassilievich, for you have given Drach- kov a partisan, maybe a spy in our camp, for you can scarcely expect Olga to prefer our interests to those of her lover. Strogonov. — You are a fool, Vassili Petrovich. You suppose I don't know what took place that day between Oiga and Drachkov. She, a weak, feminine creature, without sustained energy or volition ; he, a strong, robust man, he terrorized her nerves, and she turned and fled like the coward she is, that is all ; but I think all the same, that Drachkov was warned beforehand. Vassili. — Warned! What makes you think that? Serge. — That Nicholas Dimitrovich perhaps; I was wrong to trust him, for 3 have not seen him since. Strogonov. — Perhaps he, perhaps some other. (Looking at Vassili.) Serge. — Is there any one 3 r ou suspect ' Strogonov. — I never tell my suspicious till they become certainties, and then — then I do not tell them at all, but leave it to my vengeance to indicate them. (Vassili starts, Strogonov observes him closely.) ACT III. 47 Strogonov. — But when one plan fails, it is my custom to form another. After entrusting the punishment of Drachkov to a woman, on whom no reliance was to be placed, I have now determined to choose men on whom my hold is secure, (looking at Vassili, then at Serge.) By the way, Serge, that was a big check you cashed at the Imperial Bank last week. {Serge, and Vassili start, and draw back their chairs.) Strogonov. — And now to work. (Enter Olga, d. r. pauses behind the screen with jewel casein her hand.) SCENE VI. STROGONOV, SERGE, VASSILI, and OLGA behind the screen. Olga. — I will give him this, I will give him my mo- ther's diamonds, and see if that will pay him, if that will free the house of his hated presence. Steogonov. — A woman failed to kill Drachkov, we will see what men can do. Olga. — Kill Drachkov! Steogonov. — But this time we will adopt a different method, and no one can accuse me of injustice, and severity, for chance shall decide which of us will have the honor, and the responsibility. Vassili and Serge. — Which of us ? Strogonov. — Yes, which of us three ; for you two I hold and you know it; and on myself I can rely. And now for the arrangements. This time there shall be 48 DRACHKOV. no delay to give traitors a chance to betray us. This time the deed shall be done to-night. Olga, daggering, and catching screen for sujypoH. — To night. Oh ! my God ! Vassili. — Traitors ! Strogonov. — This time there will be no delay for criminals who wish to escape, and woe to those who fail in their duty. Olga. — Duty! what a mockery it seems now ! Strogonov. — The last time we armed our envoy with a petition, and attempted an open entrance ; but this time we are all too well known to run such risks. We must penetrate into the palace secretly, under cover of the crowd who will be drawn there by the dinner given to the government Inspector Rapskine who arrives from Moscow, to-night. Serge. — But will not that very crowd deprive us of every chance of escape. Strogonov, aside. — The cowards ! they would betray me now if they dared. If it facilitates your entrance, will it not also facilitate your exit. Besides a few roubles scattered here and there, grease the hinges of many doors in our great, and progressive country. Matvei, the Governor's stupid valet, who acts as assistant porter of the side door thrown open on such occasions, would admit the devil himself, if he brought ten roubles with him, as a passport ; aye and conduct him up to the gallery leading to Drachkov's private apartments where he among us whom fate honors with his choice must be placed at eleven o'clock to-night. Olga. — Eleven o'clock ! ACT III. 49 Strogonov. — For it will be sometime between that hour, and midnight that Drachkov, who never stays up late at festivities will retire to his apartments. He will have to pass through the long gallery w T ith pillars, nothing will be easier than for a man to conceal himself behind one of them, and tire from there. Serge. — Fire from there, and it is a story above the street. Stkogonov, aside. — The contemptible coward, I believe he is afraid. {Aloud.) Yes, it is a story above the street ; but nevertheless much easier to escape from than the prison where they put forgers. Besides Drachkov is always all alone when he passes through the gallery in the evenings. Olga. — Always alone. Oh! my God! Stkogonov. — And now let us draw lots. {Taking from his pockets three slips of paper, and lifting his hat from chair.) There are our names all ready written; but in order that you may not accuse me of interference; you Vassili will hold the hat, while Serge draws out one of the pieces of folded paper. {Vassili takes the hat, and shakes it slowly, while Serge reluctantly selects one of the folded papers.) Serge, looking at papers. — Ah ! Stkogonov, snatches it from him, and reads. — Serge Ivanovich Milutine. Olga. — My brother! Stkogonov. — The fates have decided, and now remem- ber Serge, that he who wounds but does not kill, is lost; and you Vassili remember I will never forgive a second 50 DRACHKOV. betrayal. And now to work, for there is no time to lose, and it is beginning to grow dark already. Come ! Come ! {Aside.) I shall not lose sight of them, if I can help it. Serge, aside. — The tyrant! the dictator. Vassili, aside. — The fates would have done better to select me; I, at least, could have put my heart in it. (Exeunt Strogonov, Serge and Vassili. Olga comes out from behind the screen, lays jewel box on table, and crosses toivards the center. ) SCENE VII. Olga. — My brother ! my poor brother, and they would make him do such a dastardly thing; fire like a coward from behind a pillar, kill him, that terrible, that heroic man; and he said I too have an unselfish soul, I too love humanity, I too have a heart for human woes. And they would kill him in that base and mean way, without even giving him a chance to defend his life. And he said he loved me. Ah! I believe it! I believe it! and I wil save him if i have to give my life for his. (Curtain.) ACT IV. Salon leading t& the private apartments of Drachkov in the Governor's palace. Massive, heavy, gilded wood furniture, up- holstered in red brocaded satin, walls painted in white and gold, somewhat in the French style, but more gaudily. Mirrors, mas- sive candelabra,etc. Large folding door in center of background. Door thrown open reveals hall with pillars. Enter Matvei ushering in Olga. SCENE I. MATVEI and OLGA. Matvei. — This way, Madame, this is the way. (Aside.) Twenty roubles, and a good joke besides. (Aloud.) This is the parlor leading to his excellency's private apartments. It would not do for you to wait out there, someone might pass and see you. Olga. — But when will the Governor leave the fete ? When will he come to this parlor ? Matvei, aside. — She seems mighty impatient. If the Governor turns gallant, there's no telling but my for- tune may be made. (Aloud.) He generally comes in by twelve o'clock. Olga.— -Twelve o'clock! Oh! couldn't you warn him ? Tell him there is some one here wants to see 52 DRACHKOV. him on a matter of the utmost importance. Tell him it is a matter of life and death. Matvei, aside. — Did ever any one see a pretty girl so impatient, and anyone would think his excellency would be a mighty grim lover. {Aloud as Olga slips a twenty-rouble note into his hand.) I will do the very best I can ; besides I am sure his excellency must expect you, and I know he would not have the heart to keep such a beautiful young lady waiting. ■ Olga. — Oh ! if you only knew. If I could only tell you what a serious matter it is. Matvei, aside. — Did anyone ever see such impatience? Who would have thought his excellency was so charm- ing? (Aloud.) I will do the very best I can, madame, the very best I can. (Aside.) Maybe she will give me something more. Exit Malcei. SCENE II. Olga, looking at clock. — And it is already a quarter to eleven. My God ! My God ! if Serge should be there already ! If they should discover him ! If they should drag him away; and he ! — he, if he should come through the gallery and they should kill him. Kill him, while he were coming in response to my prayers. Enter Strakovski, by folding door, c.f. SCENE III. STKAKOVSKI and OLGA. Strakovski. — When Matvei told me there was a lady here who wanted to see the General Governor, there ACT IV. 53 was an instinct in my heart that told me it was you, and so I came first, before I warned him. Olga. — But, oh! sir, you will tell him, without losing time. Strakovski. — And why should I tell him, madame, that you who came the first time to treacherously and basely assassinate him, are here again, with the same pur- pose perhaps, emboldened by the immunity which his generosity and your youth and beauty have given you. Olga. — I assassinate him, I ! If you only knew ! Oh ! sir, there is no time to lose. Strakovski. — And can you deny that on your first visit to this house it was your purpose to assassinate General Drachkov ; that for that you forced your way through guarded doors, armed with a lying petition, trusting to the compassion of your victim to facilitate your attempt to murder him. Olga. — Sir, you are cruel, but I do not deny the truth of what you say. Strakovski. — Believe me, madame, I do not wish to be severe ; it is hard even to be firm with a woman so beautiful as you ; but I have no right to show weakness when the life of my chief is at stake, a chief whom I respect, and whom I love, for he is worthy of all respect and all affection. Olga. — His life ! Oh! sir, it is his life you endanger by your delay ; for to him alone I can confide my secret, for in his magnanimity alone I trust. Strakovski, a little moved. — You may trust in mine, also, madame ; you may confide that secret to me. Gen- eral Drachkov will not keep it better than I will, and he 54 DRACHKOV. will obey the injunctions which concern his safety much less carefully than I, I do not trust you yet, madame. I have no right to trust you when his life is at stake. Olga. — His life ; but do you not see you are losing it by your delay. Oh ! if I could only say something to convince you. Sir, I beg, I implore you, go to General Drachkov, and tell him to come here without delay. Tell him I cannot confide in you, I cannot confide in anyone else, because there is another life at stake, a life, very, very precious to me, and that to him, and him alone, I trust to save it. Strakovski, aside. — She seems so sincere. One would say they were real tears. (Aloud.) And what would you gain anyway, madame, by deceiving me ; for before warning General Drachkov of your presence here, I would have every door of this room guarded and sol- diers placed behind all the pillars in the gallery, so there would be no hope 01 escape for you or your accomplices. Olga, aside. — Behind the pillars ! Accomplices ! (aloud.) I accept all your conditions, only go, go quickly for there is not a minute to lose. Strakovski. — I will go, madame, but remember if you have deceived me, you will have no more implacable judge than I. (Exit Strakovski.) SCENE IV. Olga. — My poor Serge, if they should find him already in the gallery. If they should drag him to prison, into exile, and I, I his sister had been the cause of his ruin. ACT IV. 55 (looking at clock.) Five minutes to eleven, God have pity, how the hands fly ! only five minutes in which to save my brother, only five minutes to save him, the other one, that implacable, proud man, whose voice vibrated to the dephs of my heart. Ah ! for which does it beat now, weak, foolish creature. Oh ! if he were to betray my confidence, if he were to look again, as he did when he spoke those terrible, those insulting words. Bat that I cannot believe. No ! no ! he could not be so vile. But he said he would sacrifice the life of any man who stood in the way of the independence, and future of Russia. If he were to consider Serge such a man. Oh ! that would be too horrible. (Enter DrachJcov by d. c. f. He close* door behind him, and pauses on the threshold.) SCENE V. DRACHKOV, and OLGA. Drachkov. — Tell me, tell me Olga Ivanovna, what brings you here to-night? It would not become you to deceive me further. I do not fear death; but oh ! God! if you knew what a cold chill passes through my heart at the thought that I may lose the last beautiful illusion which can glorify, or ennoble my life. Speak, Olga Ivanovna, what brings you here to-night? Olga. — I! I — Oh! be merciful general Drachkov, and save my brother. He is weak, and timid, he never would have formed such a project, if— if others had not inspired him with it. Drachkov. — Ah! I think you are mistaken. It is the weak, and timid always, who select crooked paths, when 56 DRACHKOV. straight ones would be so much easier to find. And with his character, and habits of life, the end was fatal, and must have come sooner, or later. Olga. —The end! the end. Oh ! my poor Serge, and have they — have they arrested him already. But you ! you will have the power to release him, you are brave, you are magnanimous. Oh ! do not be pitiless. Drachkov. — I release him I will do all I can, but why did you not send me a letter, why did you come here to-night to — to these apartments, and then send me a message with such displays of secrecy ; telling me you wanted to see me alone, that you had secrets unsuited to any other ear. Why did you do this, Olga Ivanovna. Who inspired you with these strange calculations. Olga. — I alone ! my own heart. Drachkov. — Your heart, and could your heart, that I believed so innocent, so pure, so holy, if so misguided, could that heart alone, and unaided form such plans. Then I have been indeed deceived, and you were the intelligent instrument, the worthy associate of your brother, and his friends. But you are wrong, I am not as vile as you supposed. I will not sell you your brother's freedom, I will give it to you, I will write, myself to Vas- sili Petrovich's uncle, urging him not to prosecute his nephew, and your worthy brother, for forging his name. I will myself pay him the twenty thousand roubles, the amount of the check your brother presented at the Im- perial Bank last week, and whose falsity was reported to Baron Bapskine two days ago in Moscow. It may not yet be too late, your brother may not yet be arrested, his fault may not yet have become public. I think in any case I can assure you of his safety. And, now Olga Ivanovna ACT IV. hi I think you have no cause to remain longer here ; but you have misjudged Dimitri Drachkov, he may have many faults, but he is incapable of a meanness. Olga. — He, a forger, my brother Serge. He commit so mean a crime. But, oh ! if that were all. Drachkov. — And is there something else, some other service I can render you. Speak, what is it V {Chiming tonus of church bell heard striking eleven o'clock.) Olga. — Eleven! and he may be there in the gallery already, and then they will find him, they will drag him away, they will send him into exile. Oh ! have pity, he is weak, he has done wrong, but he is my brother; and we were children together. Oh ! he may be there now ! Will you not help me to save him. Draohkov. — He, Serge Milutine, there in the gallery, and what should he be there for? Olga. — Oh ! that I should have to tell you, but you can be generous, you are safe. And he ! he has really done nothing. It was the others who made him do it, he but drew the lot, as he was bid. But you, you are safe, you need not punish any one Qioise of tramping heard in the outside gallery.) Oh! there are the guards, the guards who have come to drag him away. (Olga goes up towards the door. Drachkov advancts between her, and it.) Drachkov. — You shall not leave here, Olga, till you have give me the key to this mystery. Why should your brother be in that gallery, what danger have I escaped? Olga — But you will forgive him, he is weak, he only yielded to the others. 58 DRACHKOV. Drachkov. — And I, what have I to forgive him ? Is he in that gallery in ambuscade to assassinate me ? Olga, in a low voice. — Yes ! Noise of tramping and loud speaking in the gallery. Olga. — Oh ! do you not hear them, and you need but to throw the door open, but to say one word, and you can save him. Drachkov, standing in front of door. — But had you no influence with him, this weak brother of yours, that you could prevent his coming ? Olga. —But then — then they would have sent another to do the same cruel work, another to — Drachkov, interrupting her vehemently. — And then it was to save me you came, to save me, my little soul of paradise. Louder noise of talking and confused tramping outside. Olga. — Oh! will you not save him, and I thought you so magnanimous, so heroic. Drachkov. — Heroism can do nothing here, my little Olga. Do you hear that voice. That is Baron Bap- skine, the envoy of the Government. My authority could do nothing against his report. Olga. — But will you do nothing ? Can you not try (seizing his hand imploringly) ? Drachkov. — And do you think there is anything I would not attempt to win one gentle word, one tender glance from you. But if Bapskine were to see you here, to learn that it was your brother who had at- tempted my assassination, it is not he, it is not I, it is you who would be lost. ACT IV. 59 Olga. — Let me pass ! Let me pass ! "What is my life to me ? Drachkov. — But to me it is the world and the future ; all that can glorify the one or brighten the other. To me it is hope, it is youth, it is heaven. A shot, followed by an outcry, heard without Olga. — My brother ! My poor brother ! (Faints ; Drachkov catches her in his arms.) Drachkov. — And she came here to save me, she risked everything to save me. My soul, my pretty little soul, it would be a strong hand could take you from me now. (Curtain.) ACT Y. SCENE I. Olga still fainting in arm chair, I. c, Drachkov kneeling beside her. Drachkov. — My generous arid noble love, I knew those tender, dark eyes that looked so defiantly at me, but glanced so tenderly at the weak and the pitiful, did not lie. I knew there was a proud and pure soul behind them. (Olga opens her eyes; Drachkov rises.) Do not be afraid, my little Olga, I shall not hurt you ; no one will harm you here. Olga. — Ah! I remember all. My brother, my poor Serge. I will go to him. (Bises mid goes up towards door. Drachkov advances as if to obstruct her passage to it. Drachkov. — Remain here, my little Olga ; but promise me to remain here, and I will go. If mortal man can save him now, I will. Door thrown open and enter St rakovski followed by Remirov. SCENE II. DRACHKOV, OLGA, STRAKOVSKI and REMIROV. Olga. — Nicholas Demitrovich. He here ! ACT V. 61 Strakovski. — My general, I ask your pardon for this unannounced intrusion, but Kemirov Iras just identified the man shot in the gallery, and then, I will confess it, I was anxious and did not think you should be left longer in ignorance of what has occurred. Olga. — My poor Serge. Why did I leave him ? Drachkov. — Remirov might have chosen another time to make that communication, and in any case such an intrusion is unpardonable and wholly inexplicable. Remirov. — But when I identified the dead man — Olga. — Dead ! (Staggers as if about to fall ; Drachkov supports her.) Remirov. — Your excellency will pardon me, but when I found that the man who shot himself was that Ivan Vassilievich Strogonov. Olga. — Ivan. Drachkov. — Ivan Strogonov shot himself in the gal- lery, and why ? Strikovski. — The guards I had placed in the gallery having discovered him behind one the pillars, attempted to arrest him, and he, feeling himself overpowered, placed a pistol to his breast, and shot himself through the heart, preferring to die rather than yield. Olga. — And then it was not Serge, it was not my poor brother after all. Drachkov. — Hush ! Olga, do not betray yourself here. And before dying did he make any confession ; did he name any accomplices ? Strakovski. — No, he only said " Cowards ! cowards they have abandoned me." 62 DRACHKOV. Olga. — Abandoned him ! Drachkov, in a low voice. — Do not be excited, my child, but leave this to me. Abandoned him ! Then there were accomplices, but they must have fled out of his reach, probably out of ours ; but what do you sup- pose could have been his purpose ? . Eemirov. — Can your excellency ask? Assassination undoubtedly, and whose only victim could have been that one whose life is the most valuable and the most important. Drachko?. — You flatter me Remirov, but go now, and inquire if there is no information you can give Baron Rapskine. Remtrov. — Very well, excellency. Exit Remii^ov. SCENE III. DRACHKOV, OLGA and STRAKOVSKI. Strakovsej. — And I, my general, have you no orders for me. Drachkov. — No orders, Vladimir, but a favor to ask of your friendship, that you should remain for a little while out there, and warn me if anyone comes in the gallery, that this young lady may leave the palace, as she has entered it, unobserved. Strakovski. — I shall be only too happy, my General- (Aside.) Bah! there's no danger of assassination here. Exit Strakovski. ACT V. 63 SCENE IV. DRACHKOV and OLUA. Drachkov. — You see he has abandoned you, my Olga, your unworthy brother. Olga. — But wherever he is, whatever may be his faults, I must seek him, I must care for him, weak and yielding as he is. Dkachkov. — And how could you care for him, Olga, you who are not weak, you who are noble, but impress-' ionable, and yielding too ; you with whom egotistical impulses, and personal considerations would be jDOwerless but who would be swept away in the whirlwind of every generous enthusiasm, till it bore you to a position, and a resolution like that which first brought you to this house. No ! it is my duty to care for you, to save you from yourself, to protect you from your brother's friends. And when duty, and passion are one, do you think I will ever yield, Olga Ivanovna. Olga. — And for what can you hope Dimitri Michaelo- vich. Our lives, our thoughts, our ideas, our sympathies have all been different. Drachkov.— Thoughts, ideas, what are they in com- parison with character, it is character alone which is eternal, it is character alone which attracts, it was character which bewitched me in your proud, and defiant grace, it was still character in it's strength, and sincerity which drew you to me, and caused the weapon to drop* from your hand, powerless, as you felt to use it against a kindred spirit. Ah ! that action alone condemns you, that is your true acknowledgement, that is your true confession. What are thoughts to those whose feelings are alike. 64 DRACHKOV. Olga.— But even if you were right, I could never abandon my brother, weak, and criminal as he is, digraced perhaps. DrachkoV. — You shall not leave me so without a word, without a promise, (kneeling, and kissing Olga's hand. ) Olga, my 01 ga if you knew what I suffered when they told me it was you who were coming on that wicked, that heartless errand, you whose image was enshrined in my heart as the holiest, and the most exquisite of created beings. Olga, my Olga, but a word, but a 'pro- mise. Say Dimitri, I love you, and I will let you go. (Door in the back ground thrown violently open, and enter Eapskine, followed by StrakovsH, Remirov, Matvei, and guards.) SCENE V. DRACHKOV, OLGA, EAPSKINE, STKAKOVSKI, REMIROV, MATVEI, and GUARDS. Rapskine. — I — I really beg your pardon general Drachkov. Prince Strakovski didnt want me to come in but I insisted, fearing you might be in danger, that this — this matter might be connected with the conspirator. Young men are so careless in such things. But I really beg your pardon, I wont disturb you. ( Aside.) When I tell this in Petersbourg, no one but the mothers with marriageable daughters will believe it. Remirov, aside. — And he would drag me here too to identify the dangerous conspirator. Matvei, aside, — This is a greater joke than I counted ACT V. 65 Duachkov, rising calmly to his feel. — There is no occasion for apologies Baron Rapskine, Prince Strakovski was wrong, you were at perfect liberty to enter. Permit me to present you to this young lady, "Olga Ivanovna Milutiue, who in order to warn me of the threatened assassination has risked many dangers, and some mis- construction. Rapskine. — I shall not misconstrue, Dimitri Michaelo- vich, I shall not misconstrue anything at all. (Aside.) She's develish pretty, but who would have ever thought that Drachkov was up to such larks. (Aloud.) But let me see, Milutine; is that not the same name as, I beg the pretty young lady's pardon, but is it not the same name as that of the young scamp whose queer forgery I was telling you about this afternoon. Drachkov, aside to Olga. — Control yourself, my soul. I have promised to save him. (Aloud.) There is no offense, the same name does not alwa} r s indicate the same family, much less the same sentiments. Rapskine. — Well, what do you think. He somew r ay got a suspicion we were after him, and escaped this evening with the very nephew of his victim, and the strange thing about it is that they have not left the smallest clue by which to track them. (Strakovski and Rapskine r. c, talking. Bemirov, and 3Iatcei near the back ground, ivith guards. Olga, and Drachkov left towards the foreground.) Duachkov. — He has deserted you without a. word, without a thought, you young, beautiful, and alone without relatives or friends to care for, or protect you. Oh ! my noble Olga, if you would but trust me. •66 DRACHKOV. Olga. — You were right. He is unworthy, (giving Drachkov her hand) and I do trust you Dimitri, now, and forever. Rapskine, turning around gayly. — But now, I mu^t be going General Drachkov to look after the conspirators, but by the way who will answer for the loyalty of this young lady who brings such mysterious, and timely warnings. Strakovski, aside. — The blundering old fool. Drachkov, with dignity leading Olga across towards Rapskine. — I will answer for the loyalty of my wife, the Countess Drachkov. (Curtain.) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 1 016 215 032 7