ACT I
The garden of IVANOFF\'S country place. On the left is a terrace and
the facade of the house. One window is open. Below the terrace is a broad
semicircular lawn, from which paths lead to right and left into a garden.
On the right are several garden benches and tables. A lamp is burning on
one of the tables. It is evening. As the curtain rises sounds of the piano and
violoncello are heard.
IVANOFF is sitting at a table reading.
BORKIN, in top-boots and carrying a gun, comes in from the rear of
the garden. He is a little tipsy. As he sees IVANOFF he comes toward him
on tiptoe, and when he comes opposite him he stops and points the gun at
his face.
IVANOFF. [Catches sight of BORKIN. Shudders and jumps to his feet]
Misha! What are you doing? You frightened me! I can\'t stand your stupid
jokes when I am so nervous as this. And having frightened me, you laugh!
[He sits down.]