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Alexándra Ivánovna].
STARKÓVSKY [carrying three cushions, which he steadies with his chin,
and dropping things on the way] Don't trouble, Lyúbov Nikoláyevna, I'll
pick them up. Well, you have prepared a lot of favours. If only I can
manage to lead the dance properly! Ványa, come along.
VÁNYA [bringing more favours] This is the whole lot. Lyúba, Alexander
Mikáylovich and I have a bet on, which of us will win the most favours.
STARKÓVSKY. It will be easy for you, for you know everybody here, and
will gain them easily, while I shall have to charm the young ladies
first before winning anything. It means that I am giving you a start of
forty points.
VÁNYA. But then you are a fiancé, and I am a boy.
STARKÓVSKY. Well no, I am not a fiancé yet, and I am worse than a boy.
LYÚBA. Ványa, please go to my room and fetch the gum and the pin-cushion
from the what-not. Only for goodness' sake don't break anything.
VÁNYA. I'll break everything! [Runs off].
STARKÓVSKY [takes Lyúba's hand] Lyúba, may I? I am so happy. [Kisses her
hand] The mazurka is mine, but that is not enough. One can't say much in
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