The Last Station Page #4

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in front of God.

I'm not sure

I was aware of God.

- So I made you forget God?

- No. Never.

Yes. Only for a moment.

You forgot your rules

and you remembered love.

- You make it sound very simple.

- It is simple.

I mean, what we did

is what men and women do.

It's what they have done,

it's what they'll continue doing.

We touched each other.

When we stayed close together,

something passed between us.

Something real.

And that's a betrayal of what?

Nothing.

But you're afraid.

All your ideas.

She wants to question you

about the new will.

But how does she even know

it exists?

Well, she claims that Lev Nikolayevich

said she could look at the draft.

Well, he is obviously

not thinking clearly.

And now we have to contend

with her petty grasping.

- It doesn't seem that petty to me.

- I beg your pardon?

He's her entire life. The work,

in her mind, is theirs, together.

And you're her advocate?

You have been taken in

by her celebrity.

- I was worried about this.

- I'm simply talking about their history.

- Nothing more.

- We have to see her.

- Act as if nothing has happened.

- Nothing has happened.

Sofya Andreyevna.

At last, you honor us with a visit.

Well, I'm curious to see how things

are progressing here at Telyatinki.

Well...

What is it?

Your mustache is...

No, it's just a problem with the wax.

Vladimir Grigorevich,

let me come straight to the point.

I don't wish to be your enemy.

On the contrary, I am delighted

that my husband has found a friend...

...who understands

and shares his ideals.

I just want what's reasonable.

I want an opportunity

to evaluate the new will.

If you agree,

then I'm sure we can be friends.

You are very kind, Sofya Andreyevna,

but I can't help you...

...not without specific instructions

from your husband.

Oh, he has agreed.

Hasn't he, Valentin?

No witness you produce

can change my position, I'm afraid.

But I will, of course...

...speak to Lev Nikolayevich

at the first opportunity.

Very well.

I want us to be friends too, Sofya.

Lev Nikolayevich is the most valuable

thing in the world, to both of us.

We should endeavor to set things right

between us. Give him peace.

Let him work.

Yes.

Valentin Fedorovich, would you

accompany me to the house, please?

I'll accompany the countess

back to the house...

...and be back in time for supper.

Masha will be overjoyed.

Valentin Fedorovich, you've been

keeping something from me.

Have I?

You can tell me anything, Valentin.

I love a romance.

That's... It's nothing.

Really, it's nothing.

A young woman in your life

is nothing?

Masha is a friend.

- A lover?

- A very... A very good friend.

See, you forget

that I'm an experienced reader...

...so I can read your face,

every letter.

It's beautifully clear.

Really?

Do you love her?

- I think perhaps I do.

- Yes.

It's not something they'd understand,

these disciples of my husband's.

They've never understood a word

he's ever written.

What do they know about love?

Let's try to be as efficient as possible,

get the job done, and get back.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

- Did I scare you? Are you all right?

- Fine.

I'm sorry.

I got back as soon as I could.

It was a strange day.

Lev Nikolayevich is...

I love to listen to him talk,

but today I could barely concentrate.

All I could think about was you.

- I think I've confused you.

- No.

- I think I've confused us both.

- No.

I...

I was stupid.

I was afraid,

but I'm not afraid anymore.

What are you?

Masha.

I love you, Masha.

Here.

Masha.

Masha! I have...

In my heart...

...I have committed the act

of copulation many times!

Please know it was never

like it was with you.

I'll wait for you, then.

You will?

Give me this.

What? What are you laughing at?

It's a problem with the wax.

I think I look just like him.

You're happy.

Well, of course I am.

Love and be loved. That's the only

reality there is in the world.

He said that?

Yes, Tolstoy said it, but I'm saying it.

I'm saying it, Masha,

because you make me know it.

I look into your eyes

and I can see the future.

I think you're the bravest person

I've ever met.

You amaze me.

You believe more

than I know how to.

I love you.

You're pure, Valya.

You're what I came here to find.

Ivan, who's wearing

that awful perfume?

I understand this is difficult.

It is a delicate situation.

This way.

This must be discussed now.

It cannot wait any longer.

Whatever happens,

Mother mustn't find out.

I hate to say it, but the countess has

become more and more dangerous.

Oh, not dangerous. She's concerned

for the welfare of the family.

And we're concerned

with the welfare of mankind.

- You've been more than reasonable.

- Have I?

Of course you have.

She already controls the income

from your property.

Please, listen to him, Papa.

He has our best interests at heart.

We are speaking only of the rights

to your words, your ideas.

With all love and respect...

...the countess is too interested

in making a profit from your work.

She's my wife. She's part of me.

We've been together all these years.

But you're more than a husband

and father. She must understand that.

The best interests of the people

are one with your own.

- You belong to them.

- She won't. She'll never understand.

What is she doing?

- She's unstable. I wonder if she isn't ill.

- It's sadly more than probable.

I know it's hard for you, Papa,

but you must be realistic.

Her behavior is extremely alarming.

Do you truly think she is fit to control

the final disposition of this will?

Well, I don't... I don't...

How dare...

- God!

- Oh, God.

What are you doing?

You're all plotting against me,

in my own house too!

I bear you 13 children.

How can you betray me like this?

Somebody, help me up.

Go ahead. Go ahead.

Why don't you give everything

we've got to him?

Your little catamite!

"What will it be, my dearest darling,

my Vladimir Grigorevich?

My wife's heart on a platter?

Her kidneys, with salt?

But of course, my dear Chertkov.

Whatever pleases you.

The china, the estate...

...permanent copyright

on anything I've ever written?

Anything for you, my love. "

- Give that to me.

- No.

- Give it to me, you little weasel!

- Sofya!

- Give it to me!

- Sofya.

Give it to me!

- Now...

- Can I have... Can I not have some...

- Can I not have some...

- You'll kill him, Mama.

Well, that's what you want, isn't it?

You want him to die!

Lev.

It's all right, it's all right.

Let's get him out of here.

You don't deceive me

for one moment.

I know exactly what you're doing.

I want to see the will.

It is my right as his wife

in the sight of God.

What are you afraid of?

You.

I'm afraid of you.

The press are bloodthirsty, Sofya.

Had I wished,

I could have demolished you.

You make it easy.

Then tell them anything you want.

Go ahead. Ruin us!

I have too much respect

for Lev Nikolayevich!

You're lucky!

Why can't my husband see you

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