SMIRNOV. That _is_ a woman. I can understand her. A real woman. No shilly-shallying, but fire, powder, and noise! It would be a pity to shoot a woman like that.
MRS. POPOV. Here are the pistols. But before we have our duel, please show me how to shoot. I have never had a pistol in my hand before!
LUKA. God be merciful and have pity upon us! I'll go and get the gardener and the coachman. Why has this horror come to us? [_He goes out._
SMIRNOV. [_Looking at the pistols._] You see, there are different kinds. There are special duelling pistols, with cap and ball. But these are revolvers, Smith & Wesson, with ejectors; fine pistols! A pair like that cost at least ninety roubles. This is the way to hold a revolver. [_Aside._] Those eyes, those eyes! A real woman!
SMIRNOV. Yes, that way. Then you pull the hammer back--so--then you aim--put your head back a little. Just stretch your arm out, please. So--then press your finger on the thing like that, and that is all. The chief thing is this: don't get excited, don't hurry your aim, and take care that your hand doesn't tremble.
MRS. POPOV. It isn't well to shoot inside; let's go into the garden.
SMIRNOV. Yes. I'll tell you now, I am going to shoot into the air.
SMIRNOV. Because--because. That's my business.
MRS. POPOV. You are afraid. Yes. A-h-h-h, No, no, my dear sir, no flinching! Please follow me. I won't rest until I've made a hole in that head I hate so much. Are you afraid?
MRS. POPOV. You are lying. Why won't you fight?
MRS. POPOV. [_With an angry laugh._] You like me! He dares to say he likes me! [_She points to the door._] Go.
SMIRNOV. [_Laying the revolver silently on the table, takes his hat and starts. At the door he stops a moment, gazing at her silently, then he approaches her, hesitating._] Listen! Are you still angry? I was mad as the devil, but please understand me--how can I express myself? The thing is like this--such things are--[_He raises his voice._] Now, is it my fault that you owe me money? [_Grasps the back of the chair, which breaks._] The devil knows what breakable furniture you have! I like you! Do you understand? I--I'm almost in love!
SMIRNOV. Lord! What a woman! I never in my life met one like her. I'm lost, ruined! I've been caught like a mouse in a trap.