NATALYA
(Pats her cheek) A child, a child, you’re a perfect child . . . eh? What do you think, Shpigelsky?
SHPIGELSKY
(Slowly and looking at Natalya Petrovna) I agree with you.
NATALYA
Well, there.
SHPIGELSKY
But that’s no hindrance . . . On the contrary . . .
NATALYA
You think so? (To Vera) Well, and you were having a good time?
VERA
Yes, ma’am . . . Alexei Nikolaich is so much fun.
NATALYA
Oh, is he? (After a pause) Verochka, how old are you?
Vera looks at her with some amazement.
A child . . . a child . . .
Rakitin enters from the ballroom.
SHPIGELSKY
(Bustling) Ah, I forgot . . . your coachman’s sick . . . I haven’t seen him yet . . .
NATALYA
What has he got?
SHPIGELSKY
A fever. But there’s no danger.
NATALYA
(As he leaves) Will you stay for dinner, doctor?
SHPIGELSKY
If I may. (Exits into the ballroom)
NATALYA
Mon enfant, vous feriez bien de mettre une autre robe pour le dîner.8
Vera gets up.
Come to me . . . (Kisses her on the forehead) A child, a child!
Vera kisses her hand and goes to the study.
RAKITIN
(Quietly to Vera, with a wink) I sent Alexei Nikolaich everything he needs.
VERA
(In a low voice) Thank you, Mikhail Alexandrych.
Exits.
RAKITIN
(Goes up to Natalya Petrovna. She gives him her hand. He presses it at once) At last we’re alone . . . Natalya Petrovna, tell me, what’s the matter?
NATALYA
Never mind, Michel, never mind. And whatever it was, it’s gone now. Sit down.
Rakitin sits down beside her.
It can happen to anybody. Clouds drift across the sky. Why are you looking at me like that?
RAKITIN
I’m just looking at you . . . I’m happy.
NATALYA
(Smiles in response) Open the window, Michel. It’s so nice out!
Rakitin gets up and opens the window.
Hello, wind. (She laughs) As if he’s been waiting for a chance to burst in . . . (Looking around) See how he’s taken over the whole room . . . There’s no driving him out now . . .
RAKITIN
You yourself are soft and still now, like evening after a storm.
NATALYA
(Pensively repeating his last words) After a storm . . . Was there a storm?
RAKITIN
(Shaking his head) It was gathering.
NATALYA
Really? (Looking at him, after a short pause) You know, Michel, I can’t imagine a kinder man than you. It’s true.
Rakitin wants to stop her.
No, let me say it. You’re indulgent, gentle, constant. You don’t change. I owe you a lot.
RAKITIN
Natalya Petrovna, why are you saying this to me precisely now?
NATALYA
I don’t know. I’m cheerful, I’m relaxed. Let me chatter away . . .
RAKITIN
(Pressing her hand) You’re kind as an angel.
NATALYA
(Laughing) You wouldn’t have said that this morning . . . But listen, Michel, you know me, you’ll forgive me. Our relationship is so pure, so sincere . . . and yet it’s not quite natural. We have the right to look not just Arkady but everybody straight in the eye . . . Yes, but . . . (She turns pensive) That’s why it sometimes becomes hard for me, and awkward, I get cross, and like a child, I keep wanting to take out my vexation on others, especially on you . . . That preference doesn’t make you angry?