NATALYA
Maybe . . . but then . . . (Pauses, and goes on with some embarrassment) Ah, by the way, Alexei Nikolaich, was that you singing in the garden yesterday?
BELYAEV
When, ma’am?
NATALYA
In the evening, by the pond. Was it you?
BELYAEV
It was, ma’am. (Hastily) I didn’t think . . . the pond’s so far away . . . I didn’t think it could be heard from here . . .
NATALYA
Are you apologizing? You have a very pleasant, clear voice, and you sing so well. Have you studied music?
BELYAEV
No, ma’am. I sing by ear . . . only simple songs.
NATALYA
You sing them beautifully . . . I’ll ask you sometime . . . not now, but when we’re better acquainted, when we’ve become closer . . . we will become closer, won’t we, Alexei Nikolaich? I trust you, my chattering is proof of it . . .
She gives him her hand, expecting him to shake it. Belyaev takes it irresolutely, and after some hesitation, not knowing what to do with this hand, he kisses it. Natalya Petrovna blushes and pulls her hand back. At that moment, Shpigelsky enters from the ballroom, stops, and steps back. Natalya Petrovna quickly gets up, as does Belyaev.
(With embarrassment) Ah, it’s you, doctor . . . Alexei Nikolaich and I were . . . (Stops)
SHPIGELSKY
(Loudly and casually) Just look at what goes on here, Natalya Petrovna. I come to the servants’ quarters, ask for the sick coachman, and—lo and behold!—my patient is sitting at the table stuffing his mouth with pancakes and onion. What good is it being a doctor with patients like that!
NATALYA
(Forcing a smile) Ah! Really . . .
Belyaev wants to leave.
Alexei Nikolaich, I forgot to tell you . . .
VERA
(Running in from the ballroom) Alexei Nikolaich! Alexei Nikolaich!
She suddenly stops, seeing Natalya Petrovna.
NATALYA
(Somewhat startled) What is it? What do you want?
VERA
(Blushing and looking down, points to Belyaev) Somebody’s calling him.
NATALYA
Who?
VERA
Kolya . . . I mean, Kolya was asking about the kite . . .
NATALYA
Ah! (In a low voice, to Vera) On n’entre pas comme cela dans une chambre . . . Cela ne convient pas.10 (Turning to Shpigelsky) What time is it, doctor? Your watch is always right . . . It’s time for dinner.
SHPIGELSKY
Let me see. (Takes out his watch) It’s now . . . I’ll tell you, it’s now—twenty past four.
NATALYA
There, you see. Dinnertime.
She goes to the mirror and straightens her hair. Meanwhile, Vera whispers something to Belyaev. Both laugh. Natalya Petrovna sees them in the mirror. Shpigelsky keeps glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.
BELYAEV
(Laughing, in a low voice) Did she really?
VERA
(Nodding, also in a low voice) Yes, yes, she fell right off.
NATALYA
(With feigned indifference, turning to Vera) What? Who fell off?
VERA
(Embarrassed) It’s nothing, ma’am . . . Alexei Nikolaich put up a swing there, so nanny took it into her head . . .