SHPIGELSKY

What are you imagining? . . . We’re not talking about marriage, but only about permission to come, to visit . . .

RAKITIN

He can always do that.

SHPIGELSKY

He can, can he! Anybody else, yes . . . but Bolshintsov is a shy man, an innocent soul, straight out of a fairy tale, only he doesn’t suck his thumb . . . He hasn’t got much confidence in himself, he needs a bit of encouragement. Besides, he has the most honorable intentions.

RAKITIN

Yes, and the horses are good, too.

SHPIGELSKY

The horses are good, too. (Takes snuff and holds out his snuffbox to Rakitin) Would you like some?

RAKITIN

No thanks.

SHPIGELSKY

So, so it goes, Mikhail Alexandrych. You see, I don’t want to deceive you. Why should I? It’s as clear as can be. A man of honest principles, with money, quiet . . . If he’s suitable—fine. If not—say so.

RAKITIN

That’s all well and good, I suppose; but where do I fit in? I really don’t see what I can do.

SHPIGELSKY

Eh, Mikhail Alexandrych! As if we don’t know that Natalya Petrovna respects you very much and sometimes even listens to you . . . Really, Mikhail Alexandrych, (He embraces him from the side) be a friend, put in a little word . . .

RAKITIN

And you think he’ll make Verochka a good husband?

SHPIGELSKY

(Assuming a serious expression) I’m convinced of it. You don’t believe it . . . but you’ll see. In marriage, you know it yourself, the main thing is solid character! And who is more solid than Bolshintsov! (Looks around) Here comes Natalya Petrovna herself . . . My dear friend, my father, my savior! Two chestnut outrunners and a bay in the shafts! Do something!

RAKITIN

(Smiling) Well, all right, all right . . .

SHPIGELSKY

Look sharp, I’m counting on you . . . (Runs out)

RAKITIN

(Following him with his eyes) What a finagler that doctor is! Verochka . . . and Bolshintsov! Though, why not? There are worse marriages. I’ll do as he asks, and the rest is none of my business!

He turns. Natalya Petrovna comes out of the study, sees him, and stops.

NATALYA

(Hesitating) It’s . . . you . . . I thought you were outside . . .

RAKITIN

You seem displeased . . .

NATALYA

(Interrupting him) Oh, stop it! (Steps away) You’re alone?

RAKITIN

Shpigelsky just left.

NATALYA

(Scowling slightly) Ah! That provincial Talleyrand¹⁶ . . . What did he talk to you about? Is he still nosing around here?

RAKITIN

That provincial Talleyrand, as you call him, seems to have fallen into disgrace today . . . whereas yesterday . . .

NATALYA

He’s funny, he’s entertaining, it’s true. But he . . . meddles in what’s none of his business . . . That’s unpleasant. Besides, for all his fawning, he’s quite insolent and pushy . . . He’s a great cynic.

RAKITIN

(Approaching her) That’s not how you spoke of him yesterday . . .