NATALYA

Michel, for the last time . . . You just said you were sorry for me . . . Is this is how you show it? Can you possibly . . .

RAKITIN

(Coldly) Are you telling me to get her?

NATALYA

(With vexation) Yes.

Rakitin goes to the study. Natalya Petrovna remains motionless for a while, then sits down, takes a book from the table, opens it, and lets it fall in her lap.

This one, too! What is all this? He . . . he, too. And I was still counting on him. And Arkady? My God! I completely forgot about him! (Straightening up) I see it’s time to put a stop to all this . . .

Vera enters from the study.

Yes . . . it’s time.

VERA

(Timidly) You asked for me, Natalya Petrovna?

NATALYA

(Quickly turning around) Ah! Verochka! Yes, I asked for you.

VERA

(Going to her) Are you feeling well?

NATALYA

Me? Yes. Why?

VERA

It seemed to me . . .

NATALYA

No, it’s nothing. I’m a little hot . . . That’s all. Sit down.

Vera sits down.

Listen, Vera—you’re not busy with anything right now?

VERA

No, ma’am.

NATALYA

I ask because I must have a talk with you . . . a serious talk. You see, my dear heart, up to now you’ve still been a child; but you’re seventeen years old; you’re intelligent . . . it’s time you thought about your future. You know I love you like a daughter; my house will always be your house . . . still, in the eyes of other people you’re an orphan. You’re not rich. In time you may get tired of eternally living in other people’s homes. Listen, wouldn’t you like to have a home of your own—all your own?

VERA

(Slowly) I don’t understand you, Natalya Petrovna.

NATALYA

(After a pause) Someone has asked me for your hand.

Vera looks at Natalya Petrovna in amazement.

You weren’t expecting that. I must admit, it seems a bit strange to me, too. You’re still so young . . . I don’t need to tell you that I haven’t the slightest intention of forcing you . . . I think it’s too early for you to get married; I only considered it my duty to inform you . . .

Vera suddenly covers her face with her hands.

Vera . . . what’s this? You’re crying? (Takes her by the hand) You’re shaking all over? You’re not afraid of me, are you, Vera?

VERA

(Hollowly) I must do as you tell me, Natalya Petrovna . . .

NATALYA

(Taking Vera’s hands from her face) Vera, aren’t you ashamed to be crying? Aren’t you ashamed to say you must do as I tell you? What do you take me for? I talk to you like a daughter, and you . . .

Vera kisses her hands.

Ah? So you must do as I tell you, miss? Then kindly laugh right now. I order you . . .