Vera looks at Natalya Petrovna irresolutely.

Those pretty eyes want to tell me something . . .

Vera suddenly hides her face on Natalya Petrovna’s breast. Natalya Petrovna turns pale and, after a pause, continues.

Are you in love? Tell me, are you in love?

VERA

(Not raising her head) Oh! I don’t know what’s happening to me . . .

NATALYA

Poor little thing! You’re in love . . .

Vera presses herself still harder to Natalya Petrovna’s breast.

You’re in love . . . and he? Is he, Vera?

VERA

(Still not raising her head) What are you asking me . . . I don’t know . . . Maybe . . . I don’t know, I don’t know . . .

Natalya Petrovna gives a start and remains motionless. Vera raises her head and suddenly notices a change in her expression.

Natalya Petrovna, what’s the matter with you?

NATALYA

(Coming to her senses) With me . . . nothing . . . What? . . . nothing.

VERA

You’re so pale, Natalya Petrovna . . . What’s the matter? Let me ring . . . (She gets up)

NATALYA

No, no . . . don’t. It’s nothing . . . It will pass. There, it’s already gone.

VERA

Let me at least get someone . . .

NATALYA

On the contrary . . . I . . . I want to be alone. Leave me. Do you hear? We’ll talk later. Go.

VERA

You’re not angry with me, Natalya Petrovna?

NATALYA

Me? What for? Not in the least. On the contrary, I thank you for trusting me . . . Only, please, leave me now.

Vera tries to take her hand, but Natalya Petrovna turns away as if not noticing Vera’s movement.

VERA

(With tears in her eyes) Natalya Petrovna . . .

NATALYA

Leave me, miss, I beg you.

Vera slowly exits to the study. Natalya Petrovna, alone, remains motionless for a while.