RAKITIN

(Goes to Natalya Petrovna) Natalya Petrovna . . . (She doesn’t stir. To himself) What could have happened between her and Vera? (Aloud) Natalya Petrovna . . .

NATALYA

(Raising her head) Who is it? Ah, it’s you!

RAKITIN

Vera Alexandrovna told me you’re unwell . . . I . . .

NATALYA

(Looking away) I’m quite well . . . What made her think . . .

RAKITIN

No, Natalya Petrovna, you’re not well, just look at you.

NATALYA

Oh, maybe so . . . but what is it to you? What do you want? Why have you come?

RAKITIN

(In a moved voice) I’ll tell you why I’ve come. I’ve come to ask you to forgive me. Half an hour ago I was unspeakably stupid and rude with you . . . Forgive me. You see, Natalya Petrovna, if a man’s desires and . . . and hopes are modest, it’s hard for him not to feel shaken, if only for a moment, when they’re suddenly torn from him. But now I’ve come to my senses, I understand my position and how wrong I was, and I wish for only one thing—your forgiveness. (He quietly sits down beside her) Look at me . . . don’t you turn away, too. Before you is your old Rakitin, your friend, a man who asks for nothing except permission to serve you, in your own words, as your support . . . Don’t deprive me of your trust, use me, and forget that I once . . . Forget all that might have offended you . . .

NATALYA

(Who has been staring fixedly at the floor all the while) Yes, yes . . . (Pause) Oh, I’m sorry, Rakitin, I didn’t hear a word you said.

RAKITIN

(Sadly) I said . . . I asked you to forgive me, Natalya Petrovna, I asked if you were willing let me remain your friend.

NATALYA

(Slowly turning to him and putting her hands on his shoulders) Rakitin, tell me, what’s the matter with me?

RAKITIN

(After a pause) You’re in love.

NATALYA

(Slowly repeating after him) I’m in love . . . But that’s crazy, Rakitin. It’s impossible. Can it just suddenly . . . You say I’m in love . . . (Falls silent)

RAKITIN

Yes, you’re in love, poor woman . . . Don’t fool yourself.

NATALYA

(Not looking at him) What am I supposed to do now?

RAKITIN

I’m ready to tell you, Natalya Petrovna, if you promise me . . .

NATALYA

(Interrupting him and still not looking at him) You know that this girl, Vera, loves him . . . They’re in love with each other.

RAKITIN

Then that’s one more reason . . .

NATALYA

(Interrupting him again) I suspected it long ago, but just now she confessed everything . . . just now.

RAKITIN

(In a low voice, as if to himself) Poor woman!

NATALYA

(Passing her hand over her face) Well, anyway . . . it’s time I came to my senses. I think you wanted to tell me something . . . For God’s sake, Rakitin, advise me what to do.