RAKITIN

Ah, so that’s it! . . . Don’t worry, Natalya Petrovna. Not only will I not tell Mr. Belyaev anything, I won’t even say good-bye to him when I leave here. I’m not going to force my services on anyone.

NATALYA

(Slightly embarrassed) Maybe you think I’ve changed my mind about . . . his leaving?

RAKITIN

I don’t think anything.

NATALYA

On the contrary, I’m so convinced of the necessity, as you put it, of his leaving, that I’m going to dismiss him myself. (Pause) Yes, I’ll dismiss him myself.

RAKITIN

You?

NATALYA

Yes, me. And right now. Send him to me, will you?

RAKITIN

What? Right now?

NATALYA

Right now. Will you, Rakitin? You see, I’m calm now. Besides, nobody will interrupt us now. I should take advantage of that . . . I’ll be grateful to you. I’m going to question him.

RAKITIN

Good God, he won’t tell you anything! He admitted to me himself that he feels awkward around you.

NATALYA

(Suspiciously) Ah! So you’ve already talked with him about me?

Rakitin shrugs.

Well, forgive me, forgive me, Michel, and send him to me. You’ll see, I’ll dismiss him, and it will all be over. It will all pass and be forgotten, like a bad dream. Do send him to me. I really need to have a final talk with him. You’ll be pleased with me. Do send him.

RAKITIN

(Who has not taken his eyes off her all the while, coldly and sadly) As you like. Your wish shall be fulfilled. (Goes to the ballroom door)

NATALYA

(Following him with her eyes) Thank you, Michel.

RAKITIN

(Turning) Oh, spare me your thanks . . . (Exits quickly to the ballroom)

NATALYA

(Alone, after a pause) He’s a fine man . . . But can it be that I once loved him? (Gets up) He’s right. The young man must leave. But how to dismiss him! I only want to know if he really likes the girl. Maybe it’s all nothing. How could I have become so agitated . . . why all these emotions? Well, there’s nothing to be done now. I wish I knew what he’ll tell me. But he must leave . . . He must . . . he must. Maybe he won’t want to answer me . . . He’s afraid of me . . . Well? So much the better. There’s no need to say much to him . . . (Puts her hand to her forehead) And I’ve got a headache. Shouldn’t I put it off till tomorrow? In fact, I should. I feel like everybody’s watching me today . . . What am I saying! No, it’s better to get it over with . . . One last effort, and I’m free! . . . Oh, yes, I want so much to be free and at peace!

Belyaev enters from the ballroom.

It’s him . . .

BELYAEV

(Going to her) Natalya Petrovna, Mikhail Alexandrych told me you wanted to see me . . .