VERA

(Taking her hands from her face and looking at him) My God, as if I’m asking for anything! But to be so cruel, so merciless . . . (She stops herself)

BELYAEV

I didn’t want to upset you, Vera Alexandrovna.

VERA

I’m not blaming you, Alexei Nikolaich. You’re not to blame for anything! I’m the one to blame . . . And I’m punished for it! I don’t blame her either; I know she’s a good woman, but she couldn’t help herself . . . She was confused.

BELYAEV

(Perplexed) Confused?

VERA

(Turning to him) Natalya Petrovna loves you, Belyaev.

BELYAEV

What?!

VERA

She’s in love with you.

BELYAEV

What are you saying?

VERA

I know what I’m saying. I’ve become old today . . . I’m no longer a child, believe me. She took it into her head to be jealous . . . of me! (With a bitter smile) How does that strike you?

BELYAEV

It can’t be!

VERA

Can’t be . . . Why, then, did she suddenly get the idea of marrying me off to this gentleman, what’s his name—Bolshintsov? Why did she send the doctor to me, why did she try to persuade me herself? I know what I’m saying! If you could have seen, Belyaev, how her whole face changed when I told her . . . Oh, you can’t imagine how cleverly, how cunningly she wheedled that confession out of me . . . Yes, she loves you; it’s so clear . . .

BELYAEV

Vera Alexandrovna, you’re mistaken, I assure you.

VERA

No, I’m not mistaken. Believe me, I’m not mistaken. If she doesn’t love you, why did she torture me like that? What have I done to her? (Bitterly) Jealousy excuses everything. What’s there to talk about! . . . And now, why is she dismissing you? She thinks that you . . . that you and I . . . Oh, she needn’t worry! You can stay! (Covers her face with her hands)

BELYAEV

She hasn’t dismissed me yet, Vera Alexandrovna . . . I told you nothing’s decided yet . . .

VERA

(Suddenly raises her head and looks at him) Really?

BELYAEV

Yes . . . but why are you looking at me that way?

VERA

(As if to herself) Ah! I see . . . Yes, yes . . . she still hopes . . .

The door to the corridor opens quickly and Natalya Petrovna appears on the threshold. Seeing Vera and Belyaev, she stops.

BELYAEV

What are you saying?

VERA

Yes, now it’s all clear to me . . . She’s come to her senses, she’s realized that I’m no threat to her. And, in fact, what am I? A stupid little girl, while she! . . .

BELYAEV

Vera Alexandrovna, how can you think . . .

VERA

And, finally, who knows? Maybe she’s right . . . maybe you do love her . . .

BELYAEV

Me?

VERA

(Getting up) Yes, you. Why are you blushing?