NATALYA

(In a weak voice) Yes, Belyaev, you must leave . . . Now, after what we’ve said, you must leave . . . And can it really be that, despite everything I’ve done . . . Believe me, if I could even have remotely suspected all you’ve just said to me—that confession would have died in me . . . I only wanted to end all the misunderstandings, I wanted to repent, to punish myself, I wanted to break the last thread just like that. If I could have imagined . . . (She covers her face with her hands)

BELYAEV

I believe you, Natalya Petrovna, I believe you. Take me: just fifteen minutes ago . . . how could I have imagined . . . It was only today, when we talked before lunch, that I felt for the first time something extraordinary, indescribable, as if somebody’s hand was squeezing my heart, and my chest was so hot . . . Before I did sort of avoid you, as if I even disliked you; but when you told me today that Vera Alexandrovna imagined . . . (He stops)

NATALYA

(With an involuntary smile of happiness) Enough, enough, Belyaev. We mustn’t even think of it. We mustn’t forget that we’re speaking to each other for the last time . . . that you’re leaving tomorrow . . .

BELYAEV

Yes! I’m leaving tomorrow! While I’m still able . . . This will all pass . . . I don’t want to make too much of it . . . I’ll leave . . . and then, as God wills! I’ll take one memory with me, I’ll always remember that you loved me . . . But why didn’t I get to know you sooner? You’re looking at me now . . . Can it be that I used to avoid your eyes? Can it be that I was ever shy with you? . . .

NATALYA

(Smiling) You just told me you were afraid of me.

BELYAEV

Did I? (Pause) Right . . . I’m surprised at myself . . . Me, me talking to you like this? I don’t recognize myself.

NATALYA

And you’re not deceiving yourself?

BELYAEV

About what?

NATALYA

About you . . . me . . . (Gives a start) Oh, God! What am I doing . . . Listen, Belyaev . . . Help me . . . Has any woman ever been in a situation like this? I’m just not strong enough . . . Maybe it’s for the best to break it all off at once, but at least we’ve come to know each other . . . Give me your hand—and good-bye forever.

BELYAEV

(Takes her hand) Natalya Petrovna . . . What can I say to you? . . . There’s so much in my heart . . . God grant you . . . (Stops and presses her hand to his lips) Good-bye. (Makes as if to leave through the garden door)