(Also after a pause) Thank you for your frankness, Michel. You’re an honorable man. Well, so, what do we do now? Sit down, let’s talk it over.

Rakitin sits down. Islaev paces the room.

I know Natasha; I know her worth . . . But I also know my own worth. I’m not as worthy as you, Michel . . . don’t interrupt me, please—I am not as worthy as you. You’re more intelligent, better, and, finally, nicer than I am. I’m a simple man. Natasha loves me—I think—but she has eyes . . . well, in short, how could she not like you? And I’ll tell you another thing: I noticed your penchant for each other long ago . . . But I’ve always trusted you both—and so far nothing has come to light . . . Eh! I’m no good at talking! (Pause) But after that scene yesterday, after your second meeting in the evening—what am I to do? If only I’d been alone when I found you—but there were witnesses: mama, that rascal Shpigelsky . . . Well, what do you say, Michel—eh?

RAKITIN

You’re perfectly right, Arkady.

ISLAEV

That’s not the point . . . but what am I to do? I’ll tell you, Michel, that although I’m a simple man, I know enough to understand that it’s no good ruining other people’s lives—and there are times when it’s sinful to insist on your own rights. I didn’t get that out of books, my friend . . . it’s my conscience speaking. Set her free . . . well, so, set her free! Only this has to be thought through. It’s much too important.

RAKITIN

(Getting up) I’ve already thought it through.

ISLAEV

And?

RAKITIN

I must leave . . . I’m leaving.

ISLAEV

(After a pause) You think so? . . . Just clear off?

RAKITIN

Yes.

ISLAEV

(Starts pacing back and forth again) That’s . . . that’s saying something! Maybe you’re right. It’ll be hard for us without you . . . God knows, it may not lead to anything . . . but you know better. I suppose that’s the right idea . . . You’re a danger to me, my friend . . . (With a sad smile) Yes . . . you’re a danger to me. What I just said . . . about setting her free . . . I probably wouldn’t survive it! Without Natasha, I . . . (Waves his hand) And here’s another thing: for a while now, especially during these last few days, I’ve seen a big change in her. Some sort of deep, constant restlessness. It frightens me. Isn’t it true? I’m not mistaken?

RAKITIN

(Bitterly) Oh, no, you’re not mistaken!

ISLAEV

Well, there, you see! So you’re leaving?

RAKITIN

Yes.

ISLAEV

Hm. And it all came so suddenly! Did you have to get so embarrassed when mother and I caught you?

MATVEI

(Enters) The foreman is here, sir.

ISLAEV

He can wait!

Matvei exits.

Anyway, Michel, you’re not going for long, are you? This is all nothing!

RAKITIN