I don’t really know . . . I think . . . it’s for long.

ISLAEV

You don’t take me for some sort of Othello? Really, I don’t think there’s been such a talk between two friends since the world began! I can’t just part with you for good . . .

RAKITIN

(Pressing his hand) You’ll let me know when I can come back.

ISLAEV

There’s nobody here to take your place! Not Bolshintsov, certainly!

RAKITIN

There are others . . .

ISLAEV

Who? Krinitsyn? That peacock? Belyaev is a nice boy, of course, but he’s as far from you as the earth from the sky!

RAKITIN

(Sarcastically) You think so? You don’t know him, Arkady . . . You should pay more attention to him . . . That’s my advice . . . Do you hear? He’s a very . . . a very remarkable man!

ISLAEV

Well, so that’s why you and Natasha wanted to busy yourselves with his education! (Glancing out the door) Huh, here he is! Coming this way . . . (Hurriedly) So, my friend, it’s decided—you’re leaving . . . for a little while . . . one of these days . . . There’s no hurry—we have to prepare Natasha . . . I’ll calm mama down . . . Bless you! You’ve taken a weight off my heart . . . Embrace me, my dear fellow! (Hurriedly embraces him and turns to the entering Belyaev) Ah . . . it’s you! How are you doing?

BELYAEV

Very well, Arkady Sergeich.

ISLAEV

And where is Kolya?

BELYAEV

He’s with Mr. Schaaf.

ISLAEV

Ah . . . excellent! (Takes his hat) Well, good-bye, then, gentlemen. I haven’t been anywhere today—not to the dam, not to the building site . . . I haven’t even looked over the papers. (He grabs them and puts them under his arm) Good-bye!—Matvei! Matvei! Come along!

He exits. Rakitin, pensive, remains where he is.

BELYAEV

(Going to Rakitin) How are you feeling today, Mikhail Alexandrych?

RAKITIN

Same as ever, thanks. And you?

BELYAEV

I’m well.

RAKITIN

That’s obvious!

BELYAEV

How do you mean?

RAKITIN

Just . . . by the look of you . . . You’ve put on a new jacket today . . . And . . . what’s this I see! A flower in your buttonhole?

Belyaev blushes and pulls it out.

But why . . . why on earth . . . It’s very sweet . . . (Pause) By the way, Alexei Nikolaich, in case you need anything . . . I’m going to town tomorrow.

BELYAEV

Tomorrow?

RAKITIN

Yes . . . and from there maybe to Moscow.

BELYAEV

(With surprise) To Moscow? I thought you told me just yesterday that you were going to stay for about a month . . .

RAKITIN

Yes . . . but my affairs . . . something’s come up . . .

BELYAEV

Will you be gone long?

RAKITIN

I don’t know . . . maybe.

BELYAEV

May I ask if Natalya Petrovna knows of your intention?

RAKITIN

No, she doesn’t. Why do you ask me especially about her?

BELYAEV

Me? (Slightly embarrassed) No reason.

RAKITIN