May you entertain such pleasant convictions for a long time! In my opinion, Alexei Nikolaich, any love, happy or unhappy, is a real calamity if you surrender to it completely . . . Just wait! Maybe one day you’ll learn how those sweet little hands can torture, with what tender care they can tear your heart to shreds . . . Just wait! You’ll learn how much burning hatred is hidden behind the most ardent love! You’ll remember me, when you yearn for peace, the most meaningless, the most banal peace, the way a sick man yearns for health, when you envy any man who is light-hearted and free . . . Just wait! You’ll learn what it means to be tied to a skirt, what it means to be enslaved, infected—and how shameful and tedious that slavery is! . . . You’ll learn, finally, that you’ve paid such a high price for mere trifles . . . But why am I telling you all this, you’re not going to believe me now. The thing is that I’m very glad you approve . . . yes, yes . . . in such cases it’s best to be cautious.

BELYAEV

(Who has not taken his eyes off Rakitin all the while) Thank you for the lesson, Mikhail Alexandrych, though I didn’t need it.

RAKITIN

(Takes him by the arm) Please excuse me, I never meant . . . who am I to give anybody lessons? . . . I just started talking away . . .

BELYAEV

(With light irony) For no reason?

RAKITIN

(Slightly embarrassed) Precisely for no special reason. I only wanted . . . Up to now, Alexei Nikolaich, you’ve had no chance to study women. Women are a very peculiar species.

BELYAEV

Who are you talking about?

RAKITIN

Oh . . . nobody in particular.

BELYAEV

About all of them in general, is that it?

RAKITIN

(Forcing a smile) Yes, maybe. I really don’t know what made me fall into this teacherly tone, but let me give you some good advice before I go. (Stops and waves his hand) Eh! but what kind of adviser am I! Please excuse my babbling . . .

BELYAEV

On the contrary, on the contrary . . .

RAKITIN

So you don’t need anything from town?

BELYAEV

Nothing, thank you. But I’m sorry you’re leaving.

RAKITIN

I humbly thank you . . . I assure you that I, too, am . . .

Natalya Petrovna and Vera enter from the study. Vera is very sad and pale.

. . . very glad to have made your acquaintance. (Shakes his hand again)

NATALYA

(Looks at the two of them for some time, then goes up to them) Good morning, gentlemen.

RAKITIN

(Turning quickly) Good morning, Natalya Petrovna . . . Good morning, Vera Alexandrovna . . .

Belyaev silently bows to Natalya Petrovna and Vera. He is embarrassed.

NATALYA

(To Rakitin) What are you up to?

RAKITIN

Nothing really . . .

NATALYA