Vera and I have already taken a stroll in the garden . . . It’s so nice out today . . . The lindens smell so sweet. We strolled about under the lindens . . . It’s a pleasure to be in the shade and listen to the buzzing of the bees overhead . . . (Timidly to Belyaev) We hoped to meet you there.

Belyaev says nothing.

RAKITIN

(To Natalya Petrovna) Ah! So today you, too, are paying attention to the beauties of nature . . . (Pause) Alexei Nikolaich couldn’t go to the garden . . . He’s put on a new jacket today . . .

BELYAEV

(Flushing slightly) Of course, it’s the only one I have, and I might tear it in the garden . . . Is that what you mean?

RAKITIN

(Turning red) Oh, no . . . not that at all . . .

Vera goes silently to the sofa at the right, sits down, and begins her handwork. Natalya Petrovna gives Belyaev a forced smile. A short, rather oppressive silence ensues. Rakitin goes on with sarcastic nonchalance.

Ah, yes, I forgot to tell you, Natalya Petrovna—I’m leaving today . . .

NATALYA

(With a certain agitation) Leaving? For where?

RAKITIN

For town . . . On business.

NATALYA

Not for long, I hope?

RAKITIN

Depends on the business.

NATALYA

See that you come back soon. (To Belyaev, without looking at him) Alexei Nikolaich, those drawings Kolya showed me, are they yours?

BELYAEV

Yes, ma’am . . . I . . . just doodles . . .

NATALYA

On the contrary, they’re very nice. You have talent.

RAKITIN

I see you discover new virtues in Mr. Belyaev every day.

NATALYA

(Coldly) Maybe . . . So much the better for him. (To Belyaev) You probably have other drawings. You must show them to me.

Belyaev bows.

RAKITIN

(Who stands there all the while as if on pins and needles) Anyway, I think it’s time I packed . . . Good-bye. (Goes to the ballroom door)

NATALYA

(After him) We’ll still see you before you leave . . .

RAKITIN

Of course.

BELYAEV

(After some hesitation) Wait, Mikhail Alexandrych, I’ll come with you. I have something to say to you . . .

RAKITIN

Ah!

Both exit to the ballroom. Natalya Petrovna remains standing; after a while, she goes and sits down.

NATALYA

(After a pause) Vera!

VERA

(Not raising her head) What do you want?

NATALYA

Vera, for God’s sake, don’t be like that with me . . . for God’s sake, Vera . . . Verochka . . .

Vera says nothing. Natalya Petrovna gets up, crosses to her, and quietly kneels before her. Vera wants to make her stand up, turns away, and covers her face. Natalya Petrovna speaks while kneeling.

Vera, forgive me. Don’t cry, Vera. I wronged you, I’m guilty. Can’t you forgive me?

VERA

(Through her tears) Stand up, stand up . . .

NATALYA

I won’t stand up until you forgive me, Vera. It’s hard for you . . . but think, is it any easier for me? . . . Think, Vera . . . You know everything . . . The only difference between us is that you haven’t wronged me, while I . . .

VERA