(Bitterly) The only difference! No, Natalya Petrovna, there’s another difference between us . . . You’re so gentle, so kind, so tender today . . .

NATALYA

(Interrupting her) Because I feel guilty . . .

VERA

Really? Only because of that . . .

NATALYA

(Gets up and sits next to her) What other reason could there be?

VERA

Don’t torment me anymore, Natalya Petrovna, don’t ask me any questions . . .

NATALYA

(Sighing) Vera, I see you can’t forgive me.

VERA

You’re so kind and gentle today, because you feel you’re loved.

NATALYA

(Embarrassed) Vera!

VERA

(Turning to her) Isn’t it true?

NATALYA

(Sadly) Believe me, I’m as unhappy as you are.

VERA

He loves you!

NATALYA

What’s the point in tormenting each other, Vera? It’s time we came to our senses. Remember what situation I’m in, what situation we’re both in. Remember that our secret—because of me, of course—is already known to two people here . . . (Stops) Vera, instead of torturing each other with suspicions and reproaches, wouldn’t it be better for us both to think how to get out of this painful situation . . . how to save ourselves? Or do you think I can bear all this worry, this anxiety? Have you forgotten who I am? You’re not listening.

VERA

(Pensively looking at the floor) He loves you . . .

NATALYA

He’s leaving, Vera.

VERA

(Turning to her) Oh, let me be . . .

Natalya Petrovna looks at her undecidedly. Just then Islaev’s voice is heard from the study: “Natasha, Natasha, where are you?”

NATALYA

(Quickly gets up and goes to the door of the study) I’m here . . . What is it?

ISLAEV

(From off) Come here, I must tell you something . . .

NATALYA

Just a moment.

She goes back to Vera and holds out her hand to her. Vera does not move. Natalya Petrovna sighs and exits to the study.

VERA

(Alone, after a pause) He loves her! . . . And I have to go on living in her house . . . It’s too much . . .

She covers her face with her hands and remains motionless. Shpigelsky’s head appears through the ballroom door. He looks around warily and tiptoes toward Vera, who doesn’t notice him.

SHPIGELSKY

(Stands before her with his arms crossed and a sarcastic smile on his face) Vera Alexandrovna! . . . Ahem, Vera Alexandrovna . . .

VERA

(Raising her head) Who’s that? Ah, it’s you, doctor . . .

SHPIGELSKY

What’s wrong, miss? Are you unwell, or something?

VERA

No, it’s nothing.

SHPIGELSKY

Let me feel your pulse. (Feels her pulse) Hm, why so quick? Ah, you, miss, my dear miss . . . You won’t listen to me . . . And yet I only wish the best for you.

VERA

(Looking at him resolutely) Ignaty Ilyich . . .

SHPIGELSKY

(Promptly) I’m listening, Vera Alexandrovna . . . Good God, what a look . . . I’m listening.

VERA

This gentleman . . . your acquaintance, Bolshintsov, is he really a good man?

SHPIGELSKY

My friend Bolshintsov? A most excellent, a most honorable man . . . a model and example of virtue.

VERA