He’s not wicked?

SHPIGELSKY

Good God, he’s as kind as could be. He’s not a man, he’s a lump of dough. Good God, just take him and shape him. There’s no kinder man in the world. A dove, not a man.

VERA

You vouch for him?

SHPIGELSKY

(Putting one hand on his heart and raising the other) As for my own self!

VERA

In that case, you may tell him . . . that I’m ready to marry him.

SHPIGELSKY

(With joyful amazement) Oh, my!

VERA

But as soon as possible—do you hear? As soon as possible . . .

SHPIGELSKY

Tomorrow, if you like . . . Well, now! That’s my Vera Alexandrovna! Good for you, miss! I’ll gallop to him at once. He’ll be overjoyed . . . What an unexpected development! He simply adores you, Vera Alexandrovna . . .

VERA

(Impatiently) I’m not asking you that, Ignaty Ilyich.

SHPIGELSKY

Whatever you say, Vera Alexandrovna, whatever you say. Only you’re going to be happy with him, you’re going to thank me, you’ll see . . .

Vera again makes an impatient gesture.

All right, no more, no more . . . So I can tell him . . .

VERA

Yes, yes.

SHPIGELSKY

Very good, miss. So I’ll go right now. Good-bye. (Listens) Besides, somebody’s coming. (He goes toward the study, and on the threshold makes a grimace of private amazement) Good-bye. (Exits)

VERA

(Looking after him) Anything’s better than staying here . . . (Gets up) Yes, I’ve made up my mind. I won’t stay in this house . . . not for anything. I can’t bear her meek eyes, her smile, I can’t stand how at ease she is, how she basks in her happiness. Because she is happy, however sad and melancholy she pretends to be . . . Her caresses are insufferable . . .

Belyaev appears from the door to the ballroom. He looks around and goes to Vera.

BELYAEV

(In a low voice) Vera Alexandrovna, are you alone?

VERA

(Looks at him, gives a start; after a brief pause) Yes.

BELYAEV

I’m glad . . . Otherwise I wouldn’t come in. Vera Alexandrovna, I’ve come to say good-bye to you.

VERA

To say good-bye?

BELYAEV

Yes, I’m leaving.

VERA

Leaving? You’re leaving, too?

BELYAEV