(Wants to give her her hand and lets it drop on her knees) Why do you say that, Verochka . . . Do you want to leave me, too? Yes, you’re right, we’re saved now. It’s all over . . . it’s all fallen back into place . . .

VERA

(Coldly) Don’t worry, Natalya Petrovna.

Vera looks at her silently. Islaev enters from the study.

ISLAEV

(Looking at Natalya Petrovna for a while, then to Vera in a low voice) Does she know he’s leaving?

VERA

(In perplexity) Yes . . . she does.

ISLAEV

(To himself) Why is he in such a rush . . . (Aloud) Natasha . . .

He takes her hand. She raises her head.

It’s me, Natasha.

She tries to force a smile.

Are you unwell, darling? You ought to lie down, really . . .

NATALYA

I’m quite well, Arkady . . . It’s nothing.

ISLAEV

You’re pale, though . . . Really, listen to me . . . Get some rest.

NATALYA

Well, all right. (She tries to get up and cannot)

ISLAEV

(Helping her) There, you see . . .

She leans on his arm.

Would you like me to go with you?

NATALYA

Oh, I’m not that weak yet! Let’s go, Vera.

She heads for the study. Rakitin enters from the ballroom. Natalya Petrovna stops.

RAKITIN

Natalya Petrovna, I’ve come . . .

ISLAEV

(Interrupting him) Ah, Michel! Come here! (Takes him aside and says in a low voice, vexedly) Why did you just go and tell her straight away? I thought I asked you to wait! What was the hurry . . . I found her here so upset . . .

RAKITIN

(Amazed) I don’t understand you.

ISLAEV

You told Natasha you’re leaving . . .

RAKITIN

So you think that’s why she’s upset?

ISLAEV

Shh! She’s looking at us. (Aloud) Aren’t you going to your room, Natasha?

NATALYA

Yes . . . I’m going . . .

RAKITIN

Good-bye, Natalya Petrovna!

Natalya takes hold of the door handle—and does not answer.

ISLAEV

(Putting his hand on Rakitin’s shoulder) You know, Natasha, this is one of the best of men . . .

NATALYA

(With sudden impulsiveness) Yes, I know, he’s a wonderful man—you’re all wonderful . . . all, all . . . and yet . . .

She suddenly covers her face with her hands, pushes the door with her knee, and quickly exits. Vera exits after her. Islaev sits down silently at the table, leaning his elbows on it.

RAKITIN

(Gazes at him for a while and shrugs with a bitter smile, then to himself) What a situation! Nice, to say the least! Refreshing, even. And what a farewell, after four years of love! Good, very good, serves the babbler right. Thank God, it’s all for the best. It was time to break off these sick, consumptive relations. (Aloud to Islaev) Well, good-bye, Arkady.

ISLAEV