ASTROFF. (Pressing her hand) Yes, go. (Thoughtfully) You seem to be sincere and good, and yet there is something strangely disquieting about all your personality. No sooner did you arrive here with your husband than every one whom you found busy and actively creating something was forced to drop his work and give himself up for the whole summer to your husband's gout and yourself. You and he have infected us with your idleness. I have been swept off my feet; I have not put my hand to a thing for weeks, during which sickness has been running its course unchecked among the people, and the peasants have been pasturing their cattle in my woods and young plantations. Go where you will, you and your husband will always carry destruction in your train. I am joking of course, and yet I am strangely sure that had you stayed here we should have been overtaken by the most immense desolation. I would have gone to my ruin, and you—you would not have prospered. So go! E finita la comedia!

HELENA. (Snatching a pencil off ASTROFF'S table, and hiding it with a quick movement) I shall take this pencil for memory!

ASTROFF. How strange it is. We meet, and then suddenly it seems that we must part forever. That is the way in this world. As long as we are alone, before Uncle Vanya comes in with a bouquet—allow me—to kiss you good-bye—may I? (He kisses her on the cheek) So! Splendid!

HELENA. I wish you every happiness. (She glances about her) For once in my life, I shall! and scorn the consequences! (She kisses him impetuously, and they quickly part) I must go.

ASTROFF. Yes, go. If the carriage is there, then start at once. (They stand listening.)

ASTROFF. E finita!

VOITSKI, SEREBRAKOFF, MME. VOITSKAYA with her book, TELEGIN, and SONIA come in.

SEREBRAKOFF. (To VOITSKI) Shame on him who bears malice for the past. I have gone through so much in the last few hours that I feel capable of writing a whole treatise on the conduct of life for the instruction of posterity. I gladly accept your apology, and myself ask your forgiveness. (He kisses VOITSKI three times.)

HELENA embraces SONIA.

SEREBRAKOFF. (Kissing MME. VOITSKAYA'S hand) Mother!

MME. VOITSKAYA. (Kissing him) Have your picture taken, Alexander, and send me one. You know how dear you are to me.

TELEGIN. Good-bye, your Excellency. Don't forget us.

SEREBRAKOFF. (Kissing his daughter) Good-bye, good-bye all. (Shaking hands with ASTROFF) Many thanks for your pleasant company. I have a deep regard for your opinions and your enthusiasm, but let me, as an old man, give one word of advice at parting: do something, my friend! Work! Do something! (They all bow) Good luck to you all. (He goes out followed by MME. VOITSKAYA and SONIA.)

VOITSKI (Kissing HELENA'S hand fervently) Good-bye—forgive me. I shall never see you again!

HELENA. (Touched) Good-bye, dear boy.

She lightly kisses his head as he bends over her hand, and goes out.