The Contemporary (Sovremennik)

Mikhailo Ivanych. But that is boring, finally, cousin... and unfashionable—what is a husband?.. It is nothing more than a means for a woman to create a certain social standing for herself... Getting married is just like... how should I put it to you?.. it is just like receiving an inheritance, taking some position in the service... You do not receive an inheritance in order to sit next to it and guard it, but in order to spend it in society... And no official will dedicate his entire life until the very last minute to his office... He will always have time left over for social pleasures, for life in society... Is that not so, cousin?..

Alexandra Semyonovna smiles silently.

Mikhailo Ivanych. I assure you, cousin, these are the latest words of modern philosophy... Well, remember that you have a husband; fulfill all your duties toward him... sing to him with tea, order dinner... But to live exclusively for one husband, to renounce society for his sake... Fie!.. That is impossible and impermissible... that is slavery... No person in the world has the right to such self-sacrifice on the part of another...

Alexandra Semyonovna smiling. Truly?

Mikhailo Ivanych. Indeed! And do you know, cousin, I actually think that your husband is jealous of me regarding you... However, I would be extremely happy if it were the truth... He sits down next to Alexandra Semyonovna. And what do you think about this, lovely cousin?..

Alexandra Semyonovna with a smile. I think that one cannot be jealous of you!.. Would you like some tea?..

Mikhailo Ivanych. Mercy, allow me... But what do you mean by that?.. Do you really deny me the sweet hope of earning your attention even a little bit?.. Am I really so unattractive in your eyes?

Alexandra Semyonovna. Oh, no, on the contrary: you are too brilliant, you are always in high society, you see so many pretty society women, that, of course, you would not even want to turn your attention to me...

Mikhailo Ivanych. Oh, humility is greater than pride, dear cousin... You know your value very well, you understand very well that you are capable of turning the head of anyone, if you wish...