The Contemporary (Sovremennik)

Alexandra Semyonovna. Enough, enough, dear cousin...

Mikhailo Ivanych. I assure you that you would have tremendous success in society... tell me, please, why do you never go anywhere?... I repeat again: it is a sin for your husband to hide such a treasure from society... I call this egoism... Look at yourself in the mirror, you are truly a beauty... This antique profile, these wonderful, deep, expressive eyes... This enchanting bust... You would cause a sensation with your appearance... And these little hands... He takes Alexandra Semyonovna’s hand and tries to kiss it.

Alexandra Semyonovna pulls her hand away. Well, Mikhailo Ivanych, enough... I do not yet go out into society... And until then, please, a little less enthusiasm and a little more modesty... I do not like this...

Mikhailo Ivanych. There, cousin, you have already become angry!... I am simply exercising the right of kinship...

Alexandra Semyonovna. You can express your kinship feelings a bit more decorously...

Mikhailo Ivanych. But listen: what have I done that is indecorous?.. To kiss a woman's hand... that is, it seems, so simple, so permissible... especially since you are my relative... And that I spoke with passion about your beauty, well, I believe there is nothing offensive in that either... Is it possible to see a beauty and remain indifferent?.. For me, at least, it is not possible.

Alexandra Semyonovna seriously and strictly. Well, and if you cannot help but insult a woman when you see her... then I will ask you to spare yourself the trouble and not visit me...

Mikhailo Ivanych. Eh, cousin, you are completely angry with me... But how have I insulted you... Explain to me, for God's sake, and forgive me...

Alexandra Semyonovna. Please, no explanations...

Mikhailo Ivanych. No, I beg you, cousin, explain to me what in my words seemed offensive to you... I, truly, did not intend that... And I ask your forgiveness in advance...

Alexandra Semyonovna. An insult is sometimes not in the words, but in the tone...

Mikhailo Ivanych. You truly imagined it, cousin... I