The Contemporary (Sovremennik)

see only one husband and not participate in any social pleasures—this is unbearable melancholy... and... and... it seems to me that I would grow to hate that person with whom I had to sit almost without leaving, for several years, in one and the same house... This is...

Tatyana Andrevna. Oh, you silly boy, do you really think she would not like to have some fun?.. She has no means... I think the poor thing does not even have enough money to sew a ball gown...

Alexandra Semyonovna (blushes and knits her brows).

Mikhailo Ivanych. Well, no, mother, what kind of reason is that... Money can be found... that is such a trivial matter... And finally, a husband is obligated...

The clatter of a saber is heard. The entire Sukodavlev family enters: first the mother, behind her the daughter, and finally, the son.

Aneta (whispering to Alexandra Semyonovna). Is it him?

Alexandra Semyonovna (quietly). It is him.

Alexandra Semyonovna greets them and introduces them to the Drozdovs. Everyone sits in groups. The mother, Sukodavleva, and Tatyana Andrevna are on the sofa. Near them, on armchairs, are Aneta and Varvara Vasilyevna; Mikhailo Ivanych is next to Pavel Vasilyevich on the other side of the round table. Alexandra Semyonovna positions herself beside the table with the tea service.

Tatyana Andrevna. It is cold today...

Avdotya Alekseyevna. Yes, it must be, but we traveled in a carriage, and therefore I almost did not notice the weather... It is so pleasant for me to meet you... I have heard so much and have long desired to get to know you... Sashenka is so grateful to you for your love for her... You are so kind...

Tatyana Andrevna. Why, who could help but love her, my dear heart!... She is so lovely...

Avdotya Alekseyevna. Sashenka, is Aleksey Petrovich not at home?

Alexandra Semyonovna. He is at work.

Avdotya Alekseyevna. What, even in the evening!.. What a diligent young man... At this rate, he will be promoted soon...

Tatyana Andrevna. Yes, he is a most wonderful man... And how lovely they live! just like doves...

Avdotya Alekseyevna. Yes, that is the most precious thing... that is the primary happiness in our life... Of course, wealth means much, but without love, even that will not give full happiness...