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ACT IV
SCENE 1
In Moscow a year later. A drawing-room in the Sarýntsov's town house
is prepared for a dance. Footmen are arranging plants round the
grand piano. Enter Mary Ivánovna in an elegant silk dress, with
Alexándra Ivánovna.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. A ball? No, Only a dance! A "Juvenile Party" as they once
used to say. My children took part in the Theatricals at the Mákofs, and
have been asked to dances everywhere, so I must return the invitations.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I am afraid Nicholas does not like it.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. I can't help it. [To Footmen] Put it here! [To Alexándra
Ivánovna] God knows how glad I should be not to cause him
unpleasantness. But I think he has become much less exacting.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. No, no! Only he does not show it so much. I saw how
upset he was when he went off to his own room after dinner.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. What can I do? After all, people must live. We have seven
children, and if they find no amusement at home, heaven knows what they
may be up to. Anyhow I am quite happy about Lyúba now.
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