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a mazurka, and I must speak. May I wire to my people that I have been
accepted and am happy?
LYÚBA. Yes, to-night.
STARKÓVSKY. One word more: how will Nicholas Ivánovich take it? Have you
told him? Yes?
LYÚBA. No, I haven't; but I will. He will take it as he now takes
everything that concerns the family. He will say, "Do as you think
best." But he will be grieved at heart.
STARKÓVSKY. Because I am not Cheremshánov? Because I am a Maréchal de la
Noblesse?
LYÚBA. Yes. But I have struggled with myself and deceived myself for his
sake; and it is not because I love him less that I am now doing not what
he wants, but it is because I can't lie. He himself says so. I do so
want to live!
STARKÓVSKY. And life is the only truth! Well, and what of Cheremshánov?
LYÚBA [excitedly] Don't speak of him to me! I wish to blame him, to
blame him whilst he is suffering; and I know it is because I feel guilty
towards him. All I know is that I feel there is a kind of love--and I
think a more real love than I ever felt for him.
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