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SCENE 2
Nicholas Ivánovich's room. The dance music is heard in the distance.
Nicholas Ivánovich has an overcoat on. He puts a letter on the
table. Alexander Petróvich, dressed in ragged clothes, is with him.
ALEXANDER PETRÓVICH. Don't worry, we can reach the Caucasus without
spending a penny, and there you can settle down.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. We will go by rail as far as Túla, and from thence
on foot. Well, I'm ready. [Puts letter in the middle of the table, and
goes to the door, where he meets Mary Ivánovna] Oh! Why have you come
here?
MARY IVÁNOVNA. Why indeed? To prevent your doing a cruel thing. What's
all this for? Why d'you do it?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Why? Because I cannot continue living like this. I
cannot endure this terrible, depraved life.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. It is awful. My life--which I give wholly to you and the
children--has all of a sudden become "depraved." [Sees Alexander
Petróvich] Renvoyez au moins cet homme. Je ne veux pas qu'il soit
témoin de cette conversation.[39]
[39] At least send that man away. I don't wish him to be a witness of
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