Part 4 (1/2)

MaSHA. The choir is one thing, one's heart's another! I love those I love, and hate those I hate.

FeDYA. Ah! This is good! Isn't it?

MaSHA. Of course it's good--we've jolly visitors, and are all merry.

Enter gipsy man.

GIPSY [to Fedya] A gentleman is asking for you.

FeDYA. What gentleman?

GIPSY. I don't know.... Well dressed, wears a sable overcoat--

FeDYA. A swell? Well, ask him in. [Exit Gipsy].

AFReMOV. Who has come to see you here?

FeDYA. The devil knows! Who can want me?

Enter Karenin. Looks round.

FeDYA. Ah, Victor! I never expected _you_!... Take off your coat!...

What wind has blown you here? Come, sit down and listen to ”Not at Eve.”

KAReNIN. _Je voudrais vous parler sans temoins._[5]

[5] I wanted to speak to you alone.

FeDYA. What about?

KAReNIN. _Je viens de chez vous. Votre femme m'a charge de cette lettre et puis ..._[6]

[6] I have come from your home. Your wife has entrusted me with this letter and besides ...

FeDYA [takes letter, reads, frowns, then smiles affectionately] I say, Karenin, of course you know what is in this letter?

KAReNIN. I know ... and I want to say ...

FeDYA. Wait, wait a bit! Please don't imagine that I am drunk and my words irresponsible.... I mean, that I am irresponsible! I am drunk, but in this matter I see quite clearly.... Well, what were you commissioned to say?

KAReNIN. I was commissioned to find you, and to tell you ... that ...

she ... is waiting for you. She asks you to forget everything and come back.

FeDYA [listens in silence, gazing into Karenin's eyes] Still, I don't understand why _you_ ...

KAReNIN. Elisabeth Andreyevna sent for me, and asked me ...

FeDYA. So ...

KAReNIN. But I ask you, not so much in your wife's name as from myself.... Come home!