Scene XVIII. The same. Enter Betsy and Márya Konstantínovna. They begin to talk with Petríshchev.
Stout Lady. How can one deny the supernatural? They say that it does not agree with reason. But there may be a stupid reason, then what? Now, on Sadováya Street,—have you heard about it?—there was an apparition which came every night. The brother of my husband, what do you call him?—not beau frère, but in Russian,—oh, I never can remember those Russian family relations,—well, he went there three nights in succession, and could not see anything, so I said—
Leoníd Fédorovich. So, who will stay?
Stout Lady. I, I!
Sakhátov. I!
Anna Pávlovna (to Doctor). And you, too, will stay?
Doctor. I want to see at least once what it is Aleksyéy Vladímirovich finds here. I can't deny without having had any proofs.
Anna Pávlovna. And so you want me by all means to take them to-night?
Doctor. Take whom? Oh, the pills! Yes, take them, if you please! Yes, yes, take them—I will call again.
Anna Pávlovna. If you please. (Aloud.) When you get through, messieurs et mesdames, please come to my apartment to rest from your emotion, and to finish the game of cards.
Stout Lady. By all means.
Sakhátov. Yes, yes! (Anna Pávlovna exit.)
Scene XIX. The same, without Anna Pávlovna.
Betsy (to Petríshchev). I tell you, stay. I promise you unusual things. Will you wager?
Márya Konstantínovna. Do you believe in it?
