Sonia. Go, Uncle Vanya. [She takes Voitski’s arm] Come, you and papa must make peace; that is absolutely necessary.
Sonia and Voitski go out.
Helena. I am going away. [She gives Astroff her hand] Good-bye.
Astroff. So soon?
Helena. The carriage is waiting.
Astroff. Good-bye.
Helena. You promised me you would go away yourself to-day.
Astroff. I have not forgotten. I am going at once. [A pause] Were you frightened? Was it so terrible?
Helena. Yes.
Astroff. Couldn’t you stay? Couldn’t you? To-morrow—in the forest———
Helena. No. It is all settled, and that is why I can look you so bravely in the face. Our departure is fixed. One thing I must ask of you: don’t think too badly of me; I should like you to respect me.
Astroff. Ah! [With an impatient gesture] Stay, I implore you! Confess that there is nothing for you to do in this world. You have no object in life; there is nothing to occupy your attention, and sooner or later your feelings must master you. It is inevitable. It would be better if it happened not in Kharkoff or in Kursk, but here, in nature’s lap. It would then at least be poetical, even beautiful. Here you have the forests, the houses half in ruins that Turgenieff writes of.
Helena. How comical you are! I am angry with you and yet I shall always remember you with pleasure. You are interesting and original. You and I will never meet again, and so I shall tell you—why should I conceal it?—that I am just a little in love with you. Come, one more
