OSSEP [_lays his hand on his forehead and recovers himself._] O just heaven, what am I doing? I am beside myself. [_Goes up to Nato._] Not to you, not to you, my Nato, should I say all this! [_Embraces her._] No, you do not deserve it; you are innocent. We are to blame for all. I am to blame, I! because I imitated the others and brought you up as others brought up their daughters. Don't cry! I did not wish to hurt you. I was in bad humor, for everything has vexed me to-day, and unfortunately you came in at the wrong moment. [_Picks up the music and gives it to her._] Here, take the music, my child. [_Embraces her again._] Go and buy some more. Do what you wish everywhere, and be behind no one. Until to-day you have wanted nothing, and, with God's help, you shall want nothing in the future. [_Kisses her and turns to go._ CHACHO. Now, Ossep, think it over; come to some decision in the matter. OSSEP. I should like to, indeed; but what I cannot do I cannot do. [_Goes off at the right._ SCENE VIII _Nato, Chacho, then Salome_. NATO [_falling sobbing in Chacho's arms_]. O dear, dear aunt. CHACHO. Stop; don't cry, my dear, my precious child. It is indeed your father. Stop; stop, Salome. SALOME [_coming in smiling_]. Dear aunt, I have arranged everything. [_Stops._] What is this now? Why are you crying? [_Nato wipes away her tears and goes toward the divan_. CHACHO. You know her father, don't you? He has been scolding her, and has made her cry. SALOME. If her father has been troubling her, then I will make her happy again. Nato, dear, I have betrothed you. [_Nato looks at her in wonderment._] Yes, my love, be happy--what have you to say about it? Mr. Alexander Marmarow is now your betrothed. NATO. Is it really true, mamma dear? CHACHO [_at the same time_]. Is it true? SALOME. It is true, be assured. NATO [_embracing Salome_]. O my dear, dear mother. SALOME [_seizing her daughter and kissing her_]. Now I am rid of my worries about you. I hope it will bring you joy. Go and put on another dress, for your betrothed is coming. NATO. Now? SALOME. Certainly, at once. You know, I presume, that you must make yourself pretty. NATO [_happy and speaking quickly_]. Certainly. I will wear the white barège with blue ribbons, the little cross on black velvet ribbon, and a blue ribbon in my hair. [_Hugs Chacho_.] O my precious auntie! CHACHO [_embracing and kissing her_]. May this hour bring you good-fortune! I wish it for you with all my heart. NATO [_hugging and kissing Salome again_]. O you dear, you dearest mamma. [_Runs out of the room_. SCENE IX _Salome. Chacho_. CHACHO. What does all this mean? Am I dreaming or am I still awake? SALOME. What are you saying about dreams? His sister Champera was here, and about five minutes later he himself came. They live very near here. CHACHO. If it was arranged so easily, why have you wrangled and quarrelled so much?