_Soph._ He will not hear of it. I spoke to Orloff. [_Answering his look_] I can take care of myself, Adrian. [_Taking his hand_] It is you who need---- _Adr._ [_Withdrawing his hand_] Don't! Who lets in love, lets in his master, and I must be free--free! You will despise me, but that perhaps is the better way. O, I long to deceive myself, to say that it would make no difference, that I could see the chains fastened about you, see you dragged away, and go on unfalteringly with no dimming of the vision. But it would be a lie. _Soph._ The truth. You could do it. _Adr._ No. And you would not want me to do it Forgive me. You do not believe it now, but you would want me to love you first. _Soph._ Yes. But I should not let you. You say yourself that sacrifice is woman's breath. I could give up even my desire to be first. But why make a question of the impossible? No woman could be first with you, Adrian. _Adr._ O you don't _know_! [_A man comes to door, rear, makes sign of the cross toward icon, and stands waiting_] _Adr._ What now, Nico? _Nico._ Petrov Kalushkin is worse, sir. Can you come before night? _Adr._ In ten minutes. _Nico._ The Holy Mother bless you, sir! [_Exit_] _Soph._ [_As Adrian turns silently to her_] I have only this to say, Adrian. I understand, and I am ready. _Adr._ And I am not. I know the man in me too well. I can not trust him. While you are safe, and I am free, go. _Soph._ [_Paling and gathering up her pride_] I am sorry that I waited for the command. [_Moving to right_] I will speak to the Vetrovas, and obey you. _Adr._ [_As she opens door_] Sophie! _Soph._ [_Turning_] Princess Travinski! [_Exit_] _Adr._ Ah, pride will not help _her_. I don't know what has happened--what I have done---- [_Enter Vasil, centre right, carrying his violin_] _Vasil._ O, has she gone? _Adr._ No, but she is going. _Vasil._ She will come back? _Adr._ Why should she? Isn't it enough that she has given herself to us for one day? _Vasil._ She has given herself to me forever--by saving my life. She may forget you and the others, but she can't forget me, Adrian. O, I have been so happy to-day! _Adr._ To-day? _Vasil._ I have finished "The Joy of the Stars." _Adr._ [_Exultantly_] Your sonata finished? To-day! _Vasil._ You have been right, Adrian. This life shall not touch me. I could never understand it. When I think of it I grow blind--blind--blind! I shall sing--just sing till my head goes off, nor ask why. The people are good, honest, work from light to dark, yet they starve, bleed, die. And I, who pray to harm nothing, I--this morning--[_stops_, _shudders_, _crosses to table_, _rear_, _lays his violin upon it_, _and sits despairingly_. _Adrian follows and puts his arm over the boy's shoulders_] _Adr._ That is over, lad. You will soon be in Berlin with your music, and you will forget. Think of it as a dream that will not come again.