PRINCE SERGIUS. Yes, I've spoken to Victor. I think he really loves her, has grown accustomed to the idea of loving her, pour ainsi dire. (Shaking his head.) I don't believe he could ever now care for another woman. SOPHIA KARENINA (sighing). And Varia Casanzeva would have made him such a charming wife. She's so devoted already. PRINCE SERGIUS (smiling). I am afraid I hardly see her in the present ... tableau. (Earnestly.) Why not submit to Victor's wish and help him? SOPHIA KARENINA. To marry a divorcee? And afterwards have him running into his wife's husband? How can you calmly suggest that a mother accept such a situation for her son? PRINCE SERGIUS. But, chere amie, why not approve of the inevitable? And you might console yourself by regarding the dangers he'll avoid by marrying this gentle, lovely woman. After all, suppose he conceived a passion for some one---- [Convey the word "disreputable". SOPHIA KARENINA. How can a good woman leave her husband? PRINCE SERGIUS. Ah, that's not like you. You're unkind and you're harsh. Her husband is the sort of man--well, he's his own worst enemy. A weakling, a ne'er-do-well--he's spent all his money and hers too. She has a child. Do you think you can condemn her for leaving him? As a matter of fact she didn't leave him, he left her. SOPHIA KARENINA (faintly). Oh what a mud-pen I'm slipping into! PRINCE SERGIUS (amused). Could your religion aid you? SOPHIA KARENINA (smelling her salts). In this instance, religion would require of me the impossible. C'est plus fort que moi. PRINCE SERGIUS. Fedya himself--you know what a charming clever creature he is when he's in his senses--he advised her to leave him. [Enter VICTOR who kisses his mother's hand and greets PRINCE SERGIUS. KARENIN. Ah, Prince Sergius! (Shakes hands with Prince--formally.) Maman, I've come to tell you that Elizaveta Protosova will be here directly. There's only one thing I ask you: do you still refuse your consent to my marriage---- SOPHIA KARENINA (interrupting). And I most assuredly do. KARENIN (continuing. Frowning). In that case all I ask is for you not to speak to her about it. SOPHIA KARENINA. I don't suppose we shall even mention the subject. I certainly shan't. KARENIN (standing at head of sofa L.). If you don't, she won't. (Pleadingly.) Mother dear, I just want you to know her. SOPHIA KARENINA. One thing I can't understand. How is it you want to marry Lisa Protosova, a woman with a living husband, and at the same time believe divorce is a crime against Christianity? KARENIN. Oh, Maman, that's cruel of you. Life is far too complex to be managed by a few formulas. Why are you so bitter about it all? SOPHIA KARENINA (honestly). I love you. I want you to be happy. KARENIN (imploringly to PRINCE SERGIUS) Sergius Abreskov!