LEONID FYODORITCH. No, there's nothing to be afraid of. (Aside.) That's capital! Kaptchitch can't come, so we will test him to-night.... (To TANYA.) No, my dear, don't be afraid, he will be a good husband and ... that is only a kind of special power, and every one has it, only in some it is weaker and in others stronger. TANYA. Thank you, sir. Now I shan't think any more about it; but I was so frightened.... What a thing it is, our want of education! LEONID FYODORITCH. No, no, don't be frightened.... Theodore! [Enter THEODORE IVANITCH. LEONID FYODORITCH. I am going out now. Get everything ready for to-night's seance. THEODORE IVANITCH. But Mr. Kaptchitch is not coming. LEONID FYODORITCH. That does not matter. (Puts on overcoat.) We shall have a trial seance with our own medium. [Exit. THEODORE IVANITCH goes out with him. TANYA (alone). He believes it! He believes it! (Shrieks and jumps with joy.) He really believes it! Isn't it wonderful! (Shrieks.) Now I'll do it, if only Simon has pluck for it! [THEODORE IVANITCH returns. THEODORE IVANITCH. Well, have you told him your secret? TANYA. I'll tell you, too, only later on.... But I have a favor to ask of you, too, Theodore Ivanitch. THEODORE IVANITCH. Yes? What is it? TANYA (shyly). You have been a second father to me, and I will open my heart before you as before God. THEODORE IVANITCH. Don't beat about the bush, but come straight to the point. TANYA. The point is ... well, the point is, that Simon wants to marry me. THEODORE IVANITCH. Is that it? I thought I noticed.... TANYA. Well, why should I hide it? I am an orphan, and you know yourself how matters are in these town establishments. Every one comes bothering; there's that Gregory Mihaylitch, for instance, he gives me no peace. And also that other one ... you know. They think I have no soul, and am only here for their amusement. THEODORE IVANITCH. Good girl, that's right! Well, what then? TANYA. Well, Simon wrote to his father; and he, his father, sees me to-day, and says: "He's spoilt"--he means his son. Theodore Ivanitch (bows), take the place of a father to me, speak to the old man,--to Simon's father! I could take them into the kitchen, and you might come in and speak to the old man! THEODORE IVANITCH (smiling). Then I am to turn match-maker--am I? Well, I can do that. TANYA. Theodore Ivanitch, dearest, be a father to me, and I'll pray for you all my life long. THEODORE IVANITCH. All right, all right, I'll come later on. Haven't I promised? [Takes up newspaper. TANYA. You are a second father to me! THEODORE IVANITCH. All right, all right. TANYA. Then I'll rely on you. [Exit.