MAGISTRATE (smiling). In my capacity of investigating magistrate. You are here, you know, because you are charged with a crime. KARENIN. Really? What crime? MAGISTRATE. Bigamy, since you've married a woman already married. But I'll put the questions to you in their proper order. Sure you'll not sit down? KARENIN. Quite sure. MAGISTRATE (writing). Your name? KARENIN. Victor Karenin. MAGISTRATE. Rank? KARENIN. Chamberlain of the Imperial Court. MAGISTRATE. Your age? KARENIN. Thirty-eight. MAGISTRATE. Religion? KARENIN. Orthodox, and I've never been tried before of any charge. (Pause.) What else? MAGISTRATE. Did you know that Fedor Protosov was alive when you married his wife? KARENIN. No, we were both convinced that he was drowned. MAGISTRATE. All right. And why did you send 1200 rubles to him a few days before he simulated death on July 17th? KARENIN. That money was given me by my wife. MAGISTRATE (interrupting him). Excuse me, you mean by Madame Protosova. KARENIN. By my wife to send to her husband. She considered this money his property, and having broken off all relations with him, felt it unjust to withhold it. What else do you want? MAGISTRATE. I don't want anything, except to do my official duty, and to aid you in doing yours, through causing you to tell me the whole truth, in order that your innocence be proved. You'd certainly better not conceal things which are sure to be found out, since Protosov is in such a weakened condition, physically and mentally, that he is certain to come out with the entire truth as soon as he gets into court, so from your point of view I advise.... KARENIN. Please don't advise me, but remain within the limits of your official capacity. Are we at liberty to leave? [He goes to LISA who takes his arm. MAGISTRATE. Sorry, but it's necessary to detain you. (KARENIN looks around in astonishment.) No, I've no intention of arresting you, although it might be a quicker way of reaching the truth. I merely want to take Protosov's deposition in your presence, to confront him with you, that you may facilitate your chances by proving his statements to be false. Kindly sit down. (To CLERK.) Show in Fedor Protosov. [There is a pause. The CLERK shows in FEDYA in rags, a total wreck. He enters slowly, dragging his feet. He catches sight of his wife, who is bowed in grief. For a moment he is about to take her in his arms--he hesitates--then stands before the MAGISTRATE. MAGISTRATE. I shall ask you to answer some questions. FEDYA. (rises, confronting the MAGISTRATE). Ask them. MAGISTRATE. Your name? FEDYA. You know it. MAGISTRATE. Answer my questions exactly, please. [Rapping on his desk. FEDYA (shrugs). Fedor Protosov. MAGISTRATE. Your rank, age, religion? FEDYA. (silent for a moment). Aren't you ashamed to ask me these absurd questions? Ask me what you need to know, only that. MAGISTRATE. I shall ask you to take care how you express yourself.