FEDYA (wistfully). To-morrows can't change what we are. She'll still be she, and I will still be I to-morrow. (Goes to the table and drinks.) No, it's better to have the tooth out in one pull. Didn't I say that if I broke my word she was to leave me? Well, I've broken it, and that's enough. KARENIN. Yes. For you, but not for her. FEDYA (down L. Politely insolent). You know ... it's rather odd, that you, of all men, should take so much trouble to keep our marriage from going to pieces. KARENIN (revolted). Good God, Fedya! You don't think-- [MASHA crosses L., goes to FEDYA. FEDYA interrupting him with a return of his former friendliness. FEDYA. Come now, my dear Victor, you shall hear them sing. MASHA (whispering to FEDYA). What's his name? We must honor him with a song. FEDYA (laughing). O good God, yes! Honor him by all means. His name is Victor Michaelovitch. (Saluting Karenin.) Victor, my lord! son of Michael! [The gypsies sing a song of greeting and laudation. As they begin to sing, MASHA and FEDYA sit on couch L. (When song is finished.) KARENIN (in an imploring tone). Fedya! [Exits quietly L. U. FEDYA (business with MASHA). Where's the fur coat? Gone, eh? All right. May the devil go with it. FEDYA. Do you know who that was? MASHA. I heard his name. FEDYA. Ah, he's a splendid fellow. He came to take me home to my wife. You see she loves even a fool like me, (caressing her hair) and look what I'm doing. MASHA. You should go back to her and be very sorry. FEDYA. Do you think I should? (He kisses her.) Well, I think I shouldn't. MASHA. Of course, you needn't go back to her if you don't love her. Love is all that counts. FEDYA (smiling). How do you know that? MASHA (looking at him timidly). I don't know, but I do. FEDYA. Now, let's have "No More at Evening." (As the gypsies sing, MASHA lies on her back across his lap, looking up into his face, which she draws down to her, and they kiss until the music begins to cease.) That's wonderful! Divine! If I could only lie this way forever, with my arms around the heart of joy, and sleep ... and die.... (He closes his eyes; his voice trails away.) [Lights dim and out, then the CURTAIN SCENE III SOPHIA KARENINA'S boudoir. SOPHIA KARENINA, VICTOR'S mother, is reading a book. She is a great lady, over fifty, but tries to look younger. She likes to interlard her conversation with French words. A servant enters. SERVANT (enters R., announcing). Prince Sergius Abreskov. SOPHIA KARENINA (on sofa over L.). Show him in, please. [She turns and picks up hand mirror from table back of couch, arranging her hair. PRINCE SERGIUS (enters R. I. Entering). J'espere que je ne force pas la consigne. [Crossing to sofa L. He kisses her hand. He is a charming old diplomat of seventy. SOPHIA KARENINA. Ah, you know well que vous etes toujours le bien venu.... Tell me, you have received my letter?