_Paul._ Why, dear me, I’ve been spooning with her a whole month, like a turtle-dove. (_Bursts out laughing._) I never once asked her for money till just now. First of all, she got as sentimental as you please: “Ask anything you like; I’ll do anything in the world for you; I’ll go straight to town and buy whatever you want.” What should she buy me?—a china poodle? or a hussar in sugar? Well, directly I asked her for five thousand, she just screamed and ran away ... and now she’s in tears! The deuce knows what to make of it! _Madame P._ She has no heart, my dear. Women are ready to give up everything on earth for the man they love. No, my Paul, she is no woman. _Paul._ Oh, she’s a woman all right enough; only she won’t give the money. _Madame P._ Oh, Paul! I am convinced that she will appreciate you in time, and will come to love you so much, so much (_with enthusiasm_) that she will entirely give into your keeping both herself and—and all her possessions. _Paul._ Yes; but she hasn’t done it yet; and I can’t wait. _Madame P._ Wait a little, Paul! Think what bliss awaits you in the future. (_Enter_ MAID-SERVANT _and gives_ PAUL _letter and pocket-book_.) _Paul._ What is that? _Maid._ Madame has gone away in the carriage, and told me to give you these. (_Exit._) _Paul._ A pocket-book! That’s good! (_Puts it in pocket._) _Madame P._ I told you so! _Paul._ Now let’s read the letter. (_Reads._) “DEAR PAUL—Much as I love you, we must separate. My heart will bleed all my life; and I shall weep for you day and night. I wish to go and live with my papa, like a prisoner, and bewail my fate; and I shall sell this house. You will never see me any more. I love you with all my soul; but you showed me to-day that you love me for my money’s sake. In our merchant class, it is not the custom to give away one’s money. Of what significance shall I be, if I have no money? I shall be of no importance at all! If I have no money, and I love a man, he will not love me. But if I have money, and I love any one, he will love me, and we shall be happy. I made a pocket-book for your birthday, and embroidered it myself, and as I hoped that a present from me would be a great pleasure to you, I send it to you now. Don’t ever come to my papa’s house; he is very passionate, and will be very angry with you when he knows all about it; and I cannot conceal anything. Farewell, Paul! When you are in need of money I shall always be glad to give you help without letting my relatives know; but only small sums—a hundred roubles, not more. Be happy. I shall pass all my life in tears. Yours for ever, SERAFÌMA.” What in the world is this? It’s so extraordinary that I can’t even believe it. I expect she’s joking, or wants to frighten me. Let’s see, though, what there is in this pocket-book. I daresay there’s something in it. (_Takes out pocket-book._) _Madame P._ I am almost sure of it, Paul. No doubt she wanted to give you a surprise.