TÓNYA. It is a terrible problem; it is the problem of our day; and we should not be afraid of it, but look it straight in the face, in order to solve it. NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. We cannot wait for the problem to be solved by public measures. Every one of us must die--if not to-day, then to-morrow. How can I live without suffering from this internal discord? BORÍS. Of course there is only one way; that is, not to take part in it at all. NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, forgive me if I have hurt you. I could not help saying what I felt. [Exit]. STYÓPA. Not take part in it? But our whole life is bound up with it. BORÍS. That is why he says that the first step is to possess no property; to change our whole way of life and live so as not to be served by others but to serve others. TÓNYA. Well, I see _you_ have quite gone over to Nicholas Ivánovich's side. BORÍS. Yes, I now understand it for the first time--after what I saw in the village.... You need only take off the spectacles through which we are accustomed to look at the life of the people, to realise at once the connection between their sufferings and our pleasures--that is enough! MITROFÁN ERMÍLYCH. Yes, but the remedy does not consist in ruining one's own life. STYÓPA. It is surprising how Mitrofán Ermílych and I, though we usually stand poles asunder, come to the same conclusion: those are my very words, "not ruin one's own life." BORÍS. Naturally! You both of you wish to lead a pleasant life, and therefore want life arranged so as to ensure that pleasant life for you. [To Styópa] You wish to maintain the present system, while Mitrofán Ermílych wants to establish a new one. Lyúba and Tónya whisper together. Tónya goes to the piano and plays a nocturne by Chopin. General silence. STYÓPA. That's splendid; that solves everything. BORÍS. It obscures and postpones everything! While Tónya is playing, Mary Ivánovna and the Princess enter quietly and sit down to listen. Before the end of the nocturne carriage bells are heard outside. LYÚBA. It is Aunt. [Goes to meet her]. The music continues. Enter Alexándra Ivánovna, Father Gerásim (a priest with a cross round his neck) and a Notary. All rise. FATHER GERÁSIM. Please go on, it is very pleasant. The Princess approaches to receive his blessing, and the young Priest does the same. ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I have done exactly what I said I would do. I found Father Gerásim, and you see I have persuaded him to come--he was on his way to Koursk--so I have done my part; and here is the Notary. He has got the deed ready; it only needs signing. MARY IVÁNOVNA. Won't you have some lunch? Notary puts down his papers on the table, and exit. MARY IVÁNOVNA. I am very grateful to Father Gerásim. FATHER GERÁSIM. What else could I do--though it was out of my way--yet as a Christian I considered it my duty to visit him.