NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, and what now? PRIEST. Now I am going to the Bishop to be questioned. I am afraid he will exile me to the Solovétsk Monastery. At one time I thought of asking you to help me to escape abroad, but then I considered that it would seem cowardly. Only, there is my wife! NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Where is she? PRIEST. She has gone to her father's. My mother-in-law came and took our boy away. That hurt me very much. I should much like ... [pauses, restraining his tears]. NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, may God help you! Are you staying with us? PRINCESS [running into the room] There now, it has happened. He has refused to serve, and has been put under arrest. I have just been there but was not admitted. Nicholas Ivánovich, you must go. LYÚBA. Has he refused? How do you know? PRINCESS. I was there myself! Vasíly Andréevich, who is a Member of the Council, told me all about it. Borís just walked in and told them he would serve no longer, would take no oath, and in fact said everything Nicholas Ivánovich has taught him. NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Princess! Can such things be taught? PRINCESS. I don't know. Only this is not Christianity! What is your opinion, Father? PRIEST. I am no longer "Father." PRINCESS. Well, all the same. However, you are also one of them! No, I cannot leave things in this state. And what cursed Christianity it is that makes people suffer and perish. I hate this Christianity of yours. It's all right for you, who know you won't be touched; but I have only one son, and you have ruined him! NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Do be calm, Princess. PRINCESS. Yes you, you have ruined him! And having ruined him, you must save him. Go and persuade him to abandon all this nonsense. It's all very well for rich people, but not for us. LYÚBA [crying] Papa, what can be done? NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I will go. Perhaps I can be of some use. [Takes off his apron]. PRINCESS [helping him on with his coat] They would not let me in, but now we will go together and I shall get my way. [Exeunt]. Curtain. SCENE 2 A Government office. A Clerk is seated at a table, and a Sentinel is pacing up and down. Enter a General with his Adjutant. The Clerk jumps up, the Sentinel presents arms. GENERAL. Where is the Colonel? CLERK. Gone to see that new conscript, Your Excellency. GENERAL. Ah, very well. Ask him to come here to me. CLERK. Yes, Your Excellency. GENERAL. And what are you copying out? Isn't it the conscript's evidence? CLERK. Yes, sir, it is. GENERAL. Give it here. The Clerk hands General the paper and exit. The General hands it to his Adjutant. GENERAL. Please read it.