FÉDYA. It seems so to you [Takes her hand] ... But that's not the point. The chief thing is, that _I_ can't!... You know, one folds a piece of thick paper this way and that a hundred times and still it holds together; but fold it once more, and it comes in half.... So it was with Lisa and me. It hurts me too much to look into her eyes--and she feels the same, believe me! SÁSHA. No, no! FÉDYA. You say "No," but you yourself know that it is "Yes"! SÁSHA. I can only judge by myself. If I were in her place, and you answered as you are doing, it would be dreadful! FÉDYA. Yes, for _you_ ... [Pause; both are agitated]. SÁSHA [rises] Must things really remain so? FÉDYA. I suppose ... SÁSHA. Fédya come back! FÉDYA. Thank you, Sásha dear! You will always remain a precious memory to me.... But good-bye, dear heart!... Let me kiss you. [Kisses her forehead]. SÁSHA [agitated] No, I don't say good-bye, and I don't believe, and won't believe ... Fédya! FÉDYA. Well then, listen! But give me your word that what I tell you, you won't repeat to anybody--do you promise? SÁSHA. Of course! FÉDYA. Well then, listen, Sásha.... It's true that I am her husband and the father of her child, but I am--superfluous! Wait, wait--don't reply.... You think I'm jealous? Not at all! In the first place, I have no right; secondly, I have no cause. Victor Karénin is her old friend and mine too. He loves her, and she him. SÁSHA. No! FÉDYA. She does--as an honest, moral woman can, who does not allow herself to love anyone but her husband. But she loves, and will love him when this obstacle [points to himself] is removed; and I will remove it, and they shall be happy! [His voice trembles]. SÁSHA. Fédya, don't talk like that! FÉDYA. Why, you know very well that it's true! And I shall be glad of their happiness, and it's the best I can do. I shall not return, but shall give them their freedom.... Tell them so.... Don't answer--and good-bye! Kisses her on the forehead, and opens the door for her. SÁSHA. Fédya--you are wonderful! FÉDYA. Good-bye, good-bye!... [Exit Sásha]. FÉDYA. Yes, yes.... That's the thing ... that's the thing!... [Rings]. Enter footman. FÉDYA. Call your master.... [Exit footman].... And it's true--it's true. Enter Afrémov. FÉDYA. Come along! AFRÉMOV. Have you settled matters? FÉDYA. Splendidly! [Sings] "And she swore by ev'ry power ..." Splendidly!... Where are they all? AFRÉMOV. They're playing billiards. FÉDYA. That's right--we will too [Sings] "Rest here, just an hour ..." Come along! Curtain. ACT III SCENE 1 Prince Abrézkov, a sixty-year-old bachelor with moustaches, a retired army man, elegant, very dignified and melancholy-looking. Anna Dmítrievna Karénina (Victor's mother), a fifty-year-old "grande dame" who tries to appear younger, and intersperses her remarks with French expressions.