KRASNÓV. Such is life with a good woman! Peaches and cream! Simply lovely! Nothing on earth is better! What is the reason that you're so precious to us men?
TATYÁNA. I don't know.
KRASNÓV. It's the work of Providence—truly, of Providence! It's beyond our understanding! We know one thing, that—if you're attached to your wife, that's enough. If you're once attached, then that's all. Now that we're friends, the house might burn down over my head. [Kisses her] To-day I'll go and collect some money, and to-morrow I'll buy you a new outfit.
TATYÁNA. What for? You don't need to.
KRASNÓV. If I say I'll buy it, then that's my affair. So I do need to buy it. You attend to your business; comfort your husband! And I'll attend to mine. [Looking at his watch] Oh, there's lots of time! I'd better go! I wish I didn't have to leave you.
TATYÁNA. Don't go!
KRASNÓV. Don't you really want me to go? Don't act spoiled! Business before pleasure! If I don't make the collection to-day, I can't get my money for a whole week. It's so far to go, too! I wish he'd—Why, it's on the other side of the river! It'll take an hour; confound him! [Takes his cap] So you don't want me to go?
TATYÁNA. Of course not!
KRASNÓV. Oh, what a woman you are! [Embraces her] I know your kind, and very well too! You just wait for me an hour, you'll live through it! [Kisses her] Good-by! Otherwise I'd really be bound to stay with you. You women were created for man's temptation in this world! [Starts off.
TATYÁNA. Come back soon!