ANNA IVÁNOVNA lets them all pass through the door, except LYUBÓV
GORDÉYEVNA; she shuts the door and does not allow her to pass.
SCENE X
MÍTYA and LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA
LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. [At the door] Stop, don't be silly! [Through the door the girls are heard laughing] They won't let me out! Oh, what girls! [Walks away from the door] They're always up to something.
MÍTYA. [Hands her a chair] Be seated, Lyubóv Gordéyevna, and talk to me for just a moment. I'm very glad to see you in my room.
LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. Why are you glad? I don't understand.
MÍTYA. Oh, why!—It is very pleasant for me to see on your side such consideration; it is above my deserts to receive it from you. This is the second time I have had the good fortune—
LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. There's nothing in that! I came here, sat awhile, and went away again. That means nothing. Maybe I'll go away again at once.
MÍTYA. Oh, no! Don't go!—Why should you! [Takes the paper out of his pocket] Permit me to present to you my work, the best I can do—from my heart.
LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA. What is this?