SHABELSKI leans on the piano and begins to sob.
LEBEDIEFF. Good gracious, Matthew, Count! What is it, dear Matthew, old friend? Have I offended you? There, forgive me; I didn't mean to hurt you. Come, drink some water.
SHABELSKI. I don't want any water. [Raises his head.]
LEBEDIEFF. What are you crying about?
SHABELSKI. Nothing in particular; I was just crying.
LEBEDIEFF. Matthew, tell me the truth, what is it? What has happened?
SHABELSKI. I caught sight of that violoncello, and—and—I remembered the Jewess.
LEBEDIEFF. What an unfortunate moment you have chosen to remember her. Peace be with her! But don't think of her now.
SHABELSKI. We used to play duets together. She was a beautiful, a glorious woman.
SASHA sobs.