ZMEYUKINA. [Sings] “I loved you, and may love again.” Is that it?
YATS. That’s it! Beautiful!
ZMEYUKINA. No, I’ve no voice to-day.... There, wave this fan for me... it’s hot! [To APLOMBOV] Epaminond Maximovitch, why are you so melancholy? A bridegroom shouldn’t be! Aren’t you ashamed of yourself, you wretch? Well, what are you so thoughtful about?
APLOMBOV. Marriage is a serious step! Everything must be considered from all sides, thoroughly.
ZMEYUKINA. What beastly sceptics you all are! I feel quite suffocated with you all around.... Give me atmosphere! Do you hear? Give me atmosphere! [Sings a few notes.]
YATS. Beautiful! Beautiful!
ZMEYUKINA. Fan me, fan me, or I feel I shall have a heart attack in a minute. Tell me, please, why do I feel so suffocated?
YATS. It’s because you’re sweating....
ZMEYUKINA. Foo, how vulgar you are! Don’t dare to use such words!
YATS. Beg pardon! Of course, you’re used, if I may say so, to aristocratic society and....