[sharply]
But you committed the great Russian crime of getting yourself caught?
IVANOFF
Through treachery. There was an Englishman who lived in Petersburg. He had contracts with the government—I thought he was my [pg 096] best friend. I had married in my student days in Paris—ah, it is the old story!
[bitterly]
I knew that this Englishman admired my wife; but I trusted him—as I trusted her—and he made my house his home. I had fifty thousand rubles in my desk to be delivered to my society. The police came to search; they found only me—but not my wife nor my English friend—nor the fifty thousand rubles! I went to Siberia. Now I search for those two.
VASILI
[gravely]
Was it they who sent the police?
IVANOFF