Mrs. K. You see, Katya is so reticent in these matters. But you’ll do your best, I’m sure. To win over Katya, I mean. That is, if it is Katya.

Guy. Who is to blame, you mean?

Mrs. K. Oh, I shouldn’t say “blame.” Although if it goes on much longer, I may. But you’ll think it over, eh? That is the most I can expect at our first interview on this subject.

Guy. There are to be others?

Mrs. K. If necessary.

Guy. But, mamma, you don’t know how much at sea I feel. As a matter of fact, I’m not absolutely certain that we’re both talking about the same thing. Will you tell me what you have been talking about?

Mrs. K. N-no. You tell me first.

Guy. I daren’t.

Mrs. K. That’s it! We are talking about the same thing. I felt sure we were.

Guy. Well, so long as you’re satisfied, mamma....