BETSY. To-day I do.
MÁRYA KONSTANTÍNOVNA [to Petrístchef] And do you believe?
PETRÍSTCHEF. “I can't believe, I cannot trust a heart for falsehood framed.” Still, if Elizabeth Leonídovna commands …
VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH. Let us stay, Márya Konstantínovna. Eh, what? I shall invent something épatant.
MÁRYA KONSTANTÍNOVNA. No, you mustn't make me laugh. You know I can't restrain myself.
VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH [loud] I remain!
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH [severely] But I beg those who remain not to joke about it. It is a serious matter.
PETRÍSTCHEF. Do you hear? Well then, let's stay. Vovo, sit here, and don't be too shy.
BETSY. Yes, it's all very well for you to laugh; but just wait till you see what will happen.
VASÍLY LEONÍDITCH. Oh, but supposing it's true? Won't it be a go! Eh, what?