THEODORE IVÁNITCH. Yes? What is it?
TÁNYA [shyly] You have been a second father to me, and I will open my heart before you as before God.
THEODORE IVÁNITCH. Don't beat about the bush, but come straight to the point.
TÁNYA. The point is … well, the point is, that Simon wants to marry me.
THEODORE IVÁNITCH. Is that it? I thought I noticed …
TÁNYA. Well, why should I hide it? I am an orphan, and you know yourself how matters are in these town establishments. Every one comes bothering; there's that Gregory Miháylitch, for instance, he gives me no peace. And also that other one … you know. They think I have no soul, and am only here for their amusement.
THEODORE IVÁNITCH. Good girl, that's right! Well, what then?
TÁNYA. Well, Simon wrote to his father; and he, his father, sees me to-day, and says: “He's spoilt”—he means his son. Theodore Ivánitch [bows], take the place of a father to me, speak to the old man,—to Simon's father! I could take them into the kitchen, and you might come in and speak to the old man!
THEODORE IVÁNITCH [smiling] Then I am to turn match-maker—am I? Well, I can do that.
TÁNYA. Theodore Ivánitch, dearest, be a father to me, and I'll pray for you all my life long.