Exeunt Grossman, Sahátof, Professor, Doctor, the Fat Lady, and Baroness, talking loudly and interrupting each other.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [catching hold of Leoníd Fyódoritch's arm] How often have I asked you not to interfere in household matters! You think of nothing but your nonsense, and the whole house is on my shoulders. You will infect us all!
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH. What? How? I don't understand what you mean.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. How? Why, people ill of diphtheria sleep in the kitchen, which is in constant communication with the whole house.
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH. Yes, but I …
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. What, I?
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH. I know nothing about it.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. It's your duty to know, if you are the head of the family. Such things must not be done.
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH. But I never thought … I thought …
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. It is sickening to listen to you! [Leoníd Fyódoritch remains silent].