Fédya. Now, let's have "No More at Evening." (As the gypsies sing, MASHA lies on her back across his lap, looking up into his face, which she draws down to her, and they kiss until the music begins to cease.) That's wonderful! Divine! If I could only lie this way forever, with my arms around the heart of joy, and sleep ... and die.... (He closes his eyes; his voice trails away.)
[Lights dim and out, then the
CURTAIN
SCENE III
SOPHIA KARÉNINA'S boudoir. SOPHIA KARÉNINA, VICTOR'S mother, is reading a book. She is a great lady, over fifty, but tries to look younger. She likes to interlard her conversation with French words. A servant enters.
Servant (enters R., announcing). Prince Sergius Abréskov.
Sophia Karénina (on sofa over L.). Show him in, please.
[She turns and picks up hand mirror from table back of couch, arranging her hair.
Prince Sergius (enters R. I. Entering). J'espère que je ne force pas la consigne.
[Crossing to sofa L. He kisses her hand. He is a charming old diplomat of seventy.