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.
Theodore Ivánitch. All right, all right, I'll come later on. Haven't I promised?
[Takes up newspaper.
Tánya. You are a second father to me!
Theodore Ivánitch. All right, all right.
Tánya. Then I'll rely on you.
[Exit.
Theodore Ivánitch (alone, shaking his head). A good affectionate girl. To think that so many like her perish! Get but once into trouble and she'll go from hand to hand until she sinks into the mire, and can never be found again! There was that dear little Nataly. She, too, was a good girl, reared and cared for by a mother. (Takes up paper.) Well, let's see what tricks Ferdinand is up to in Bulgaria.
CURTAIN