[They shake hands.
Prince (in a distinguished manner). I repeat that I am afraid to be most inopportune. I would rather not have heard, but since I have, it's my duty to say so. When I arrived I knocked several times, but I presume you could not have heard through such uproar.
Fédya. Do sit down. (Prince sits chair R.C.) Thanks for telling me you heard. (Sits on bed up C.) It gives me a chance to explain it all. Forgive me for saying your opinion of me can't concern me, but I want to tell you that the way her parents talked to that young girl, that gypsy singer, was absolutely unjust. She's as pure as your own mother. My relations with her are simply friendly ones. Possibly there is a ray of poetry in them, but that could hardly degrade her. However, what can I do for you?
Prince Sergius. Well, to begin——
Fédya (interrupting). Excuse me, Prince, but my present social position hardly warrants a visit from you.
[Smiling.
Prince Sergius. I know that, but I ask you to believe that your changed position does not influence me in what I am about to tell you.
Fédya (interrogatively). Then?
Prince Sergius. To be as brief as possible, Victor Karénin, the son of my old friend, Sophia Karénina, and she herself, have asked me to discover from you personally what your present relations are with your wife, and what intentions you have regarding them.
Fédya. My relations with my wife—I should say my former wife—are several.