I can't do it. I can't do it.
[Pause. MASHA is heard singing. MASHA bursts into the room.
Masha (breathless). I've been everywhere looking for you. To Popov's, Afrémov's, then I guessed you'd be here. (Crosses to him. Sees revolver, turns, faces him quickly, concealing it with her body, stands very tense and taut, looking at him.) Oh, you fool! You hideous fool! Did you think you'd——
Fédya (still completely unnerved). Awful! It's been awful! I tried—— (With a gesture of despair.) I couldn't——
[Crosses to table L. C.—leans against it.
Masha (puts her hand to her face as if terribly hurt). As if I didn't exist. (Crosses over to table L. C., puts down revolver.) As if I weren't in your life at all. Oh, how godless you are! (Brokenly.) Tell me, tell me, what about all my love for you?
Fédya (as if suddenly aware of a great fatigue). I wanted to set them free. I promised to—and when the time came I couldn't.
Masha. And what about me? What about me?
Fédya. I thought you'd be free, too. Surely my torturing you can't make you happy.
Masha. Oh, I can look out for myself. Maybe I'd rather be unhappy, miserable, wretched with you every minute than even think of living without you.