Sasha. Oh, it's not nice of you. I feel, I can tell, you're thinking about Victor Karénin.
Anna Pávlovna. Why not? He loved her for ten years, and she him, I believe.
Sasha. Yes, but she doesn't love him as a husband. They grew up together; they've just been friends.
Anna Pávlovna. Ah, those friendships! How should you know what keeps them warm! If only they were both free!
[Enter a MAID L. U.
Well?
Maid. The porter's just come back with an answer to the note.
Anna Pávlovna. What note?
Maid. The note Elizaveta Protosova sent to Victor Karénin.
Anna Pávlovna. Well? What answer?