STARKÓVSKY. And Lyúbov Nikoláyevna?[36] She proposed to dance a great deal so as to make up for the time she has lost, and I have undertaken to help her.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. She is sorting favours for the cotillion.
STARKÓVSKY. I will go and help her, if I may?
MARY IVÁNOVNA. Certainly.
As Starkóvsky is going out he meets Lyúba in evening, but not low-necked, dress carrying a cushion with stars and ribbons.
LYÚBA. Ah! here you are. Good! Now you can help me. There are three more cushions in the drawing-room. Go and fetch them all.
STARKÓVSKY. I fly to do so!
MARY IVÁNOVNA. Now, Lyúba; friends are coming, and they will be sure to hint and ask questions. May we announce it?
LYÚBA. No, Mamma, no. Why? Let them ask! Papa will not like it.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. But he knows or guesses; and he will have to be told sooner or later. I think it would be better to announce it to-day. Why, C'est le secret de la comédie.[37]