NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I wanted to, but failed, and gave it to my wife.
CARPENTER. But after all it would not be possible for you to do it—you are too used to comforts.
[Voice outside the door] Papa, may I come in?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You may, you always may.
Enter Lyúba.
LYÚBA. Good-day, Jacob!
CARPENTER. Good-day, Miss!
LYÚBA. Borís has gone to his regiment. I am afraid of what he may do or say there. What do you think?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. What can I think? He will do what is natural to him.
LYÚBA. It is awful. He has such a short time to serve[33] and may go and ruin his whole life.