FÉDYA. Well, now “Not at Eve”!
Gipsies sing.
FÉDYA. That's it! It's wonderful … And where does it all happen—all that this music expresses? Ah, it's fine!… And how is it man can reach such ecstasy, and cannot keep it?
MUSICIAN [taking notes] Yes, it's most original.
FÉDYA. Not original—but the real thing!
AFRÉMOV [to gipsies] Well, have a rest now. [Takes the guitar and sits down beside Kátya, one of the gipsies].
MUSICIAN. It's really simple, except the rhythm.…
FÉDYA [waves his hand, goes to Másha, and sits down on sofa beside her] Oh, Másha, Másha! How you do turn me inside-out!
MÁSHA. And how about what I asked you for?
FÉDYA. What? Money?… [Takes some out of his trouser-pocket] Here, take it!