KARÉNIN. Je voudrais vous parler sans témoins.[5]
FÉDYA. What about?
KARÉNIN. Je viens de chez vous. Votre femme m'a chargé de cette lettre et puis …[6]
FÉDYA [takes letter, reads, frowns, then smiles affectionately] I say, Karénin, of course you know what is in this letter?
KARÉNIN. I know … and I want to say …
FÉDYA. Wait, wait a bit! Please don't imagine that I am drunk and my words irresponsible.… I mean, that I am irresponsible! I am drunk, but in this matter I see quite clearly.… Well, what were you commissioned to say?
KARÉNIN. I was commissioned to find you, and to tell you … that … she … is waiting for you. She asks you to forget everything and come back.
FÉDYA [listens in silence, gazing into Karénin's eyes] Still, I don't understand why you …
KARÉNIN. Elisabeth Andréyevna sent for me, and asked me …
FÉDYA. So …