MÁSHA. Well, what? What?
FÉDYA. First of all, to keep my promise. That is the first thing, and quite sufficient. To lie, and do all the dirty work necessary to get a divorce … I can't!
MÁSHA. Granted that it's horrid—I myself …
FÉDYA. Next, they must really be free—my wife and he. After all, they are good people; and why should they suffer? That's the second thing.
MÁSHA. Well, there isn't much good in her, if she's thrown you over.
FÉDYA. She didn't—I threw her over.
MÁSHA. All right, all right! It's always you. She is an angel! What else!
FÉDYA. This—that you are a good, dear girlie—and that I love you, and if I live I shall ruin you.
MÁSHA. That's not your business. I know quite well what will ruin me.
FÉDYA [sighs] But above all, above all … What use is my life? Don't I know that I am a lost good-for-nothing? I am a burden to myself and to everybody—as your father said. I'm worthless.…