EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. But I never said anything of the kind to her. She invented it, and now reproaches me.
MÉLNIKOV. She does not reproach you, but is grieved.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. All right, I'll come to dinner. But now I have a very interesting case on. [To Clerk] Ask her in.
CLERK. Shall I ask them both?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE [finishes his cigarette and hides it] No, only Mrs. Karénina, or rather—by her first husband—Protásova.
MÉLNIKOV [going out] Ah, Karénina!
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Yes, it's a nasty affair. It's true I am only beginning to look into it, but it's a bad business. Well, good-bye! [Exit Mélnikov].
Enter Lisa, in black and veiled.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Take a seat, please. [Points to a chair] Believe me, I much regret to have to question you, but we are under the necessity … Please be calm, and remember that you need not answer my questions. Only, in my opinion, for your own sake—and in fact for everybody's sake—the truth is best. It is always best, even practically.
LISA. I have nothing to conceal.