MARYA [rises indignantly]. No, that's too much—Such rudeness, such impertinence.
KHLESTAKOV [holding her back]. Forgive me, mademoiselle. I did it only out of love—only out of love, nothing else.
MARYA. You take me for a silly provincial wench. [Struggles to go away.]
KHLESTAKOV [still holding her back]. It's out of love, really—out of love. It was just a little fun. Marya Antonovna, don't be angry. I'm ready to beg your forgiveness on my knees. [Falls on his knees.] Forgive me, do forgive me! You see, I am on my knees.
The same and Anna Andreyevna.
ANNA [seeing Khlestakov on his knees]. Oh, what a situation!
KHLESTAKOV [rising]. Oh, the devil!
ANNA [to Marya]. What does this mean? What does this behavior mean?
MARYA. I, mother—
ANNA. Go away from here. Do you hear? And don't you dare to show your face to me. [Marya goes out in tears.] Excuse me. I must say I'm greatly astonished.