LUKA. Yes, ma'am.
[A bell rings loudly.
MRS. POPOV. [Shudders.] What's that? I am at home to no one.
LUKA. Yes, ma'am. [He goes out, centre.
MRS. POPOV. [Gazing at the photograph.] You shall see, Nikolai, how I can love and forgive! My love will die only with me—when my poor heart stops beating. [She smiles through her tears.] And aren't you ashamed? I have been a good, true wife; I have imprisoned myself and I shall remain true until death, and you—you—you're not ashamed of yourself, my dear monster! You quarrelled with me, left me alone for weeks——
[Luka enters in great excitement.
LUKA. Oh, ma'am, some one is asking for you, insists on seeing you——
MRS. POPOV. You told him that since my husband's death I receive no one?
LUKA. I said so, but he won't listen; he says it is a pressing matter.
MRS. POPOV. I receive no one!