Luka. Yes, ma'am. [He goes out center.]
Mrs. Popov [gazing at the photograph]. You shall see, Nikol, 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 the grave, and you—you—you're not ashamed of yourself, my dear monster! Betrayed me, quarreled 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 that it is a pressing matter.
Mrs. Popov. I—re—ceive—no—one!
Luka. I told him that, but he's a wild-man, he swore and pushed himself into the room—he's in the dining room now.
Mrs. Popov [excitedly]. Good. Show him in. What an intruder!
[Luka goes out center.]