Serafima. Leave off, Paul! Don’t write! (Embraces him. He leaves off writing.) I am so happy! so happy! What have I done to deserve such happiness! (Meditates.) I have abundance of everything; I have such a dear husband! (Kisses him.) So handsome! so clever! only one thing distresses me: you are out so much. Now that we are married, you ought to be always with me; I believe I should love you still more then.
Paul. It’s impossible, my love; I have the office.
Serafima. Are you going to-day?
Paul. Yes; it’s time for me to start now.
Serafima. Take me with you.
Paul. Where? To the Senate House?
Serafima. Yes; why not?
Paul. What things you say! How could I?
Serafima. It’s always, “I can’t” with you! You simply don’t love me; that’s why you don’t want to take me. If you loved me, you’d take me! You’d say to every one, “This is my wife.” You’ll never have cause to be ashamed of me; I was educated at a boarding-school.
Paul. If you don’t believe me, ask any one you like whether men take their wives to Government offices.