Paul. We must insure it.
Serafima. Then invaders will come and destroy everything! No, no, not for the world!
Paul. Well, well, we won’t talk any more about it.
Serafima. Think of it yourself; you’re a young man still; we may have children.
Paul. Of course we shall have children; but what of that? The more money we get, the more there will be for the children.
Serafima. No, no; I don’t want even to hear about it, or I shall only get miserable; you musn’t put me out. What’s the use of circulation? We can live as we are; we have enough of everything. (Meditates.) You are free to-day; you haven’t gone to the office.... (Embraces him.)
Paul (detaching himself from her arms). No, Serafima; as you like, but I must have a talk with you.
Serafima (seriously). What now?
Paul. This, my dear: if you really love me, give me five thousand silver roubles. I need the money pressingly for a certain business. It is a very profitable business, Serafima; I won’t tell you what it is now; but we may get the amount doubled, or perhaps even more. Indeed, I am almost sure that it will be more.
