Maid. Madame has gone away in the carriage, and told me to give you these. (Exit.)
Paul. A pocket-book! That’s good! (Puts it in pocket.)
Madame P. I told you so!
Paul. Now let’s read the letter. (Reads.) “Dear Paul—Much as I love you, we must separate. My heart will bleed all my life; and I shall weep for you day and night. I wish to go and live with my papa, like a prisoner, and bewail my fate; and I shall sell this house. You will never see me any more. I love you with all my soul; but you showed me to-day that you love me for my money’s sake. In our merchant class, it is not the custom to give away one’s money. Of what significance shall I be, if I have no money? I shall be of no importance at all! If I have no money, and I love a man, he will not love me. But if I have money, and I love any one, he will love me, and we shall be happy. I made a pocket-book for your birthday, and embroidered it myself, and as I hoped that a present from me would be a great pleasure to you, I send it to you now. Don’t ever come to my papa’s house; he is very passionate, and will be very angry with you when he knows all about it; and I cannot conceal anything. Farewell, Paul! When you are in need of money I shall always be glad to give you help without letting my relatives know; but only small sums—a hundred roubles, not more. Be happy. I shall pass all my life in tears. Yours for ever, Serafìma.” What in the world is this? It’s so extraordinary that I can’t even believe it. I expect she’s joking, or wants to frighten me. Let’s see, though, what there is in this pocket-book. I daresay there’s something in it. (Takes out pocket-book.)
Madame P. I am almost sure of it, Paul. No doubt she wanted to give you a surprise.
Paul. It’s a charming little pocket-book. (Opens and examines it.) Empty!
Madame P. Look; perhaps there’s a secret compartment.
Paul. Here’s the secret compartment, but there’s nothing in it either. (Enter Footman.) What do you want?
Foot. Sir, sir, I never heard of such a thing! They’ve taken away the fur cloak!
Paul. What fur cloak?