Zhev. Madam! indeed.... If I were to put on a black coat, my complexion would be much lighter.
Agàfia. So much the better for you. Good-afternoon. (Exit.)
Zhev. (Alone; calls after her.) Madam! tell me the reason! Say why! What is your objection? Is there any defect in me?... She’s gone! It is a most extraordinary thing! This is the seventeenth time it has happened to me; and always just in the same way. At first everything goes all right; and then, when the critical moment comes, they always refuse me. (Walks up and down the room, meditating.) Yes, I believe this is really the seventeenth girl. And what in the world is it that she wants? I should like to know why ... on what grounds.... (Meditates.) It’s mysterious, very mysterious! Now, if there were anything to object to in me! (Inspecting himself.) I think nobody can say that of me, thank Heaven! It’s very strange! I wonder if I hadn’t better go home, and hunt about in my trunk. I used to have some verses there that no woman could stand against.... There really is no understanding it! Everything seemed to be going all right.... I see I shall have to alter my tack. It’s a pity; it really is a pity. (Exit.)
(Enter Podkolyòssin and Kochkaryòv, looking behind them.)
Koch. He didn’t see us. Did you notice what a long face he went out with?
Pod. She surely hasn’t refused him as well as the others!
Koch. Point blank.
Pod. It must be dreadfully embarrassing to be refused!
Koch. I should think so!
Pod. I still can’t believe she really said straight out that she prefers me to all the others.