SONIA and VOITSKI go out.

HELENA. I am going away. [She gives ASTROFF her hand] Good-bye.

ASTROFF. So soon?

HELENA. The carriage is waiting.

ASTROFF. Good-bye.

HELENA. You promised me you would go away yourself to-day.

ASTROFF. I have not forgotten. I am going at once. [A pause] Were
you frightened? Was it so terrible?

HELENA. Yes.

ASTROFF. Couldn't you stay? Couldn't you? To-morrow--in the
forest--

HELENA. No. It is all settled, and that is why I can look you so
bravely in the face. Our departure is fixed. One thing I must ask
of you: don't think too badly of me; I should like you to respect
me.

ASTROFF. Ah! [With an impatient gesture] Stay, I implore you!
Confess that there is nothing for you to do in this world. You
have no object in life; there is nothing to occupy your
attention, and sooner or later your feelings must master you. It
is inevitable. It would be better if it happened not in Kharkoff