PRINCE SERGIUS. Have you met her?

SOPHIA KAReNINA. I've never seen her, but I'm afraid of her. No good woman leaves her husband, especially when there's nothing obviously intolerable about him. Why, I've seen Protosov often with Victor, and found him even quite charming.

PRINCE SERGIUS (murmurs). So I've heard. So I've heard.

SOPHIA KAReNINA (continuing). She should bear her cross without complaint. And Victor must cease trying to persuade himself that his happiness lies in defying his principles. What I don't understand is how Victor, with his religious views, can think of marrying a divorced woman. I've heard him say over and over again--once quite lately-- that divorce is totally inconsistent with true Christianity. If she's been able to fascinate him to that point, I am afraid of her.--But how stupid of me to talk all the time! Have you spoken to him at all? What does he say? And don't you thoroughly agree with me?

PRINCE SERGIUS. Yes, I've spoken to Victor. I think he really loves her, has grown accustomed to the idea of loving her, pour ainsi dire.

(Shaking his head.) I don't believe he could ever now care for another woman.

SOPHIA KAReNINA (sighing). And Varia Casanzeva would have made him such a charming wife. She's so devoted already.

PRINCE SERGIUS (smiling). I am afraid I hardly see her in the present ... tableau. (Earnestly.) Why not submit to Victor's wish and help him?

SOPHIA KAReNINA. To marry a divorcee? And afterwards have him running into his wife's husband? How can you calmly suggest that a mother accept such a situation for her son?

PRINCE SERGIUS. But, chere amie, why not approve of the inevitable?

And you might console yourself by regarding the dangers he'll avoid by marrying this gentle, lovely woman. After all, suppose he conceived a pa.s.sion for some one----

[Convey the word "disreputable".

SOPHIA KAReNINA. How can a good woman leave her husband?

PRINCE SERGIUS. Ah, that's not like you. You're unkind and you're harsh. Her husband is the sort of man--well, he's his own worst enemy.

A weakling, a ne'er-do-well--he's spent all his money and hers too.

She has a child. Do you think you can condemn her for leaving him? As a matter of fact she didn't leave him, he left her.

SOPHIA KAReNINA (faintly). Oh what a mud-pen I'm slipping into!

PRINCE SERGIUS (amused). Could your religion aid you?

SOPHIA KAReNINA (smelling her salts). In this instance, religion would require of me the impossible. C'est plus fort que moi.

PRINCE SERGIUS. Fedya himself--you know what a charming clever creature he is when he's in his senses--he advised her to leave him.

[Enter VICTOR who kisses his mother's hand and greets PRINCE SERGIUS.

KAReNIN. Ah, Prince Sergius! (Shakes hands with Prince--formally.) Maman, I've come to tell you that Elizaveta Protosova will be here directly. There's only one thing I ask you: do you still refuse your consent to my marriage----

SOPHIA KAReNINA (interrupting). And I most a.s.suredly do.

KAReNIN (continuing. Frowning). In that case all I ask is for you not to speak to her about it.

SOPHIA KAReNINA. I don't suppose we shall even mention the subject. I certainly shan't.

KAReNIN (standing at head of sofa L.). If you don't, she won't.

(Pleadingly.) Mother dear, I just want you to know her.

SOPHIA KAReNINA. One thing I can't understand. How is it you want to marry Lisa Protosova, a woman with a living husband, and at the same time believe divorce is a crime against Christianity?

KAReNIN. Oh, Maman, that's cruel of you. Life is far too complex to be managed by a few formulas. Why are you so bitter about it all?

SOPHIA KAReNINA (honestly). I love you. I want you to be happy.

KAReNIN (imploringly to PRINCE SERGIUS) Sergius Abreskov!

PRINCE SERGIUS (to SOPHIA KAReNINA). Naturally you want him happy. But it's difficult for our hearts, wearied from the weight of years, to feel the pulse of youth and sympathize, especially is it difficult for you, my friend, who have schooled yourself to view Victor's happiness in a single way....

SOPHIA KAReNINA. Oh, you're all against me. Do as you like. Vous etes majeur. (Sniffing into her pocket handkerchief.) But you'll kill me.

KAReNIN (deeply distressed). Ah, Mother, please. It's worse than cruel to say things like that.

PRINCE SERGIUS (smiling to VICTOR). Come, come, Victor, you know your mother speaks more severely than she could ever act.

SOPHIA KAReNINA. I shall tell her exactly what I think and feel, and I hope I can do it without offending her.

PRINCE SERGIUS. I am sure of it.

[Enter FOOTMAN.

Here she is.

KAReNIN. I'll go. (Goes to back of sofa.)

FOOTMAN (announcing). Elizaveta Andreyevna Protosova.

KAReNIN (warningly). Now, Mother.

[He goes out L. PRINCE SERGIUS rises.

SOPHIA KAReNINA (majestically). Show her in. (To PRINCE SERGIUS.) Please remain.

PRINCE SERGIUS. I thought you might prefer a tete-a-tete?

SOPHIA KAReNINA. No, no. I rather dread it. And if I want to be left alone in the room with her, I'll drop my handkerchief. ca dependra.

PRINCE SERGIUS. I'm sure you're going to like her immensely.

SOPHIA KAReNINA. Oh you're all against me.

[Enter LISA R. and crosses to R. C.

(Rising) How do you do? I was so sorry not to find you at home and it is most kind of you to come to see me.

LISA (R.C.). I never expected the honor of your visit, and I am so grateful that you permit me to come and see you.

SOPHIA KAReNINA (C.). You know Prince Sergius Abreskov?