Delphi Complete Works of Anton Chekhov

SCENE XIV

KHROUSCHOV AND ELENA ANDREYEVNA

ELENA ANDREYEVNA: You are here! One moment. . . .

Ivan Ivanych has just told me that my husband was harsh with you... You must forgive him, he’s cross to-day and did not understand you. ... As for myself, my soul is with you, Mikhail Lvovich! Believe in the sincerity of my respect, I sympathize with you, I am moved; and allow me with a pure heart to offer you my friendship! {Holding out both hands.)

KHROUSCHOV (with aversion): Get away from me! ... I despise your friendship! [Goes out.

ELENA ANDREYEVNA (alone, groaning): Why, why?

(A shot is heard behind the scenes.)