really are in love with a man, you don’t think and don’t choose. There’s only him – the hero of your love. He’s like a light in your life! He’s your only purpose! And you think he’s the best man in the world even if he’s a complete loser, bastard or scoundrel. You are dizzy and you drop things. You are ready to run away with him anywhere, be it snow, heat, rain – you don’t care…
That’s why the sooner you stop choosing the earlier you can find a man who’s your match.
Mitya comes in. Katya drops the glass.
Mitya. Guess why psychiatrists are so polite with their patients?
Veselov. So why?
Mitya. They know that their patients are not subject to criminal responsibility and consequently have nothing to lose.
Orlov laughs.
Katya. Mitya, I’m glad you are here. Why are you in such disorder? Where’s Inna?
Mitya. We parted friends.
Orlov stands up and pours himself another drink.
Veselov. That’s the news. Does Aglaya know? It might get alright.
Katya. Now we’re fellows in misery. Nikita dumped me… let’s drink. (She hands Mitya a glass).
Orlov. Everything happens for the best. Acorns were good till bread was found. Keep your chin up, Mitya!
Mitya. That’s easy for you to say, Nikolay. You’ve always chosen what to do. I remember when your mother insisted on your training as a diplomat. You agreed to make her calm. But after the studies you refused the job. You paint pictures. But my father’s a general. So I have to march all my life.
Orlov. Mitya, my dear fellow! My father was a talented alcoholic! And my mother worries I’ll follow his example, but in vain. I loved my father and he’s the best anti-model in my life. But I’ll never become a poor drunken artist, because I have learnt to survive in this society and its harsh climate.
The success in life most often comes to people who are determined, able to make decisions and carry responsibility for them. It concerns both work and private life.
I can’t help feeling amazed at such douches as you, who have never lifted a finger but keep moaning about how their life’s bad, their little money and bad relationships with parents, their unhappy love.
But who’s to blame? Parents? School? Government? School friends? Nobody’s to blame but you. That’s because you do nothing… just start, Mitya, and something will necessarily change.
Mitya. Do you love her?
Orlov. Who?
Mitya. Inna Lebedeva.
Orlov. I don’t want to discuss it with you. Veselov, let’s have a smoke.
Veselov and Orlov go out to the balcomy. Orlov shuts the door firmly.
Veselov. I wasn’t mistaken then. (He lights a cigarette)
Orlov. Pardon?
Veselov. I have noticed the way Inna has been looking at you lately.
Orlov. We keep it quiet about our relationships.
Veselov. Now I understand it: she received the first prize for a script of a one-woman show whose heroine dreams of being a muse for a talented artist…
Orlov. See, our relationship’s already bringing its fruit.
Veselov. Do you love her?
Orlov. In a way, I do.
Her mother owns one of the largest art galleries in the country and can introduce me to some useful people in Europe, China and Americas, so I have an opportunity to make my business international shortly.
Veselov. Is your devotion to painting a disguise then?
Orlov. It’s rather a tribute to my father and revenge to my mother for leaving him and making me sweat all my life, training to fulfill her far-reaching designs. Actually, her dream will soon come true, I’ll be a rich and powerful man.
Veselov. Have you thought that Victoria Pavlovna might not be happy about your thwarting her daughter’s wedding with Mitya Gromov whose father, by the way, is one of her best clients?
Orlov. It was Mitya who thwarted everything. He’s to blame for his problems. I just happened to in the right place at the right time.
I have a way to reach Lebedeva, too: she loves her younger daughter a lot. And she knows perfectly well the position my beloved mamma has in the government.
Soon Victoria Pavlovna will realise that there’s nothing good for Inna about that dope. When this happens, she’ll hook onto my figure because I’ll show the best of myself, letting everybody see clearly that I’m not going to be a poor unknown painter.
My mother’s administrative power plus Victoria Lebedeva’s money, connections and reputation will open the doors to all structures I’m interested in. That’s my plan.
Veselov. That’s a serious claim. (Puts his cigarette out)
Orlov. (to himself) I’d love to see your face when all Lebedeva’s business is in my hands. Just wait and see.
Veselov. What about Mitya?
Orlov. Don’t worry about him. Our romantic poet is in mixed feelings now and he’ll soon find comfort on the first wench’s bosom. Mitya is a douchebag. Eve now he gave up without a fight, letting me have Inna.
Veselov. Was Katya’s breakup also your work?
Orlov. Knowing that horny ape’s ways it was easy to organize the match-up. (Laughs)
Mitya and Katya are alone in Veselov’s office.
Mitya. I’m at unrest. I’m like a person after a heart attack and whose limbs are numb.
Katya. Why should it happen so?
Mitya. I’m sick at heart.
Katya kisses Mitya, he kisses her back.
Mitya. Let’s go away.
Katya. All right.
Mitya and Katya leave. Enter Veselov and Orlov.
Veselov. They took a French leave.
Orlov.
