Kitty's coming by to see you. She's all grown-up, and a bit frightened of you — the belle of St. Petersburg society!

Is that who I am? Dolly... Stiva has told me. [Dolly bursts into tears. Anna embraces her.] Dolly, I'm so sorry from the bottom of my heart.

I don't know what to do.

I know, I know.

I can't bear to be with him. And he doesn't care, he's got what he wants.

What he wants is you. He loves you, Dolly. You and the children are everything to him.

Are we? And there is room for a governess?

That was shameful, disgraceful. But it was not love. It was the animal in man, not the soul. Stiva's remorse is from the soul.

What about me? Does his remorse make it easier for me?

I know you are suffering. But, Dolly, you must tell me... is there enough love left in your heart... enough to forgive him?

When I think of them together, I can't forgive him, no!

My poor lamb. So you'd rather accept your fate...

My fate? But I haven't done anything! It’s him who's—

Do you love him, Dolly? [Dolly nods tearfully.] You love him, and he loves you, but you can't forgive, so your lives must continue like this forever, with both of you wretched.