I understand, I understand! (He glances at his watch) Yes, I understand. (He kisses IVANOFF) Good-bye, I must go to the blessing of the school now. (He goes as far as the door, then stops) She is so clever! Sasha and I were talking about gossiping yesterday, and she flashed out this epigram: "Father," she said, "fire-flies shine at night so that the night-birds may make them their prey, and good people are made to be preyed upon by gossips and slanderers." What do you think of that? She is a genius, another George Sand! (IVANOFF: Paul, what is the matter with me?) I have wanted to ask you that myself, but I must confess I was ashamed to. I don't know, old chap. Sometimes I think your troubles have been too heavy for you, and yet I know you are not the kind to give in to them; you would not be overcome by misfortune. It must be something else, Nicholas, but what it may be I can't imagine.

Paul Lebedieff Monologue from Ivanoff: A Play

Rehearse Paul Lebedieff's monologue