Vera enters. Natalya sits down with her, and after talking about how Vera's becoming a young woman, she explains that she's received an offer of marriage for her. Vera reacts with shock and surprise, saying she's in Natalya's power. Natalya tells her to stop crying and urges her to speak as though Natalya is her sister. Vera agrees, and Natalya says she thinks Vera is too young for marriage. If that were the only factor, the discussion would be closed. She then says, however, that the suitor for Vera's hand is a good man, well off and only asking permission to visit in the hopes of gaining her affections. Vera asks who the suitor is. When Natalya admits that it's Bolshintsov, Vera laughs, but then she suddenly realizes Natalya is not.....
