Scene VIII

Nato, Chacho, then Salome.

NATO [

falling sobbing in Chacho's arms

]. O dear, dear aunt.

CHACHO. Stop; don't cry, my dear, my precious child. It is indeed your father. Stop; stop, Salome.

SALOME [

coming in smiling

]. Dear aunt, I have arranged everything. [

Stops.

] What is this now? Why are you crying?

[Nato wipes away her tears and goes toward the divan.

CHACHO. You know her father, don't you? He has been scolding her, and has made her cry.

SALOME. If her father has been troubling her, then I will make her happy again. Nato, dear, I have betrothed you. [

Nato looks at her in wonderment.

] Yes, my love, be happy—what have you to say about it? Mr. Alexander Marmarow is now your betrothed.

NATO. Is it really true, mamma dear?

CHACHO [

at the same time

]. Is it true?

SALOME. It is true, be assured.

NATO [

embracing Salome

]. O my dear, dear mother.

SALOME [

seizing her daughter and kissing her

]. Now I am rid of my worries about you. I hope it will bring you joy. Go and put on another dress, for your betrothed is coming.

NATO. Now?

SALOME. Certainly, at once. You know, I presume, that you must make yourself pretty.

NATO [

happy and speaking quickly

]. Certainly. I will wear the white barège with blue ribbons, the little cross on black velvet ribbon, and a blue ribbon in my hair. [

Hugs Chacho

.] O my precious auntie!

CHACHO [

embracing and kissing her

]. May this hour bring you good-fortune! I wish it for you with all my heart.

NATO [

hugging and kissing Salome again

]. O you dear, you dearest mamma.

[Runs out of the room.