“I only meant to say that matters of real importance may turn up. Now, for instance, I shall have to go to Moscow to arrange about the house.⁠ ⁠… Oh, Anna, why are you so irritable? Don’t you know that I can’t live without you?”

“If so,” said Anna, her voice suddenly changing, “it means that you are sick of this life.⁠ ⁠… Yes, you will come for a day and go away, as men do.⁠ ⁠…”

“Anna, that’s cruel. I am ready to give up my whole life.”

But she did not hear him.

“If you go to Moscow, I will go too. I will not stay here. Either we must separate or else live together.”

“Why, you know, that’s my one desire. But for that.⁠ ⁠…”

“We must get a divorce. I will write to him. I see I cannot go on like this.⁠ ⁠… But I will come with you to Moscow.”