ALEXANDER [aside].  I have my sister to thank for all this, who dragged me into this house.

OSSEP [ironically].  Alexander, look for a dowry elsewhere, for I can no longer give my daughter one.

ALEXANDER [angry].  What, you deride me as well!  I don’t belong to your class, sir!

OSSEP.  And has it come to this!

ALEXANDER [taking his hat].  I have not acquired my present dignity to lose it through you.

OSSEP.  Ha! ha! ha!  His dignity!

ALEXANDER [coming near Nato].  I have loved you truly, Miss Nato, but I
must give you up.  I am not to blame for it.  Farewell.
                    [Goes to the door.

[Barssegh laughs for joy.

OSSEP [approaching Salome, who stands dismayed, takes her by the arm and points to the departing Alexander].  There goes your official!

NATO [standing at the left near the sofa].  Alexander!  Alexander! [Exit Alexander.] Dear Alexander.
                    [Sitting down on the sofa, begins to cry.

SALOME [in a low tone, striking her brow with both hands].  Why doesn’t the earth open and swallow me?

OSSEP [to Salome].  Now you are punished, are you not? [Turning to Barssegh:] Take it all, now!  Satisfy yourself! [Takes off his coat.] Take this also! [Throws it to Barssegh.] Yes, take it! [Takes his cap from the table and throws it to Barssegh.] Make off with this also; I need it no longer.
                    [Runs to and fro as if distracted.

BARSSEGH [in a low voice].  Keep on giving!
                    [Turns to sheriff and speaks softly to him.

OSSEP [taking up different articles from card table and throwing them on the floor].  Take these also!  Take these also! [Taking a lighted candelabra and smashing it on the floor] Stick that also down your throat!

SEVERAL OF THE GUESTS.  The poor fellow is losing his wits.
                    [Nato crying; her friends comfort her.  Salome faints.

CHACHO.  Ossep!  My dear Ossep!

GEWO [embracing Ossep].  Be calm, dear Ossep.  You behave like a madman.

OSSEP [after a pause].  Gewo, I was mad when I settled in this city. 
This life is too much for me; it was not for me.  I am ruined.  I am a
beggar.  He is to be praised who comes off better than I.
                    [Exit.

SALOME [with her hand on her brow sinks down on the sofa, groaning loudly].  Ah!

GEWO.  Poor Ossep!

BARSSEGH [turns from Dartscho, to whom he has been speaking, to the
sheriff].  What are you gazing around for, sir?  Keep on with your
writing.
                    [Sheriff looks at Barssegh in disgust, sits down by
                         card table and writes.