EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Yes; but still the desire to free yourself was natural, and you chose this simpler way, without realising that it would lead you into what is considered a crime--bigamy! I quite understand it. The judges will understand too; and therefore I advise you to confess everything.
LISA. I have nothing to confess. I have never lied. [Cries] Do you want me any longer?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I must ask you to remain here. I will not trouble you with any more questions. Only kindly read this over and sign it. It is your deposition. See whether your answers have been correctly taken down. Please take that seat. [Points to an armchair by the window. To Clerk] Ask Mr. Karénin to come in.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Please take a seat.
KARÉNIN. Thank you! [Remains standing] What do you want of me?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I have to take your deposition.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE [smiling] I, in the capacity of Examining Magistrate, am obliged to question you in the capacity of an accused person.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Of marrying a woman whose husband was alive. However, allow me to question you properly. Kindly sit down.
KARÉNIN. Chamberlain and Member of Council.
KARÉNIN. Orthodox; and I have never before been tried or questioned! Well?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Did you know that Theodore Vasílyevich Protásov was alive when you married his wife?
KARÉNIN. I did not know it. We were both convinced that he was drowned.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. After Protásov's alleged death, to whom in Sarátov did you send a monthly remittance?
KARÉNIN. I do not wish to reply to that question.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Very well. Why did you send money--1,200 roubles--to Mr. Protásov just before his pretended death on 17th July?
KARÉNIN. That money was given to me by my wife ...
KARÉNIN. ... by my wife, to send to her husband. She considered that money to be his, and having severed all connection with him, considered it unfair to keep it.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. One more question--why did you withdraw the application for divorce?
KARÉNIN. Because Theodore Vasílyevich undertook to apply for a divorce, and wrote me about it.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Have you got his letter?
[27] Karénin does not produce Fédya's letter because it would have proved connivance in the divorce proceedings.