He appears in a few seconds. He has put on his collar and
waistcoat.

ASTROFF. What do you want?

SONIA. Drink as much as you please yourself if you don't find it
revolting, but I implore you not to let my uncle do it. It is bad
for him.

ASTROFF. Very well; we won't drink any more. I am going home at
once. That is settled. It will be dawn by the time the horses are
harnessed.

SONIA. It is still raining; wait till morning.

ASTROFF. The storm is blowing over. This is only the edge of it.
I must go. And please don't ask me to come and see your father
any more. I tell him he has gout, and he says it is rheumatism. I
tell him to lie down, and he sits up. To-day he refused to see me
at all.

SONIA. He has been spoilt. [She looks in the sideboard] Won't you
have a bite to eat?

ASTROFF. Yes, please. I believe I will.

SONIA. I love to eat at night. I am sure we shall find something
in here. They say that he has made a great many conquests in his
life, and that the women have spoiled him. Here is some cheese
for you.