Part One 

Chapter II

Characters Present:

• Prince Stepan Ardadyevitch Oblonksy, otherwise known as Stiva in fashionable circles
• his valet, Matvey
• Matrona Philimonovna, the nurse

Location:

Still in Prince Stepan's study or living quarters

Prince Stepan is regretful only that his wife found out about the affair with their governess, and wishes he had hidden it better, and he didn't realise that his wife would be so upset by it.

His valet, Matvey enters to dress him, and hands him a telegram from his sister, saying that she is coming to visit. Prince Stepan and Matvey are happy, because his sister might be able to bring about reconciliation with his wife. 

The nurse, Matrona Philimonovna arrives and says that Prince Stepan should go to speak to his wife, as the whole household is being affected by the rift. 

Finally - ooh la la - Matvey finds pleasure in slipping his master's shirt over his well-groomed body.