[I-6]

[Chekhov]

TREPLEV: Darling!

NINA: Am I late?

TREPLEV: Of course not.

NINA: I've been a nervous wreck all day, worrying that father wouldn't let me come. He finally went for a ride with my stepmother, and I raced the horse as fast as I could to get here. Look, the sky's getting red and the moon will be rising soon . . . and I'm so happy.

SORIN: You look like you've been crying. (He comforts her.)

NINA: I was so afraid I'd be late. Can we hurry? I only have half an hour. Please don't try to keep me longer - father doesn't know I came.

TREPLEV: I'll go call everybody so we can start.

SORIN: I'll do it. (He starts out, singing "The Two Genadiers".) I was singing that once at work and a colleague told me I had a very strong voice - but an offensive one!

(Sorin exits).

TREPLEV: At last we're alone.

[follow Sorin]

[continue]