[III-9]

[Chekhov]

(Ilya enters.)

ILYA: Madam, I am sorry to say that the horses are ready. It's time for you to go to the station. If you'll do me a favor, please inquire about the actor Suzdaltze. Is he alive and well? We used to drink together. He was so good in The Stolen Mail. As I recall, the tragic actor Izmaylov was in the same company. No need to hurry, madam, you still have five minutes. Once they played in a melodrama together and Izmaylov was supposed to say, "We're as doomed as rats in a trap!" but instead he said, "We're as tuned as drafts in a rap!" (He roars with laughter.) "As tuned as drafts in a rap!"

(Polina, Sorin and Medvedenko enter.)

[continue]