ACT FOUR

[IV-1]

[Chekhov]

(Two years have passed. We are in a drawing room in Sorin's house that Treplev has turned into a study. A writing desk, bookcases, a sofa.)

(Medvedenko and Masha enter.)

MASHA: (calling) Konstantin! . . . Kostya! . . . Nobody's here. The old man's always asking, "Where's Kostya? Where's Kostya?" He can't live without him.

MED.: He's afraid of being alone. Listen to the wind. It's been blowing like that for two days.

MASHA: There are even waves on the lake.

MED.: The stage should be torn down. It's standing in the garden like a skeleton, curtain flapping in the wind. When I went by last night I thought I heard someone on stage - crying.

MASHA: What'll it be next?

MED.: I think we should go home.

MASHA: No, I'm staying here tonight.

MED.: Please. The baby must be hungry.

MASHA: You worry too much. Matryona will feed him.

MED.: Poor thing, it's the third night in a row he's been without his mother.

MASHA: All I hear from you lately is go home and take care of the baby. You've become such a bore. There was a time when we'd talk, you'd tell me about philosophy . . . now it's "go home and take care of the baby!"

MED.: Please come home.

MASHA: Go home by yourself.

MED.: Your father won't give me a horse.

MASHA: Of course he will. Ask him.

MED.: I'll try. Will you be coming home tomorrow then?

MASHA: (taking snuff) Fine, tomorrow . . . just stop pestering me.

(Treplev and Polina enter, carrying bed linen.)

[continue]