[B-III-2]

[Deemer]

(Treplev at the boat house. He stares out over the lake. Masha arrives.)

MASHA: Let's not fight.

(Treplev ignores her.)

MASHA: It was my fault before.

(Still no response.)

MASHA: A penny for your thoughts.

TREPLEV: Masha, Masha, Masha.

MASHA: You're thinking of me? I don't think so! You're always thinking of the same one, aren't you?

TREPLEV: She's fallen in love with Trigorin.

MASHA: I know.

(A pause.)

TREPLEV: I shot the dog.

MASHA: What?

TREPLEV: The other night. And no one noticed.

MASHA: I don't understand.

TREPLEV: If it was tied up, it would bark all night and bother mother. If it wasn't tied up, it would get into the garbage and make a mess. It was a hopeless situation. So I shot it. I buried it right over there. Only now I'm sorry.

MASHA: Oh Kostya ... what's wrong with you?

(Ignoring her.)

TREPLEV: I actually liked the dog. It was always following me when I went on a walk. I have no idea why I shot it.

MASHA: It was an old dog. It was about to die anyway.

TREPLEV: I suppose.

(A pause.)

TREPLEV: Why do you always make excuses for me?

MASHA: I'm trying to make you feel better.

TREPLEV: I feel fine.

MASHA: But when you were talking about the dog--

TREPLEV: I feel fine!

(A pause.)

TREPLEV: You're getting married.

MASHA: (bitterly) Yes, I've heard the same thing.

TREPLEV: I should congratulate you. Semyou will make you very happy.

MASHA: I've given up on happiness. I wish only to be less miserable.

TREPLEV: I'm sorry I couldn't ...

MASHA: I know.

TREPLEV: How long have you loved me?

MASHA: As long as I can remember. Longer than you've loved Nina.

TREPLEV: God must have a nasty sense of humor, to play such games with us.

MASHA: I haven't thought about God in a long time.

TREPLEV: When is the wedding?

MASHA: We haven't set a date. Semyou's still trying to get the nerve to talk to father. He believes in doing everything by tradition.

TREPLEV: Yes, he would. You'll stay here?

MASHA: Of course. He has his obligations.

TREPLEV: Maybe he'll surprise you and make you happy.

MASHA: I can't remember the last time I was surprised.

(A pause.)

MASHA: I'd be surprised if you held me.

(Treplev embraces her. They break it.)

MASHA: Thank you.

TREPLEV: Masha, we'll always be friends.

MASHA: I know.

TREPLEV: You're one of my few fans.

MASHA: I think you'll become a famous writer.

TREPLEV: I don't need to be famous. Just more skilled than I am now.

MASHA: Everything is going to work out for you. I know it is.

TREPLEV: I want you to be happy, Masha. Give your marriage a chance.

MASHA: I'll try.

TREPLEV: Good.

(A pause.)

TREPLEV: Has mother left?

MASHA: They're about to. Will you see her off?

TREPLEV: I think not.

MASHA: She's worried about you.

TREPLEV: And you?

MASHA: I don't understand many of the things you do, but I have faith that everything will work out. You're an artist. Artists are not easy to understand.

TREPLEV: Faith. You think about God more than you think.

(A pause.)

MASHA: Let's take out a boat.

TREPLEV: I don't know ...

MASHA: As friends.

TREPLEV: I know how much I've hurt you. I don't know how to apologize. It wasn't intentional.

MASHA: Kostya, you don't have to apologize for anything.

TREPLEV: You're so understanding. Semyou is a lucky man.

(Masha turns away, close to tears.)

TREPLEV: I'm sorry. I've hurt you again.

MASHA: You are right. God has a cruel sense of humor.

TREPLEV: Help me get the boat.

MASHA: Let's row all the way to the other side.

TREPLEV: I hope I have the strength.

MASHA: I have the strength.

TREPLEV: Masha, the strong one.

MASHA: You are strong, too. You haven't even discovered how strong you are yet.

TREPLEV: I wonder.

MASHA: I know you are.

(They start into the boat house to get a boat. Masha turns to the audience.)

MASHA: Act III is over.

[Begin Act IV]

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