ACT FOUR

[D-IV-1]

[Deemer]

(Treplev and Polina enter the dining room. Polina goes directly to a large chest and opens the bottom drawer.)

POLINA: The extra bed sheets are in here.

TREPLEV: Polina, I can take care of it.

POLINA: Don't be silly.

(She takes out a set of bed sheets.)

TREPLEV: I'm perfectly capable of making a bed.

POLINA: I'm sure you are but I work for your uncle, I should do this.

TREPLEV: Then I'll help.

POLINA: As you wish. Did he tell you why he wants to sleep in the study?

TREPLEV: To be near the garden, I think.

POLINA: To be near you is more like it. He worships the ground you walk on.

TREPLEV: He sees me every day. He doesn't have to sleep in my study.

POLINA: He wanted to be a writer, you know. You've become everything he's always dreamed about. He probably wants to wallow in your glory.

TREPLEV (half to himself, cynically): Glory ... so that's what you call it.

POLINA: From what I hear, you are getting quite a literary reputation for yourself.

TREPLEV: I didn't know you had your ear to the heart of Russian literature. Are you a closet poet?

POLINA: There's no need to be nasty.

TREPLEV: You're right, there isn't. Will you accept my apology?

POLINA: I'll think about it.

(She exits. Treplev follows.)

[follow them]