[Deemer]
(Masha and Medvedenko enter the garden behind the estate.)
MASHA: Pyotr's afraid to talk to father himself. Father gets away with murder around here.
MED.: Should I talk to him?
MASHA: You? Don't be silly.
MED.: I would if it helps.
MASHA: This is not my affair or yours. Let them stew in their own juices.
MED.: Whatever you say.
MASHA: Dear Semyou, you're too agreeable for your own good.
MED.: How do you mean?
MASHA: If you don't understand, I can't explain it to you.
MED.: You're being very cryptic today.
MASHA: No, we just are worlds apart. We speak a different language.
MED.: Please don't say that.
MASHA: It's the truth.
MED.: It doesn't have to be. People learn foreign languages all the time.
MASHA: We learn the language of our heart at birth.
MED.: That's ridiculous.
MASHA: And that comment is exactly what I mean. Another man might understand exactly what I am talking about.
MED.: What other man? Who is he?
MASHA: An ideal man.
MED.: You have someone in mind, don't you?
MASHA: If I did, I wouldn't tell you.
MED.: I suppose you wouldn't.
MASHA: Poor Semyou. I don't.
MED.: No, you don't have to tell me. I have no right to ask.
MASHA: There's isn't anyone else. My ideal man doesn't even know I exist.
MED.: I wish I could be your ideal man.
MASHA: I know you do.
MED.: If you told me what to do . . .
MASHA: It doesn't work like that.
MED.: I can change.
MASHA: You don't understand anything I've told you.
MED.: I try to understand.
MASHA: It's an intuitive thing. It's about the soul, not understanding.
MED.: I'll never win your heart, will I?
MASHA: Not the way you want to. Only when you accept that, can we be as good friends as we might.
MED.: I suppose that's my booby prize.
MASHA: That's the way you think of me, something to be won, like a prize at the fair?
MED.: That's not what I meant.
MASHA: I like your company, but not when you present yourself like this. Forget me. There are other girls who would be delighted to have your attention.
MED.: But I love you.
MASHA: Then love me as a friend, as a sister.
MED.: That will be hard.
MASHA: It's the only love possible for us.
(Entering the garden is Irina from the dining room and Polina and Dorn from the kitchen.)