[G-I-1]

[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.)

[continue]