[G-I-3]

[Deemer]

(Masha and Medvedenko start off.)

IRINA: Wait a minute.

MASHA: What is it?

IRINA: I want to make sure they are coming.

MASHA: Are you worried about whether the play will be good or not?

IRINA: Not as much as Kostya is worrying, I'm sure. I didn't know he'd taken such an interest in writing. Has he been at it long?

MASHA: Yes, he is writing all the time. I see him in the garden or by the lake, scribbling away into his journal. I'm surprised you didn't know.

IRINA: He never talks about it. Do you know what he writes?

MASHA: I imagine him writing poetry.

MED.: You've heard him recite?

MASHA: Oh no, he's much too private about his work for that.

MED.: Showing us a play is private?

MASHA: I was talking about his poetry.

IRINA: I can't imagine him a poet! Hard enough a playwright.

MASHA: I think his play will be good.

IRINA: I hope it's a comedy. Young writers can be so tediously serious.

MASHA: You think he'll write a farce for us?

(She has to laugh.)

IRINA: I can hope.

MASHA: Not a chance.

IRINA: You probably know my son better than I do. Here they come.

(The three men come outside from the kitchen, and all move to the stage.)

[follow them]