[G-III-3]

[Deemer]

(After Treplev leaves:)

ILYA: I don't see how he missed.

MED.: He didn't really want to die.

ILYA: He sure made a mess of it if he did.

MED.: Maybe he thought Nina would realize how much he loved her and come to him.

ILYA: If he did, he's a fool.

MED.: Love makes us all fools.

ILYA: Only if you let a woman get under your skin.

MED.: It's hard for me to hide my feelings.

ILYA: Try, for God's sake! You walk around wearing "devotion" on your sleeve. You think I don't know how you feel about Masha? But what does she see when she looks at you? A man? Or a slobbering dog?

(Medvedenko is quiet.)

ILYA: Semyou, isn't there something you want to ask me?

MED.: (weakly) No, I don't thank so.

(Relief, to change the subject:)

MED.: Your wife is coming this way. If you'll excuse me.

ILYA: You don't have to run off.

MED.: Give my best to Polina.

ILYA: (after him, quietly) Simpering dog . . .

(He waits for Polina to arrive.)

[follow Medvedenko]

[stay here]