ACT THREE

[K-III-1]

[Deemer]

(Treplev and Nina enter the kitchen. Treplev wears a head bandage from an attempted suicide.)

NINA: You expect my sympathy.

TREPLEV: Have I asked for sympathy?

NINA: You expect me to come running to you in grief, begging for your forgiveness.

TREPLEV: I have not asked you for anything.

NINA: Of course not! That would be too obvious.

TREPLEV: I am quite aware that you are infatuated with Boris now.

NINA: That's not true.

TREPLEV: I've seen the way you look at him.

NINA: This is why you did this? Because you think I am in love with Boris?

TREPLEV: My word was infatuation. So you love him.

NINA: Why are you doing this?

TREPLEV: Because I love you.

NINA: If you love me, why can't you be my friend?

TREPLEV: You don't understand anything.

NINA: Then tell me. Explain to me what I don't understand.

TREPLEV: It's useless.

NINA: So where does that leave us? I want to be your friend. I've tried to be your friend. You've always wanted more from me than I can give to you. You've wanted more from the start. Is that my fault? Is it my fault that I'm not in love with you?

TREPLEV: At last, you said it.

NINA: You've known that. I've never lied to you.

TREPLEV: Please go.

NINA: Why can't we--?

TREPLEV: Stop it!

(Treplev rushes out. Nina composes herself and exits.)

[follow Treplev]

[follow Nina]