[K-IV-2]

[Deemer]

(Polina and Masha start preparing supper.)

POLINA: I was surprised you didn't leave with your husband.

MASHA: Mother, don't start.

POLINA: It seems he spends more time with the child than you do.

MASHA: I'm not going to listen to this.

(She starts away.)

POLINA: Don't go. I'm sorry.

(Masha tentatively comes back.)

MASHA: We're just in a bad time right now. It will be different when we move.

POLINA: You really think he'll get a new position?

MASHA: He has to. I'm going crazy here.

POLINA: I'll never understand why Kostya--

MASHA: Mother, don't. That was all finished long ago.

POLINA: It could have been so--

MASHA: Worry about your own affair.

(This takes Polina momentarily aback.)

POLINA: What are you trying to say?

MASHA: You've done no better with "love" than I have. Neither of us should be talking about it. What do failures know about it?

POLINA: I don't consider myself a failure.

MASHA: Dorn rode you off into the sunset, did he?

POLINA: I never wanted that.

MASHA: Of course you did. It's a woman's curse.

POLINA: (to change the subject) I think pickled eggs ... what do you think?

MASHA: Whatever you want, mother.

(A long pause as they prepare supper.)

(Polina has all the food on a tray.)

POLINA: This should do it. Will you take this out?

MASHA: Fine.

(Masha takes the tray. Polina takes table settings. They head for the dining room.)

[follow them]