[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.)