[L-II-4]

[Deemer]

(Polina enters.)

MASHA: It's time for lunch.

POLINA: I would offer to fix lunch, but I don't know if I'm still employed.

SORIN: Of course, you're still employed. We were just reaching an agreement.

ILYA and IRINA together: Were we?

MED.: At least you agree on something. Maybe it's a start.

SORIN: Excellent idea. Both of you feel lack of respect, I take it.

(Irina and Ilya start talking at once:)

IRINA: This did not have to turn into a major confrontation. All I ask is-- . . .

ILYA: If I knew this morning that you needed horses-- . . .

SORIN: Please! Not everyone at once.

POLINA: I told you I was going to town. Did you expect me to walk?

ILYA: You never told me.

POLINA: I told you. You never listen to me.

MASHA: Must we do this?

SORIN: Ilya, surely you can spare a single horse? We can use the small buggy.

IRINA: You don't have to go to any trouble for me. I can walk to the station.

SORIN: That is ridiculous. You are not leaving. You and Polina are going to town, just as planned. Ilya?

ILYA: When do you need it?

MASHA: Father, why must you be so difficult?

ILYA: I just asked a question.

MASHA: It's obvious they want it now.

ILYA: You want it now?

IRINA: I'm not going to town.

POLINA: Irina, please bend a little . . .

IRINA: Well, if you still want to go, that's another matter.

SORIN: Ilya?

ILYA: I suppose I could spare a horse.

SORIN: Excellent. Then get the small buggy ready for the ladies.

ILYA: I have a lot of barley to haul today.

SORIN: Then you'd better get the buggy ready so you can start.

ILYA: Any horse in particular? I thought I'd better ask in case you don't agree with my choice.

IRINA: You insist on being difficult.

POLINA: (quickly) The bay.

ILYA: The bay?

POLINA: No, the black, the one you call Major.

ILYA: I can't spare Major!

POLINA: Then pick any horse you like!

MASHA: He does insist on being difficult.

ILYA: My own family abandons me.

SORIN: Which horse do you suggest?

ILYA: I haven't really thought about it.

SORIN: No time like the present.

MED.: May I suggest the worst worker of the bunch. That way you won't be missing much.

ILYA: Junior can be lazy, that's for sure.

SORIN: Junior is perfect! Then we agree? Ladies?

POLINA: I was looking forward to going to town with you so much.

IRINA: If you still want to . . .

POLINA: Very much so.

SORIN: Won't take an hour for Ilya to get the carriage ready.

ILYA: Half hour.

SORIN: See there? Then we all agree? Ilya?

ILYA: I suppose so.

SORIN: Irina?

IRINA: For Polina's sake, I'll go. I'd better tell Boris we're not leaving.

ILYA: I'll get the carriage ready.

[follow Irina]

[follow Ilya]

[stay here]