[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.