ACT THREE

[L-III-1]

[Deemer]

(Irina and Sorin enter the living room. Sorin is in uniform.)

IRINA: Why are pleasant stays in the country never pleasant?

SORIN: Because we have too much time on our hands. We get on one another's nerves.

IRINA: Is that Kostya's problem? Too much time on his hands?

SORIN: Part of it.

IRINA: I can't afford to send him abroad. I can't afford to give him the kinds of adventures a young man wants.

SORIN: I made my own adventures at his age.

IRINA: He has imagination - his god awful play at least showed some imagination. You'd think he could occupy himself here.

SORIN: He does that - brooding.

IRINA: What does he brood about? Not Nina, I hope.

SORIN: Of course he broods about Nina. He's in love with her, and she's not in love with him.

IRINA: Maybe I should speak to her.

SORIN: You think speaking to her will change what's in her heart?

IRINA: Kostya can be so shy and reserved. Maybe she isn't aware of his feelings.

SORIN: I think she must be.

IRINA: You don't think I should interfere, do you?

SORIN: I haven't given any thought to it.

IRINA: Of course you have.

SORIN: You're going to do what you want. I know that much about my sister.

IRINA: Yes, I shall. And I'm going to talk to her.

SORIN: Not much time.

IRINA: It won't take long.

SORIN: Before you do, there's something you should know. Perhaps you already know it.

IRINA: I'm afraid to ask what.

SORIN: She's infatuated with Boris.

IRINA: Nina?

SORIN: Haven't you seen it?

IRINA: Actually, yes. But I can't imagine it's reciprocated. I mean everything to Boris. Are you implying that I don't?

SORIN: Just wanted to make sure you knew.

IRINA: Young girls are always infatuated with him. It's romantic to fall in love with a writer.

SORIN: I wouldn't know.

IRINA: But I see what you mean. It might be awkward to speak with her. Is that what you're saying?

SORIN: I never knew being awkward to stop you.

IRINA: Maybe it's not such a good idea, all the same.

SORIN: If you think not.

IRINA: Imagine, Kostya shot himself over her! No one ever shot himself over me.

SORIN: I thought there was an actor who did.

IRINA: Vladimir! I'd almost forgotten. Yes, he was in love with me so much. He did shoot himself. That makes me feel better. Shall we have a drink before we say goodbye?

SORIN: I was just about to make the suggestion. Then I'll accompany you to the station.

IRINA: Do you think you should?

(They exit to dining room.)

[follow them]