[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.)