[Deemer]
(Nina enters.)
NINA: Congratulations!
(Medvedenko is embarrassed.)
SORIN: Nina, come in! We were rehearsing the big moment.
NINA: You haven't asked permission yet? I thought everything was settled.
SORIN: Masha said yes. He just has to work out the details. We like to play by the rules, don't we?
MED.: I want to do what's right.
NINA: You shouldn't be nervous.
SORIN: That's what I told him.
MED.: Suddenly everything is so complicated.
SORIN: Only because you make them so!
NINA: He's right, Semyou. You have nothing to worry about.
SORIN: Maybe he'll listen to you.
MED.: I can't do anything now. Ilya must be getting the carriage ready for Irina.
SORIN: And we'll have a little peace around here. House guests always seem like a good idea before they arrive.
NINA: I'm going to Moscow, too.
MED.: With Irina?
SORIN: (overlapping) With Trigorin?
NINA: Alone. To become an actress.
SORIN: Bravo! You have to take chances while you're young in this world.
MED.: That's a very brave thing to do, Nina. You must be nervous.
NINA: I thought I would be. But I'm suddenly very calm. I know it's the right thing to do.
MED.: At least you'll know someone there.
SORIN: Boris surely has contacts in the theater. He can help you.
NINA: Yes, perhaps he can.
SORIN: Just be careful of my sister -- younger actresses make her jealous.
NINA: She's a star. How can she be jealous of someone just starting out?
SORIN: Aging stars are always jealous of youth.
MED.: They fear their beauty will fade.
SORIN: As it does!
NINA: But an actress doesn't have to be beautiful, only talented.
(Sorin laughs.)
SORIN: You have a lot to learn about theater, my dear!
MED.: But you already are beautiful. And talented. I expect you will do very well.
NINA: Thank you. I'm so happy you and Masha are getting married. Have you set a date?
MED.: No. Soon, I hope. After I talk to Ilya ...
SORIN: Don't get yourself riled up again.
NINA: You should count your blessings.
MED.: I do! To be honest, when Masha accepted me, after so many rejections, I was shocked. I was so used to her giving me the run around. I didn't know what to say, and she asked if I'd changed my mind.
NINA: You've been in love with her for a long time.
MED.: Unrequited love was my habit. I'm still getting used to the change.
SORIN: You two will live happily ever after.
NINA: I think so, too.
MED.: I will talk to Ilya today. As soon as everyone's gone.
SORIN: That's the spirit!
(Polina and Dorn enter.)