[L-III-3]

[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.)

[continue]