[II-4]

[Chekhov]

ILYA: Here you are! Good morning. (He kisses Irina's hand, then Nina's. To Irina:) Nice to see you looking so well. Polina tells me you're going into town with her today.

IRINA: Yes, we are.

ILYA: That's well and good - but we're hauling in rye today. What do you plan to use for horses?

IRINA: What do I know about horses?

SORIN: They'll use the carriage horses.

ILYA: And what am I supposed to use for collars? Madam, I bow before your talent and I'd give you ten years of my life - but you can't have any horses.

IRINA: Then how do I get to town? Surely you have horses I can use.

ILYA: Madam, I don't think you understand the first thing about running a farm, or you wouldn't ask such a question.

IRINA: And where have I heard that before? Fine! I'll return to Moscow today. Send someone to the village to hire me some horses. That, or I'll walk to the station.

ILYA: If you're going to treat me that way, I resign! Find yourself another manager!

(He storms off.)

[follow him]

[continue]