[Deemer]
(Medvedenko and Polina enter the garden.)
POLINA: What is it?
MED.: I want your opinion about something.
POLINA: Yes?
MED.: It's hard to find the right words.
POLINA: Is this about Masha?
MED.: Why do you say that?
POLINA: Because some things are obvious.
MED.: I want to ask her to marry me. Of course, I will ask permission from your husband first.
POLINA: And . . .?
MED.: Perhaps you might have an idea how he will regard the matter.
(Polina laughs.)
POLINA: So you don't have the courage to speak with Ilya, so you come to me? I'm afraid I can't help you. I have no idea what Ilya will say to you. You're going to have to do this on your own.
MED.: I see. Well, thank you.
(He turns to leave. Polina speaks to the audience:)
POLINA: We have an intermission now.
(Both actors go to the dressing rooms.)
(End of Act I)