[Deemer]
(Nina, Sorin and Medvedenko enter the living room.)
SORIN: Ilya would never quit. There's no one else who would hire such a drunk. He just wants to feel important, to be begged to stay.
(He begins an asthma attack.)
NINA: Don't get yourself upset about it. Maybe you two want to play cards.
MED.: Feel up to a game?
(Masha enters.)
MASHA: Why's father so upset?
SORIN: He insulted Irina.
NINA: You need to stay calm. There's nothing to get worked up about. Will you watch him?
MED.: Of course.
IRINA: I will not be treated this way, Pyotr! (She starts crying.) I've never been so insulted in my life.
SORIN: I don't blame you. But that doesn't mean you have to run off.
MASHA: He'll be angry and go for a swim, and then he'll be fine. You'll get your horses or anything else you want.
NINA: I'm sure everything will be fine. If you'll excuse me . . .
(She leaves.)