[L-II-1]

[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 and Trigorin enter.)

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.)

[follow Nina]

[stay here]