[Deemer]
(Medvedenko brings Sorin into the living room and helps him stretch out on a divan.)
MED.: Here we go ... why don't you get some sleep?
SORIN: I'm not tired.
MED.: You look exhausted.
SORIN: What do you know about it?
MED.: We are cantankerous today, aren't we?
SORIN: You're right. I'm sorry. I hate getting old.
MED.: I'm sure I'll be the same.
SORIN: Don't rush it. You have a lot of life to look forward to. Marrying Masha will be a new start for you.
MED.: You know?
SORIN: Everyone knows.
MED.: They do?
SORIN: Of course. Why are you surprised?
MED.: It's not official yet.
SORIN: I thought it was.
MED.: Yes, I asked her, and yes, she accepted me -- but I haven't spoken to Ilya yet. I've been afraid to, to be honest.
SORIN: What are you afraid of?
MED.: He's always frightened me.
SORIN: His bark is worse than his bite.
MED.: Do you think he'll have any objections?
SORIN: Are you serious? To Ilya, it means one less mouth to feed.
MED.: I don't know why I'm so nervous. I did talk to Polina some time ago.
SORIN: He surely knows already. It's common knowledge.
MED.: I had no idea.
SORIN: You must talk to Ilya today.
MED.: It would be a bad time, with Irina leaving and all.
SORIN: Don't make excuses.
MED.: I suppose it was an excuse.
SORIN: There's nothing to be afraid of. Believe me, what matters to Ilya is money. He'll be relieved to have her someone else's responsibility.
MED.: I hope I haven't made a mistake. I can barely get by as it is.
SORIN: A little late for that.
MED.: I'm not changing my mind. I'm just worried.
SORIN: You always worry.
MED.: I want to make her happy.
SORIN: I'm sure Masha wants to get out of here as much as Ilya wants to get rid of her.
MED.: I can't offer her much, of course. I'm just a school teacher.
SORIN: Where's the violin? You're making me cry.
MED.: I'm sorry. Sometimes I talk too much.
SORIN: Let's go find Ilya right now.
MED.: No! I mean, there's too much going on now. He's probably preparing the horses.
SORIN: As soon as Irina leaves, you march up to Ilya and tell him.
MED.: I will.
SORIN: Promise me.
MED.: I promise.
SORIN: Tell me what you'll say.
MED.: What?
SORIN: Practice on me. I'm Ilya.
(Silence.)
SORIN: You have to be strong. Tell me.
(Medvedenko clears his throat.)
MED.: Yes. Well, you see, I've been talking to Masha and ... what I mean is, we thought that ... I thought ...
(He clears his throat again.)
SORIN: Don't think! Just speak!
MED.: I want to marry Masha!
(Sorin applauds. Nina enters.)