[L-III-2]

[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.)

[continue]