TUZENBACH. I shouldn’t go if I were you.... It’s quite simple.

CHEBUTIKIN. Don’t go.

MASHA. Yes, “don’t go....” It’s a cursed, unbearable life.... [Goes into dining-room.]

CHEBUTIKIN. [Follows her] It’s not so bad.

SOLENI. [Going into the dining-room] There, there, there....

TUZENBACH. Vassili Vassilevitch, that’s enough. Be quiet!

SOLENI. There, there, there....

KULIGIN. [Gaily] Your health, Colonel! I’m a pedagogue and not quite at home here. I’m Masha’s husband.... She’s a good sort, a very good sort.

VERSHININ. I’ll have some of this black vodka.... [Drinks] Your health! [To OLGA] I’m very comfortable here!

[Only IRINA and TUZENBACH are now left in the sitting-room.]