NATASHA. They’re already at lunch... I’m late... [Carefully examines herself in a mirror, and puts herself straight] I think my hair’s done all right.... [Sees IRINA] Dear Irina Sergeyevna, I congratulate you! [Kisses her firmly and at length] You’ve so many visitors, I’m really ashamed.... How do you do, Baron!
OLGA. [Enters from dining-room] Here’s Natalia Ivanovna. How are you, dear! [They kiss.]
NATASHA. Happy returns. I’m awfully shy, you’ve so many people here.
OLGA. All our friends. [Frightened, in an undertone] You’re wearing a green sash! My dear, you shouldn’t!
NATASHA. Is it a sign of anything?
OLGA. No, it simply doesn’t go well... and it looks so queer.
NATASHA. [In a tearful voice] Yes? But it isn’t really green, it’s too dull for that. [Goes into dining-room with OLGA.]
[They have all sat down to lunch in the dining-room, the sitting-room is empty.]
KULIGIN. I wish you a nice fiancée, Irina. It’s quite time you married.
CHEBUTIKIN. Natalia Ivanovna, I wish you the same.