TUZENBACH. [Waking] I am tired, I must say.... The brickworks.... No, I’m not wandering, I mean it; I’m going to start work soon at the brickworks... I’ve already talked it over. [Tenderly, to IRINA] You’re so pale, and beautiful, and charming.... Your paleness seems to shine through the dark air as if it was a light.... You are sad, displeased with life.... Oh, come with me, let’s go and work together!
MASHA. Nicolai Lvovitch, go away from here.
TUZENBACH. [Laughs] Are you here? I didn’t see you. [Kisses IRINA’S hand] good-bye, I’ll go... I look at you now and I remember, as if it was long ago, your name-day, when you, cheerfully and merrily, were talking about the joys of labour.... And how happy life seemed to me, then! What has happened to it now? [Kisses her hand] There are tears in your eyes. Go to bed now; it is already day... the morning begins.... If only I was allowed to give my life for you!
MASHA. Nicolai Lvovitch, go away! What business...
TUZENBACH. I’m off. [Exit.]
MASHA. [Lies down] Are you asleep, Feodor?
KULIGIN. Eh?
MASHA. Shouldn’t you go home.
KULIGIN. My dear Masha, my darling Masha....
IRINA. She’s tired out. You might let her rest, Fedia.