VERSHININ. I came to say good-bye....
[OLGA steps aside a little, so as not to be in their way.]
MASHA. [Looking him in the face] Good-bye. [Prolonged kiss.]
OLGA. Don’t, don’t. [MASHA is crying bitterly]
VERSHININ. Write to me.... Don’t forget! Let me go.... It’s time. Take her, Olga Sergeyevna... it’s time... I’m late...
[He kisses OLGA’S hand in evident emotion, then embraces MASHA once more and goes out quickly.]
OLGA. Don’t, Masha! Stop, dear.... [KULIGIN enters.]
KULIGIN. [Confused] Never mind, let her cry, let her.... My dear Masha, my good Masha.... You’re my wife, and I’m happy, whatever happens... I’m not complaining, I don’t reproach you at all.... Olga is a witness to it. Let’s begin to live again as we used to, and not by a single word, or hint...
MASHA. [Restraining her sobs] “There stands a green oak by the sea,
And a chain of bright gold is around it....
And a chain of bright gold is around it....”
I’m going off my head... “There stands... a green oak... by the sea.”...