SONIA. Our hay is all cut and rotting in these daily rains, and here you are busy creating illusions! You have given up the farm altogether. I have done all the work alone until I am at the end of my strength—[Frightened] Uncle! Your eyes are full of tears!
VOITSKI. Tears? Nonsense, there are no tears in my eyes. You looked at me then just as your dead mother used to, my darling—[He eagerly kisses her face and hands] My sister, my dearest sister, where are you now? Ah, if you only knew, if you only knew!
SONIA. If she only knew what, Uncle?
VOITSKI. My heart is bursting. It is awful. No matter, though. I must go. [He goes out.]
SONIA. [Knocks at the door] Dr. Astroff! Are you awake? Please come here for a minute.
ASTROFF. [Behind the door] In a moment.
He appears in a few seconds. He has put on his collar and waistcoat.
ASTROFF. What do you want?
SONIA. Drink as much as you please yourself if you don't find it revolting, but I implore you not to let my uncle do it. It is bad for him.
ASTROFF. Very well; we won't drink any more. I am going home at once. That is settled. It will be dawn by the time the horses are harnessed.