NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, Mary! I didn't wake you this morning, did I?
MARY IVÁNOVNA. No, I was not asleep. And have you had a successful day?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, very.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. Why, your coffee is quite cold! Why do you drink it like that? By the way, we must prepare for our visitors. You know the Cheremshánovs are coming?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, if you're glad to have them, I shall be very pleased.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. I like her and her children, but they have chosen a rather inconvenient time for their visit.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA [rising] Well, talk matters over with him, and I'll go and watch the tennis.
A pause, then Mary Ivánovna and Nicholas Ivánovich begin both talking at once.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. It's inconvenient, because we must have a talk.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I was just saying to Aline …