in half an hour. No, no, for heaven’s sake do not urge me to stay. My father doesn’t know I am here.
Treplieff. As a matter of fact, it is time to begin now. I must call the audience.
Sorin. Let me call them—and all—I am going this minute. [He goes toward the right, begins to sing “The Two Grenadiers,” then stops.] I was singing that once when a fellow-lawyer said to me: “You have a powerful voice, sir.” Then he thought a moment and added, “But it is a disagreeable one!”
Nina. My father and his wife never will let me come here; they call this place Bohemia and are afraid I shall become an actress. But this lake attracts me as it does the gulls. My heart is full of you.
Treplieff. We are alone.
Nina. Isn’t that some one over there?
Treplieff. No. [They kiss one another.
Nina. What is that tree?
Treplieff. An elm.
Nina. Why does it look so dark?
Treplieff. It is evening; everything looks dark now. Don’t go away early, I implore you.
Nina. I must.
Treplieff. What if I were to follow you, Nina? I shall stand in your garden all night with my eyes on your window.
Nina. That would be impossible; the watchman would see you, and Treasure is not used to you yet, and would bark.
Treplieff. I love you.
Nina. Hush!
Treplieff. [Listening to approaching footsteps] Who is that? Is it you, Jacob?
Jacob. [On the stage] Yes, sir.
