too. These misunderstandings occur every day. If you only knew how they excite me! I am ill; see! I am trembling all over! I cannot endure his rough ways. [Imploringly] Eugene, my darling, my beloved, take me to you. Our time is short; we are no longer young; let us end deception and concealment, even though it is only at the end of our lives.
Dorn. I am fifty-five years old. It is too late now for me to change my ways of living.
Paulina. I know that you refuse me because there are other women who are near to you, and you cannot take everybody. I understand. Excuse me—I see I am only bothering you.
Nina is seen near the house picking a bunch of flowers.
Dorn. No, it is all right.
Paulina. I am tortured by jealousy. Of course you are a doctor and cannot escape from women. I understand.
Dorn. [To Nina, who comes toward him] How are things in there?
Nina. Madame Arkadina is crying, and Sorin is having an attack of asthma.
Dorn. Let us go and give them both some camomile tea.
Nina. [Hands him the bunch of flowers] Here are some flowers for you.
Dorn. Thank you. [He goes into the house.
Paulina. [Following him] What pretty flowers! [As they reach the house she says in a low voice] Give me those flowers! Give them to me!
Dorn hands her the flowers; she tears them to pieces and flings them away. They both go into the house.
Nina. [Alone] How strange to see a famous actress weeping, and for such a trifle! Is it not strange, too, that a famous author should sit fishing all day? He is the idol of the public,
