Treplieff. But she won’t. [A pause] Her father and step-mother have disowned her. They have even put watchmen all around their estate to keep her away. [He goes with the doctor toward the desk] How easy it is, Doctor, to be a philosopher on paper, and how difficult in real life!
Sorin. She was a beautiful girl. Even the State Councillor himself was in love with her for a time.
Dorn. You old Lovelace, you!
Shamraeff’s laugh is heard.
Paulina. They are coming back from the station.
Treplieff. Yes, I hear my mother’s voice.
Arkadina and Trigorin come in, followed by Shamraeff.
Shamraeff. We all grow old and wither, my lady, while you alone, with your light dress, your gay spirits, and your grace, keep the secret of eternal youth.
Arkadina. You are still trying to turn my head, you tiresome old man.
Trigorin. [To Sorin] How do you do, Peter? What, still ill? How silly of you! [With evident pleasure, as he catches sight of Masha] How are you, Miss Masha?
Masha. So you recognised me? [She shakes hands with him.
Trigorin. Did you marry him?
Masha. Long ago.
Trigorin. You are happy now? [He bows to Dorn and Medviedenko, and then goes hesitatingly toward Treplieff] Your mother says you have forgotten the past and are no longer angry with me.
Treplieff gives him his hand.
Arkadina. [To her son] Here is a magazine that Boris has brought you with your latest story in it.
