Telegin. It was indeed. The scene was worthy of the brush of Aibazofski.
Marina. I wish I’d never laid eyes on them. [A pause] Now we shall have things as they were again: tea at eight, dinner at one, and supper in the evening; everything in order as decent folks, as Christians like to have it. [Sighs] It is a long time since I have eaten noodles.
Telegin. Yes, we haven’t had noodles for ages. [A pause] Not for ages. As I was going through the village this morning, Marina, one of the shop-keepers called after me, “Hi! you hanger-on!” I felt it bitterly.
Marina. Don’t pay the least attention to them, master; we are all dependents on God. You and Sonia and all of us. Every one must work, no one can sit idle. Where is Sonia?
Telegin. In the garden with the doctor, looking for Ivan. They fear he may lay violent hands on himself.
Marina. Where is his pistol?
Telegin. [Whispers] I hid it in the cellar.
Voitski and Astroff come in.
Voitski. Leave me alone! [To Marina and Telegin] Go away! Go away and leave me to myself, if but for an hour. I won’t have you watching me like this!
Telegin. Yes, yes, Vanya. [He goes out on tiptoe.
Marina. The gander cackles; ho! ho! ho!
Voitski. Leave me by myself!
Astroff. I would, with the greatest pleasure. I ought to have gone long ago, but I shan’t leave you until you have returned what you took from me.
Voitski. I took nothing from you.
Astroff. I am not jesting, don’t detain me, I really must go.
Voitski. I took nothing of yours.
