And all of a sudden I knew I had to come back to Russia, to my home, to my daughter. (wipes away tears) Oh God forgive me, forgive my sins! Don’t punish me any more! (takes a telegram from her pocket). I got this from Paris this morning. He asks me to forgive him, and implores me to go back. (tears up the telegram) Isn’t that music I can hear? (listens)

GAEVThat’s our famous Jewish orchestra. Do you remember them? Four fiddles with flute and double bass.

LIUBOVAre they still going? We must have them up to the house some time, arrange an evening.

LOPAKHIN (listening)I can’t hear anything. (softly sings) “Russians is what we are, we pay the Germans to make us French . . .” I went to the theatre last night, saw a very funny play . . .

LIUBOVI bet it wasn’t. People shouldn’t go to plays, they should spend the time looking in the mirror, at their grey lives and pointless conversations.

LOPAKHINYou’re right. The truth is life is a stupid business. (pause) My father was a typical peasant, a fool who knew nothing. Taught me nothing, just beat me with his stick when he got drunk. In actual fact I’m not much different, an ignoramus and a clod. I’ve no education, my handwriting is so bad I’m ashamed for people to see it, it’s like if a pig could write.

LIUBOVWhat you need to do, my dear, is get married.

LOPAKHINYes . . . true enough.

LIUBOVTo someone like our Varya. She’s a good girl.

LOPAKHINShe is.

LIUBOVShe comes from simple folk, so she can work all day long, but the main thing is she’s in love with you. And you’ve liked her for a long time, haven’t you?

LOPAKHINWell, yes. I’m not against it. She’s a good girl.

Pause.

GAEVThey’re offering me a place in the bank. Six thousand a year. Had you heard?

LIUBOVWhat, you in a bank? You just stay where you are. Sit tight.

Firs enters; he has brought an overcoat.

FIRS (to Gaev)Please be so good, sir, put this on or you’ll get damp.

GAEV (putting on the overcoat)You’re a damn nuisance, dear friend.

FIRSSticks and stones. You didn’t tell me you were going out.

Firs looks Gaev over.

LIUBOVYou’ve got so old, Firs!

FIRSWhat can I do for you?

LOPAKHINShe says you’ve got old!

FIRSWell, I’ve lived a long time. I was being married off before your father had even come into this world. (laughs) And when the freedom was declared I was already head valet. I didn’t take my freedom.