Masha.  It is jealousy.  However, that is none of my business. [A pause.  Jacob walks through the room carrying a trunk; Nina comes in and stands by the window] That schoolteacher of mine is none too clever, but he is very good, poor man, and he loves me dearly, and I am sorry for him.  However, let me say good-bye and wish you a pleasant journey.  Remember me kindly in your thoughts. [She shakes hands with him] Thanks for your goodwill.  Send me your books, and be sure to write something in them; nothing formal, but simply this:  “To Masha, who, forgetful of her origin, for some unknown reason is living in this world.”  Good-bye. [She goes out.]

Nina. [Holding out her closed hand to Trigorin] Is it odd or even?

Trigorin.  Even.

Nina. [With a sigh] No, it is odd.  I had only one pea in my hand.  I wanted to see whether I was to become an actress or not.  If only some one would advise me what to do!

Trigorin.  One cannot give advice in a case like this. [A pause.]

Nina.  We shall soon part, perhaps never to meet again.  I should like you to accept this little medallion as a remembrance of me.  I have had your initials engraved on it, and on this side is the name of one of your books:  “Days and Nights.”

Trigorin.  How sweet of you! [He kisses the medallion] It is a lovely present.

Nina.  Think of me sometimes.

Trigorin.  I shall never forget you.  I shall always remember you as I saw you that bright day—­do you recall it?—­a week ago, when you wore your light dress, and we talked together, and the white seagull lay on the bench beside us.

Nina. [Lost in thought] Yes, the sea-gull. [A pause] I beg you to let me see you alone for two minutes before you go.

She goes out to the left.  At the same moment Arkadina comes in from the right, followed by Sorin in a long coat, with his orders on his breast, and by Jacob, who is busy packing.

Arkadina.  Stay here at home, you poor old man.  How could you pay visits with that rheumatism of yours? [To Trigorin] Who left the room just now, was it Nina?

Trigorin.  Yes.

Arkadina.  I beg your pardon; I am afraid we interrupted you. [She sits down] I think everything is packed.  I am absolutely exhausted.

Trigorin. [Reading the inscription on the medallion] “Days and Nights, page 121, lines 11 and 12.”

Jacob. [Clearing the table] Shall I pack your fishing-rods, too, sir?

Trigorin.  Yes, I shall need them, but you can give my books away.

Jacob.  Very well, sir.

Trigorin. [To himself] Page 121, lines 11 and 12. [To Arkadina] Have we my books here in the house?

Arkadina.  Yes, they are in my brother’s library, in the corner cupboard.