Paulina. [Presenting Arkadina with a little basket] Here are some plums for the journey.  They are very sweet ones.  You may want to nibble something good on the way.

Arkadina.  You are very kind, Paulina.

Paulina.  Good-bye, my dearie.  If things have not been quite as you could have wished, please forgive us. [She weeps.]

Arkadina.  It has been delightful, delightful.  You mustn’t cry.

Sorin comes in through the door on the left, dressed in a long coat with a cape, and carrying his hat and cane.  He crosses the room.

Sorin.  Come, sister, it is time to start, unless you want to miss the train.  I am going to get into the carriage. [He goes out.]

Medviedenko.  I shall walk quickly to the station and see you off there. [He goes out.]

Arkadina.  Good-bye, all!  We shall meet again next summer if we live. [The maid servant, Jacob, and the cook kiss her hand] Don’t forget me. [She gives the cook a rouble] There is a rouble for all three of you.

The cook.  Thank you, mistress; a pleasant journey to you.

Jacob.  God bless you, mistress.

Shamraeff.  Send us a line to cheer us up. [To Trigorin] Good-bye, sir.

Arkadina.  Where is Constantine?  Tell him I am starting.  I must say good-bye to him. [To Jacob] I gave the cook a rouble for all three of you.

All go out through the door on the right.  The stage remains empty.  Sounds of farewell are heard.  The maid comes running back to fetch the basket of plums which has been forgotten.  Trigorin comes back.

Trigorin.  I had forgotten my cane.  I think I left it on the terrace. [He goes toward the door on the right and meets Nina, who comes in at that moment] Is that you?  We are off.

Nina.  I knew we should meet again. [With emotion] I have come to an irrevocable decision, the die is cast:  I am going on the stage.  I am deserting my father and abandoning everything.  I am beginning life anew.  I am going, as you are, to Moscow.  We shall meet there.

Trigorin. [Glancing about him] Go to the Hotel Slavianski Bazar.  Let me know as soon as you get there.  I shall be at the Grosholski House in Moltchanofka Street.  I must go now. [A pause.]

Nina.  Just one more minute!

Trigorin. [In a low voice] You are so beautiful!  What bliss to think that I shall see you again so soon! [She sinks on his breast] I shall see those glorious eyes again, that wonderful, ineffably tender smile, those gentle features with their expression of angelic purity!  My darling! [A prolonged kiss.]

The curtain falls.

Two years elapse between the third and fourth acts.

ACT IV