VARYA. I’m not calling you to order, I’m only telling you. You just walk about from place to place and never do your work. Goodness only knows why we keep a clerk. EPIKHODOV. [Offended] Whether I work, or walk about, or eat, or play billiards, is only a matter to be settled by people of understanding and my elders. VARYA. You dare to talk to me like that! [Furious] You dare? You mean that I know nothing? Get out of here! This minute! EPIKHODOV. [Nervous] I must ask you to express yourself more delicately. VARYA. [Beside herself] Get out this minute. Get out! [He goes to the door, she follows] Two-and-twenty troubles! I don’t want any sign of you here! I don’t want to see anything of you! [EPIKHODOV has gone out; his voice can be heard outside: “I’ll make a complaint against you.”] What, coming back? [Snatches up the stick left by FIERS by the door] Go... go... go, I’ll show you.... Are you going? Are you going? Well, then take that. [She hits out as LOPAKHIN enters.] LOPAKHIN. Much obliged. VARYA. [Angry but amused] I’m sorry. LOPAKHIN. Never mind. I thank you for my pleasant reception. VARYA. It isn’t worth any thanks. [Walks away, then looks back and asks gently] I didn’t hurt you, did I? LOPAKHIN. No, not at all. There’ll be an enormous bump, that’s all. VOICES FROM THE DRAWING-ROOM. Lopakhin’s returned! Ermolai Alexeyevitch! PISCHIN. Now we’ll see what there is to see and hear what there is to hear... [Kisses LOPAKHIN] You smell of cognac, my dear, my soul. And we’re all having a good time. [Enter LUBOV ANDREYEVNA.] LUBOV. Is that you, Ermolai Alexeyevitch? Why were you so long? Where’s Leonid? LOPAKHIN. Leonid Andreyevitch came back with me, he’s coming.... LUBOV. [Excited] Well, what? Is it sold? Tell me? LOPAKHIN. [Confused, afraid to show his pleasure] The sale ended up at four o’clock.... We missed the train, and had to wait till half-past nine. [Sighs heavily] Ooh! My head’s going round a little. [Enter GAEV; in his right hand he carries things he has bought, with his left he wipes away his tears.] LUBOV. Leon, what’s happened? Leon, well? [Impatiently, in tears] Quick, for the love of God.... GAEV. [Says nothing to her, only waves his hand; to FIERS, weeping] Here, take this.... Here are anchovies, herrings from Kertch.... I’ve had no food to-day.... I have had a time! [The door from the billiard-room is open; the clicking of the balls is heard, and YASHA’S voice, “Seven, eighteen!” GAEV’S expression changes, he cries no more] I’m awfully tired. Help me change my clothes, Fiers. [Goes out through the drawing-room; FIERS after him.] PISCHIN. What happened? Come on, tell us! LUBOV. Is the cherry orchard sold? LOPAKHIN. It is sold. LUBOV. Who bought it? LOPAKHIN. I bought it. [LUBOV ANDREYEVNA is overwhelmed; she would fall if she were not standing by an armchair and a table. VARYA takes her keys off her belt, throws them on the floor, into the middle of the room and goes out.]