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too. These misunderstandings occur every day. If you only knew how they excite me! I am ill; see! I am trembling all over! I cannot endure his rough ways. [Imploringly] Eugene, my darling, my beloved, take me to you. Our time is short; we are no longer young; let us end deception and concealment, even though it is only at the end of our lives.

[A pause.

. I am fifty-five years old. It is too late now for me to change my ways of living.

. I know that you refuse me because there are other women who are near to you, and you cannot take everybody. I understand. Excuse me—I see I am only bothering you.

is seen near the house picking a bunch of flowers.

. No, it is all right.

. I am tortured by jealousy. Of course you are a doctor and cannot escape from women. I understand.

. [To, who comes toward him] How are things in there?

. Madame Arkadina is crying, and Sorin is having an attack of asthma.

. Let us go and give them both some camomile tea.

. [Hands him the bunch of flowers] Here are some flowers for you.

. Thank you.

. [Following him] What pretty flowers! [As they reach the house she says in a low voice] Give me those flowers! Give them to me!

hands her the flowers; she tears them to pieces and flings them away. They both go into the house.

. [Alone] How strange to see a famous actress weeping, and for such a trifle! Is it not strange, too, that a famous author should sit fishing all day? He is the idol of the public,