ASTROFF. All right. [He hands the WORKMAN his medicine-case,
portfolio, and box] Look out, don't crush the portfolio!

WORKMAN. Very well, sir.

SONIA. When shall we see you again?

ASTROFF. Hardly before next summer. Probably not this winter,
though, of course, if anything should happen you will let me
know. [He shakes hands with them] Thank you for your kindness,
for your hospitality, for everything! [He goes up to MARINA and
kisses her head] Good-bye, old nurse!

MARINA. Are you going without your tea?

ASTROFF. I don't want any, nurse.

MARINA. Won't you have a drop of vodka?

ASTROFF. [Hesitatingly] Yes, I might.

MARINA goes out.

ASTROFF. [After a pause] My off-wheeler has gone lame for some
reason. I noticed it yesterday when Peter was taking him to
water.

VOITSKI. You should have him re-shod.

ASTROFF. I shall have to go around by the blacksmith's on my way