and the peasants have been pasturing their cattle in my woods and newly-planted forests. Go where you will, you and your husband will always carry destruction in your train. I'm joking of course, and yet I'm strangely sure that had you stayed here we should have been overtaken by the most immense devastation. I'd have gone to my ruin, and you -- you would not have prospered. So off with you! Finita la comedia!
HELENA. [Snatching a pencil off ASTROV'S table, and hiding it with a quick movement] I'll take this pencil to remember you by!
ASTROV. How strange it is. We meet, and then suddenly it seems that we must part forever. That's the way in this world. As long as we are alone, before Uncle Vanya comes in with a bouquet -- allow me -- to kiss you good-bye -- may I? [He kisses her on the cheek] So! Splendid!
HELENA. I wish you every happiness. [She glances about her] For once in my life, I shall! and scorn the consequences! [She embraces him impetuously, and they quickly part] I must go.
ASTROV. Yes, go. If the carriage is there, then start right now.
HELENA. I think they're coming. [They stand listening.]
ASTROV. Finita!
VOYNITSKY, SEREBRYAKOV, MME. VOYNITSKAYA with her book, TELEGIN, and SONYA come in.
SEREBRYAKOV. [To VOYNITSKY] Let's let bygones be bygones. I have gone through so much in the last few hours that I feel capable of writing a whole treatise on the conduct of life for the instruction of posterity. I gladly accept your apology, and myself ask your forgiveness. [He and VOYNITSKY kiss each other three times.]
VOYNITSKY. You'll be receiving the regular amount as before. Everything will be just the same.
HELENA embraces SONYA.
SEREBRYAKOV. [Kissing MME. VOYNITSKAYA'S hand] Mother!
MME. VOYNITSKAYA. [Kissing him] Have your picture taken, Alexander, and send me one. You know how dear you are to me.
TELEGIN. Good-bye, your Excellency. Don't forget us.
SEREBRYAKOV. [Kissing his daughter] Good-bye, good-bye all. [Shaking hands with ASTROV] Many thanks for your pleasant company. I have a deep regard for your opinions and your enthusiasm, but let me, as an old man, give one word of advice at parting: do something, my friend! Work! Do something! [They all bow] Good luck to you all. [He goes out followed by MME. VOYNITSKAYA and SONYA.]
VOYNITSKY [Kissing HELENA'S hand fervently] Good-bye -- forgive me. I'll never see you again!
HELENA. [Touched] Good-bye, my dear.
She lightly kisses his head as he bends over her hand, and goes out.
ASTROV. [To TELEGIN] Tell them to bring my carriage around too, Waffles.
TELEGIN. All right, old man. [Goes out]
ASTROV and VOYNITSKY are left behind alone. ASTROV collects his paints and drawing materials on the table and packs them away in a box.
ASTROV. Why don't you go to see them off?
