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Alla. So, what do you have against TV?

Sumyatov. It is flooded with show-business stars and politicians of various types. I am not even mentioning newspapers!

Alla. Are you afraid to find an inferiority complex in yourself?

Sumyatov. I feel offended for my country. It looks like we really can not live without either God, tsar, or hero. And it would be better to have three of them at once.

Alla. What are you talking about? A Tsar was overthrown a long time ago, the God is terribly far from people, only a hero has remained. Please, don’t deprive us of our last consolation!

Sumyatov. I can’t understand, what are you driving at?

Mikhalych enters.

Mikhalych. All bon appetit!

Levan. \speaking with a Georgian accent\ Come in dear! We’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Do you believe me or not?

Mikhalych. I am like a clock – precise and inevitable.

Levan. What’s new in the world, eh?

Mikhalych. Every minute something is happening in the world. How can I know about all?

Levan. But you know something anyway…

Mikhalych. The less we know, the more quiet we sleep. I advise you to learn this simple truth.

Levan. Thanks for advice, dear. Have you brought some mail or not?

Mikhalych. Here you go, if you really can’t live without it. But please, don’t blame me in case the news is bad.

Levan. I won’t, don’t worry.

Mikhalych. Hey guys, you see, I’ve warned him!

Sumyatov. Sure. You can refer to us as witnesses just in case.

Mikhalych. Absolutely! Can I learn your names?

Sumyatov. Cyrill Sumyatov.

Alla. Alla Bokova.

Mikhalych. You can call me Мikhalych. You have done me a favor I won’t forget it. (Leaves).

Levan. What a man he is, I can’t understand…

Sumyatov. An odd fellow, I would say.

Alla. Or maybe another madman?

Sumyatov. It looks like. I am afraid I could go crazy here myself. The ambience and the landscape are quite suitable.

Alla. Do not worry, it’s not going to happen with you.

Sumyatov. Then what is going to happen?

Alla. It’s a secret. However, if you kindly ask me maybe I am going to open it.

Sumyatov. Please do me a favor. You have really intrigued me!

Alla. Okay, listen. And don’t say that you haven’t heard. For example, you, men, desperately need beauty contests…

Sumyatov. What for?

Alla. Come on, you are not a kid… Take a guess. Well, don’t interrupt me!

Сумятов. Okay, I am as dumb as a fish.

Alla. However we, women, also need some kind of consolation in our lives, don’t you think so?

Sumyatov. It’s up to you.

Alla. Believe me, this is true.

Sumyatov. So, what can console you? I have no idea.

Alla. A mere trifle.

Sumyatov. So, what is it?

Alla. It is enough for us to know there real men still exist in this world, and they haven’t died out like mammoths.

Sumyatov. You are talking about the tamers of mammoths?!

Alla. Let it be your way. And don’t look at me so ironically.

Sumyatov. Not at all, I assure you!

Alla. I would say more. If such men don’t exist they should be invented.

Sumyatov. I guess modern men have done a bad turn to you…

Alla. Oh, those modern men! These sad and tiresome creatures are enable to bring happiness even in bed, not to mention other things.

Sumyatov. What are you talking about?

Alla. I say what I think.

Sumyatov. Then poor you…

Alla. Oh, don’t mention it. You’d better feel sorry for you.

Sumyatov. Why?

Alla. In case If we, women, would suddenly give up our romantic dreams. Who knows, where could it lead?

Sumyatov. Most likely to the fine aggressive amazons?

Alla. That’s why I am saying: don’t attempt upon dreams!

Sumyatov. Is it so dangerous?

Alla. Do not look so scared. I am not threatening you so far.

Sumyatov. Thanks a lot.

Victor Mancev enters.

Mancev. Levan, was there an evening mail today?

Levan. Sure there was, dear.

Манцев. What about me? Is it a letter or a telegram?

Levan. Sorry, my friend. Maybe tomorrow, eh?

Mancev. Let’s hope for the best.

Anna and Vasil Korobko, as well as Oleg Tomov enter.

Tomov. Oh, what a nice walk we just had, guys! (Singing). «A division was moving forward through the valleys and hills…”

Anna. It’s so quiet in the mountains by the evening, isn’t it, Vasil

Vasil. \speaking with a Ukrainian accent\ It sure is, my sweat heart!

Anna. I’d like some tea! I am feeling cold a bit.

Vasil. Levan, two cups of tea, please!

Levan. Would you like some cakes? They are absolutely fresh.

Vasil. No, I don’t need them.

Levan. Don’t need, don’t need! Again, the cakes are going to get dry. Take your tea and go, got it?!

Vasil. Annushka, please drink your tea while it’s hot.

Anna. Thanks, my dear!

Tomov. I’d have a stiffener now, what about you, Vasil? Just a little bit, since I am so tired.

Vasil. That’s true. But I don’t need it.