Act 1, Part 2 Summary

Anfisa comes in, announcing Vershinin's arrival. As she goes out, urging Irina to behave herself, Vershinin comes in, exclaiming that he's very glad to be there and referring to his memories of having met the sisters when they were little girls. He comments on how time passes. He explains that he knew their father when they were both in Moscow, says he remembers Masha's face a bit and talks about how he used to visit them all. As Irina and Olga talk about how they'll be back in Moscow by the fall, Masha suddenly recalls Vershinin's visits and how they always used to call him "the lovesick major" because he was always in love with someone or other. As Vershinin laughs, Masha becomes tearful about how old he now looks. Olga says he doesn't look old at all, and Vershinin says...