Firs tries to change the subject. He reminisces about the time when cherries were picked from the orchard and used to make jams; he regrets that nobody remembers the recipes now. Pischtchik asks Lyobov about her stay in Paris. As she explains, Varya and Yasha enter. Varya gives her mother two telegrams, which Lyobov tears up before reading them. When Yasha gives Lyobov her medicines, Pishtchik grabs the pills, saying that medicines are worthless.

Charlotta, the governess, enters. Lyobov asks her to entertain them with some tricks, which she always performs very well. Charlotta declines, saying that she is too sleepy and must go to bed. Lopahin also prepares to leave, but before departing, he tells Lyobov to think about his plans to save the orchard. If she wants to discuss them further, she should let him know. When he leaves, everybody talks about the probable marriage between Varya and Lopahin. Pishtchik, as always, tries to borrow money, and Firs reprimands Gaev for wearing the wrong trousers.

Lyobov and Gaev turn the conversation to their childhoods, spent in the cherry orchard. Lyobov remembers when she was a young girl and would stare out her window at the lovely orchard. She remarks that it is as beautiful as ever. Now awake, Trofimov, the tutor, enters and greets Lyobov. She immediately starts weeping, for when she sees him, she is reminded of the death of her young son, Grisha.

Gaev comes up with a new idea about where he can get a loan to save the cherry orchard. The news delights Anya, who wants to spare her mother the pain of an auction. Firs reminds everyone that it is time for bed. He and Gaev then depart. Varya talks to Anya, but the younger sister is so tired that she immediately falls asleep. Varya coaxes Anya to get up and move to her room. As they are departing, Trofimov enters and tenderly tells Anya that she is "his sunshine and his spring," clearly revealing his affection for her. Appropriately, in the distant background, a shepherd plays a gentle tune on his pipe.

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