Act IV opens back in the nursery. However, this time, the room is nearly empty. The curtains have been taken down, and all the remaining furniture is piled in a corner. Yasha holds a tray of champagne glasses, and Lopakhin waits beside him. Voices of some peasants saying goodbye can be heard offstage. Gaev enters with Lubov, who is pale and trembling. As they walk out again, he scolds his sister for giving the peasants money. Lopakhin calls after them, offering a farewell glass of champagne. When they don’t respond, Lopakhin tells Yasha to have a glass, and he drinks to “those departing” and “those who stay behind” (72). Lopakhin remarks that the weather is perfect for building and calls out a reminder that they must leave for the train in 20 minutes.

Trofimov comes in looking for his galoshes. Lopakhin tells him that he is going to Kharkov for the winter. He says he has spent too much time with “you people” and feels “rusty” after so long without any work. Trofimov assures him they will be gone soon so he can get busy. Lopakhin teases him about returning to the university, and Trofimov tells him the joke is “old and flat” (75).