Plays by Aleksandr Nikolaevich Ostrovsky Part 35

BABaYEV. How together?

s.h.i.+SHGaLEV. Every day is a.s.signed. For instance, to-day they are with the prefect, to-morrow with the judge, day after to-morrow with the attorney; then with the farmer of the spirit tax, and next with the retired police captain--and so all the week goes by.

BABaYEV. At what time do they meet?

s.h.i.+SHGaLEV. About six o'clock.

BABaYEV. What do they do then?

s.h.i.+SHGaLEV. They play preference.

BABaYEV. And what else, certainly not only preference?

s.h.i.+SHGaLEV. That's the truth, just preference. But usually they have tables with drinks and refreshments--just as it should be. They play, and then they take a bite, and so they pa.s.s the time.

BABaYEV. And do they all drink, from six o'clock on?

s.h.i.+SHGaLEV. Oh, no, by no means! Only the dealer, or some one who has to pay a fine.

BABaYEV. Then, my dear sir, I can't help it. I've got to wait.

s.h.i.+SHGaLEV. Just wait awhile, sir. On Monday you will please appear in court, and we'll arrange the matter without delay.

BABaYEV. Very well, I will be in court on Monday. But you'll have some writing to do for me. Then I'll give you--as is proper--I don't like any one to labor for me for nothing.

s.h.i.+SHGaLEV. My family is large, Your Honor----

BABaYEV. What's that?

s.h.i.+SHGaLEV. Do have the kindness to bestow a little something----

BABaYEV. Really, I don't know; how's that? How much do you want?

KARP. Give him one ruble, sir; that'll be enough for him.

BABaYEV. [_Giving the money_] Here you are--I'm really ashamed.

s.h.i.+SHGaLEV. [_Depositing the coin in his pocket_] Not at all. I thank you heartily; I wish you all good fortune. [_Goes out_.

SCENE III

BABaYEV _and_ KARP

BABaYEV. How rude you are, Karp.

KARP. If you begin to be sentimental with 'em, sir, they'll get the habit of calling around here and bewailing their fate. No amount of money will suffice 'em. They're a G.o.dless crowd.

BABaYEV. Well, what'll I do? I'd like to go for a walk, but it's still hot.

Karp, what shall I do?

KARP. I'll tell you what, go to sleep; after travelling it's a good thing.

BABaYEV. But what shall I do at night?

KARP. At night just the same. They say people sleep when they're bored.

BABaYEV. How stupid I was not to bring any books. If I only had some frivolous intrigue to amuse myself with for four days.

[_Goes out through the side door._]

KARP. So that's what you wis.h.!.+ An intrigue! That's his style! He was his mother's spoiled darling and he was raised with young ladies and in the housemaids' room, and he has a hankering for that kind of thing now. Since I've lived in St. Petersburg with him, what things I have seen; it was shameful! I wonder if he's asleep? I'd like to have a nap. [_He's about to lie down when the door opens_] Who's that?

LUKeRYA _comes in._

SCENE IV

KARP and LUKeRYA

KARP. What do you want?

LUKeRYA. Valentin Pavlich.

KARP. What do you want of him?

LUKeRYA. If I want to see him, of course it must be necessary.

KARP. Do you want help of some sort?

LUKeRYA. How rude! Aren't you aware that the Zhmigulin ladies were always welcome at the home of your master's mother? I am also very intimately acquainted with Valentin Pavlich.

KARP. You are? I doubt it.

LUKeRYA. Maybe you stupidly misunderstand my words in some way that's beyond me. [_Sits down_] Your business is to go right off and announce me.

KARP. I tell you he's asleep now.

LUKeRYA. That can't be, because I've just seen him through the window.

KARP. Well, I see I can't do anything with you; I'll have to announce you.

[_Goes out._]

LUKeRYA. In these modern times, these new changes have done a lot to spoil people. He ought to have found out first what my rank was, and then treated me accordingly. And it's not his business whether I came to ask for aid or not. To be sure, people of our station are often engaged in that, but not all. Maybe Valentin Pavlich has become so proud since he has lived in St.