SCENE II
BABÁYEV, SHISHGÁLEV, and KARP
BABÁYEV. So you say, my dear sir, that it is absolutely impossible?
SHISHGÁLEV. [Bowing and continually blowing his nose and covering his mouth with his hand] But, believe me, sir, if it were at all possible we should have——
BABÁYEV. Maybe it is possible?
SHISHGÁLEV. Judge for yourself, sir. Now the court session has ended, it is quite impossible to assemble the members; to-morrow is a holiday—then comes Saturday and then Sunday.
BABÁYEV. Just think, my dear sir, how you are treating me!
SHISHGÁLEV. How am I to blame? I'm the humblest sort of man.
BABÁYEV. But, my dear sir, what shall I do here for the next four days? It is dreadful!
SHISHGÁLEV. You can look around, sir, and take a glance at our city.
KARP. What's the use of looking at it? What is there to see here? I suppose you'll say that St. Petersburg is not as fine a city as yours.
BABÁYEV. Have you any kind of social life?
SHISHGÁLEV. I beg pardon, sir?
BABÁYEV. I said, have you any social life, any sort of club, entertainment with music, or parties?
SHISHGÁLEV. No, we haven't.
BABÁYEV. But where do the members of the court and the rest of them spend their time?
SHISHGÁLEV. They usually spend it together.
BABÁYEV. How together?
SHISHGÁLEV. Every day is assigned. 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.
BABÁYEV. At what time do they meet?
SHISHGÁLEV. About six o'clock.
BABÁYEV. What do they do then?
SHISHGÁLEV. They play preference.
BABÁYEV. And what else, certainly not only preference?
SHISHGÁLEV. 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 pass the time.
BABÁYEV. And do they all drink, from six o'clock on?
SHISHGÁLEV. Oh, no, by no means! Only the dealer, or some one who has to pay a fine.
BABÁYEV. Then, my dear sir, I can't help it. I've got to wait.
SHISHGÁLEV. Just wait awhile, sir. On Monday you will please appear in court, and we'll arrange the matter without delay.
BABÁYEV. 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.
SHISHGÁLEV. My family is large, Your Honor——
BABÁYEV. What's that?
SHISHGÁLEV. Do have the kindness to bestow a little something——
BABÁYEV. 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.
BABÁYEV. [Giving the money] Here you are—I'm really ashamed.
SHISHGÁLEV. [Depositing the coin in his pocket] Not at all. I thank you heartily; I wish you all good fortune. [Goes out.