SCENE VIII
TISHKA alone.
TISHKA. [Sits down beside the table and takes some money out of his pocket] Half a ruble in silver—that's what Lázar gave me to-day. And the other day, when I fell from the steeple, Agraféna Kondrátyevna gave me ten kopeks; I won twenty-five kopeks at heads and tails; and day before yesterday the boss forgot and left one whole ruble on the counter. Gee, here's money for you! [He counts to himself. The voice of FOMÍNISHNA is heard behind the scene: "Tishka, oh, Tishka! How long have I got to call you?">[ Now what's the matter there? ["Is Lázar at home?">[—He was, but he's sure gone now! ["Well, where has he sneaked to?">[ How in the world should I know? He doesn't ask my leave. If he had, I'd know.
FOMÍNISHNA comes down the stairs.
FOMÍNISHNA. You see Samsón Sílych has come, and seems to be tipsy.
TISHKA. Phew! We're goners!
FOMÍNISHNA. Run for Lázar, Tishka; there's a dear; run quick!
AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. [Appearing at the head of the stairs] What's this,
Fomínishna dear, where's he bound for?
FOMÍNISHNA. This way, I guess, my dear! Ah, I'll close the doors, good heavens, I'll close them; let him go up-stairs, but you stay here, my dear.
A knock at the door, and the voice of SAMSÓN SÍLYCH:
"Hey! open up; who's there?" AGRAFÉNA
KONDRÁTYEVNA disappears.
FOMÍNISHNA. Come in, honey, come in and go to sleep; God bless you!
BOLSHÓV. [Behind the door] What's the matter with you, you old cripple; have you lost your wits?
FOMÍNISHNA. Ah, my dear boy! Ah, I'm a blind old granny. But, you see, I was fool enough, somehow, to think you'd come home tipsy. Forgive me, I've gotten deaf in my old age.
SAMSÓN SÍLYCH comes in.