SAVVA

Father, what's the matter with your face? Have you sooted it? It looks as black as Satan's.

YEGOR (quickly putting his hand to his face)

Where?

SPERANSKY

They are just making fun. There is nothing on your face, Mr. Tropinin.

YEGOR

The fool! Satan? You are Satan yourself, God forgive me!

SAVVA (making a terrible face and holding up his fingers in the shape of horns) I am the devil.

YEGOR

By God, you are the very devil himself!

SAVVA (glancing round the room)

Isn't the devil going to get any dinner to-day? I have had all I want of sinners. I am surfeited with them. I should like to have something more appetizing now.

YEGOR

Where were you knocking about at the regular dinner hour? You'll have to do without dinner now.