PROKÓFYEVNA. Every one, dear sir, wishes to know who it is that has arrived.
KARP. They say you're provincials, and you certainly are provincials. Well, tell them that it's Babáyev, Valentin Pávlich, a landowner.
PROKÓFYEVNA. [Speaking through the window] Babáyev, a landowner. [To
KARP] They're asking why you came.
KARP. On business, of course. Did you think we came here for sport? Much chance there would be for that here.
PROKÓFYEVNA. [Through the window] For business. [To KARP] Will you remain long?
KARP. We certainly haven't come to settle here. We may stay two days; not longer, you may be sure.
PROKÓFYEVNA. [Through the window] For two days. [Withdraws from the window] Now I've satisfied them. In five minutes the entire city will know.
KARP. Your lodging is all right; it's clean.
PROKÓFYEVNA. Certainly it's clean, sir. No great frills, but it's clean. Of course there's no great travelling to our town.
KARP. It isn't on the highway.