KARP. Do you want help of some sort?
LUKÉRYA. 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 Pávlich.
KARP. You are? I doubt it.
LUKÉRYA. 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.
LUKÉRYA. 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.]
LUKÉRYA. 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 Pávlich has become so proud since he has lived in St. Petersburg that he will not wish to see me. But I'm so anxious to show every one here what acquaintances we have. I think he didn't disdain us formerly, especially sister Tánya.
BABÁYEV comes in.