RISPOLÓZHENSKY. How can I help understanding? Why, Lázar Elizárych, do you think I'm still a boy? It's time I understood!
PODKHALYÚZIN. Yes, but what do you understand? Here's the way things are, sir. Just listen first. Samsón Sílych and I came to town, and we brought along the list as was proper. Then he went to the creditors: this one didn't agree, that one didn't agree; that's the way, and not a single one will take up the proposition. That's the way the affair stands.
RISPOLÓZHENSKY. What's that you say, Lázar Elizárych? Oh! Just think of it, what a gang.
PODKHALYÚZIN. And how are we going to make a good thing out of this business now? Do you understand me, or not?
RISPOLÓZHENSKY. That is, the insolvency, Lázar Elizárych?
PODKHALYÚZIN. The insolvency will take care of itself; but I mean my own business affairs.
RISPOLÓZHENSKY. He, he, he!—That is, the house and the shops—even—the house—he, he, he!——
PODKHALYÚZIN. What's the matter, sir?
RISPOLÓZHENSKY. No, sir; that's just my foolishness; I was just joking.
PODKHALYÚZIN. Fine jokes, indeed! Don't you joke about that, sir. The house is nothing; I have such a dream in my head now about that subject, that I must talk it over with you at length. Just come to my room, sir. Tishka!