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.