FOMÍNISHNA. Coming, coming, my dear, coming! [She comes in.

BOLSHÓV. Stop, you gabbler! Now you two just sit down side by side, and we'll have a look at you. Fomínishna, bring up a little bottle of fizz.

PODKHALYÚZIN and LÍPOCHKA sit down.

FOMÍNISHNA. Right away, my dear, right away! [She goes out.]

SCENE VII

The same, USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA, and RISPOLÓZHENSKY

AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Congratulate the bride and groom to be, Ustinya Naúmovna! God has brought us to a ripe old age; we have lived to see happiness!

USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. What have I got to congratulate you with, my jewels? My mouth's too dry to sing your praises.

BOLSHÓV. Well, now, we'll wet your whistle.

SCENE VIII