The same, FOMÍNISHNA, and TISHKA, who is bringing wine on a tray.
USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. Aha! here's a matter of a different sort. Well, God grant you live long, keep young, grow fat, and be rich! [She drinks] It's bitter, my jewels! [LÍPOCHKA and LÁZAR kiss] Ah! that sweetens it!
BOLSHÓV. Just let me drink their health. [He takes the glass; LÍPOCHKA
and LÁZAR stand up] Live as you think best—you're reasonable beings.
But so that you won't find life a bore, the house and shops go to you,
Lázar, in place of dowry, and I'll throw in some ready cash.
PODKHALYÚZIN. Many thanks, daddy; I'm well satisfied with what you've done for me as it is.
BOLSHÓV. Nothing to thank me for! They're my own goods—I made 'em myself. I give 'em to whomever I please. Pour me another! [TISHKA pours another glass] But what's the good of talking! Kindness is no crime! Take everything, only feed me and the old woman, and pay off the creditors at ten kopeks on the ruble.
PODKHALYÚZIN. Why, daddy, that's not worth talking about, sir! Don't I know what feeling is? It's a family affair—we'll settle it ourselves.
BOLSHÓV. I tell you, take it all, and there's an end to it! And nobody can boss me! Only pay my creditors. Will you pay 'em?
PODKHALYÚZIN. If you please, dad, that's my first duty, sir.
BOLSHÓV. Only you look out—don't give 'em much. As it is, I suppose you'll be fool enough to pay the whole debt.
PODKHALYÚZIN. Oh, we'll settle it later, daddy, somehow. If you please, it's a family affair.