SCENE I
OLIMPIÁDA SAMSÓNOVNA is sitting luxuriously near the window; she wears a silk waist, and a bonnet of the latest fashion. PODKHALYÚZIN, in a stylish frock coat, stands before the mirror. Behind him TISHKA is adjusting his master's clothes, and adding the finishing touches.
TISHKA. There now, it fits you to a T!
PODKHALYÚZIN. Well, Tishka, do I look like a Frenchman? Ah! Step away and look at me!
TISHKA. Like as two peas.
PODKHALYÚZIN. Go along, you blockhead! Now you just look at me. [He walks about the room] There now, Olimpiáda Samsónovna! And you wanted to marry an officer, ma'am! Ain't I a sport, though? I picked the smartest coat I could find and put it on.
OLIMPIÁDA SAMSÓNOVNA. But you don't know how to dance, Lázar Elizárych.
PODKHALYÚZIN. What of it—won't I learn, though, and the raggiest ever! In the winter we're going to attend the Merchants' Assemblies. You just watch us, ma'am! I'm going to dance the polka.
OLIMPIÁDA SAMSÓNOVNA. Now, Lázar Elizárych, you buy that carriage we saw at
Arbatsky's.
PODKHALYÚZIN. Of course, Olimpiáda Samsónovna, ma'am! Of course, by all means!