The Same and DIKOY.
MME. KABANOVA. What brings you abroad so late, old friend?
DIKOY. Why, who's to hinder me being out, I should like to know?
MME. KABANOVA. Who wants to hinder you, indeed!
DIKOY. Well, then what's the use of talking? Whose control am I under, hey? What next will you say? What the devil....
MME. KABANOVA. Now then, keep a little check on your tongue! You'd better look out for someone else to talk to! I won't let you off so easily as some do! Go your way wherever you're going. Come indoors, Feklusha.
[Gets up.
DIKOY. Wait a bit, old friend, wait a bit! Don't be angry. You're in no hurry to get home; your home's not many miles away. Here it is!
MME. KABANOVA. If you've come on business, don't shout at me, but speak out plainly.
DIKOY. I've no business, but I'm drunk, that's what it is!