SCENE I
In the foreground a narrow arcade running round an old building which has begun to fall into decay; bushes and grass about it; in the background the banks of the Volga and view beyond it.
(Several Persons of both Sexes approach the Arcade.)
FIRST. It's spotting with rain, seems as though it might be a storm coming on.
SECOND. Look, it's gathering yonder.
FIRST. A good thing we've somewhere to take shelter.
[They all go under the arches.
A WOMAN. What a lot of folks out on the parade, too! To-day being a holiday, everyone's out walking. The merchants' ladies all pranked out in their best.
FIRST. They'll stand up somewhere out of the rain.