[1] "Roubaska" generally means "shirt," but also is used to express the "back" of a card. Hence Routilov's pun.
[2] Diminutive of "dourak"—fool. A Russian card game.
[4] See [note 1 ch. XI].
[CHAPTER XXIII]
The Prepolovenskys undertook the arrangement of the wedding. It was decided that they should be married in a village six versts from the town. Varvara felt uneasy about marrying in the town, after they had lived together so many years as relatives. The day fixed for the wedding was concealed. The Prepolovenskys spread a rumour that it was to take place on Friday, but it was really to be on Wednesday. They did it to prevent curiosity seekers from coming to the wedding. Varvara more than once said to Peredonov:
"Ardalyon Borisitch, don't you say a word of when the wedding is to be or they might hinder us."
Peredonov gave the expenses for the wedding unwillingly and with humiliations for Varvara. Sometimes he brought his stick with the Koukish head and said to Varvara:
"Kiss the Koukish and I'll give you the money. If you don't, I won't."