"Listen to what those robbers are saying about me. Tell me everything,—who is scolding me, or whatever they may be saying. I know those robbers: they do not like to work; all they want to do is to lie on their sides and loaf. To eat and be idle, that is what they like; they do not consider that if the time of ploughing is missed it will be too late. So listen to what they have to say, and let me know everything you may hear! Go, but be sure you tell me everything and keep nothing from me!"
The elder turned around and left the room. He mounted his horse and rode into the field to the peasants.
The clerk's wife had heard her husband's talk with the elder, and she came in and began to implore him. The wife of the clerk was a peaceable woman, and she had a good heart. Whenever she could, she calmed her husband and took the peasants' part.
She came to her husband, and began to beg him: "My dear Míshenka, do not sin, for the Lord's holiday! For Christ's sake, send the peasants home!"
Mikhaíl Seménovich did not accept his wife's words, but only laughed at her:
"Is it too long a time since the whip danced over you that you have become so bold, and meddle in what is not your concern?"
"Míshenka, my dear, I have had a bad dream about you. Listen to my words and send the peasants home!"
"Precisely, that's what I say. Evidently you have gathered so much fat that you think the whip will not hurt you. Look out!"
Seménovich grew angry, knocked the burning pipe into her teeth, sent her away, and told her to get the dinner ready.