ANNA PÁVLOVNA [provoked] You've lost your senses. Don't you see? [To Countess] Merci, mille fois merci. A mardi![22]
Exeunt Countess and First Footman.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [to Gregory] What is the meaning of this?
GREGORY. Though I do occupy the position of a footman, still I won't allow every peasant to hit me; I have my pride too.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Why, what has happened?
GREGORY. Why, this Simon of yours has got so brave, sitting with the gentlemen, that he wants to fight!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Why? What for?
GREGORY. Heaven only knows!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [to Simon] What is the meaning of it?
SIMON. Why does he bother her?