THEODORE IVÁNITCH. We'll see what comes of Tánya's attempt. She's taken the business into her hands now!
THIRD PEASANT [takes a sip of tea] Father, be merciful. We've so little land. A hen, let's say, we've no room for a hen, let alone the cattle.
THEODORE IVÁNITCH. If the business depended on me.… [To Second Peasant] Well, friend, so we've done our bit of match-making! It's agreed then about Tánya?
SECOND PEASANT. I've given my word, and I'll not go back on it without a good reason. If only our business succeeds!
Enter Servants' Cook who looks up at the oven, makes a sign, and then begins to speak animatedly to Theodore Ivánitch.
SERVANTS' COOK. Just now Simon was called upstairs from the front kitchen! The master and that other bald-headed one who calls up spirits with him, ordered him to sit down and take the place of Kaptchítch!
THEODORE IVÁNITCH. You don't say so!
SERVANTS' COOK. Yes, Jacob told Tánya.
THEODORE IVÁNITCH. Extraordinary!
Enter Coachman.