Akím (sits down on a bench). I've some business with him, d'you see, some business, I mean. I told him t'other day, told him I was in need—told him, I mean, that our horse was done for, our horse, you see. So we must what d'ye call it, get a horse, I mean, some kind of a horse, I mean. So there, I've come, you see.
Anísya. Nikíta told me. When he comes back you'll have a talk. (Goes to the oven.) Have some supper now, and he'll soon come. Mítritch, eh, Mítritch, come have your supper.
Mítritch. Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas!
Anísya. Come to supper.
Neighbor. I shall go now. Good-night.
[Exit.
Mítritch (gets down from the oven). I never noticed how I fell asleep. Oh, Lord! gracious Nicholas! How d'you do, Daddy Akím?
Akím. Ah, Mítritch! What are you, what d'ye call it, I mean?...
Mítritch. Why, I'm working for your son, Nikíta.
Akím. Dear me! What d'ye call ... working for my son, I mean. Dear me!