Nikíta. And where's your mother?
Nan. She's standing and crying out there in the passage.
Nikíta. Oh, that's it! Call her, and tell her to bring the samovár. And you, Akoulína, get the tea things.
Akoulína. The tea things? All right.
[Brings the things.
Nikíta (unpacks spirits, rusks, and salt herrings). That's for myself. This is yarn for the wife. The paraffin is out there in the passage, and here's the money. Wait a bit (takes a counting-frame); I'll add it up. (Adds.) Wheat-flour, 80 kopeykas, oil ... Father, 10 roubles ... Father, come let's have some tea!
[Silence. AKÍM sits on the oven and winds the bands round his legs. Enter ANÍSYA with samovár.
Anísya. Where shall I put it?
Nikíta. Here on the table. Well! have you been to the Elder? Ah, that's it! Have your say and then eat your words. Now then, that's enough. Don't be cross; sit down and drink this. (Fills a wine-glass for her.) And here's your present.
[Gives her the parcel he had been sitting on. ANÍSYA takes it silently and shakes her head.