[Exit JACOB.
[Bell rings. Enter GREGORY carrying a tray and the DOORKEEPER.
Doorkeeper (to GREGORY). Tell the master some peasants have come from the village.
Gregory (pointing to THEODORE IVÁNITCH). Tell the major-domo here, it's his business. I have no time.
[Exit.
Tánya. Where are these peasants from?
Doorkeeper. From Koursk, I think.
Tánya. (shrieks with delight). It's them.... It's Simon's father come about the land! I'll go and meet them!
[Runs off.
Doorkeeper. Well, then what shall I say to them? Shall they come in here? They say they've come about the land—the master knows, they say.