Third Peasant (unwrapping a parcel of money). And about this be quite easy. We should pawn our own selves rather than do such a thing just anyhow say, but in this way, let's say, as it ought to be done.
Leoníd Fyódoritch. But did I not write and tell you that I should not agree to it unless you brought the whole sum?
First Peasant. That's just it. It would be more agreeable, but it is not in our possibilities, I mean.
Leoníd Fyódoritch. Well then, the thing can't be done!
First Peasant. The Commune, for example, relied its hopes on that, that you made the offer last year to sell it in easy 'stalments....
Leoníd Fyódoritch. That was last year. I would have agreed to it then, but now I can't.
Second Peasant. But how's that? We've been depending on your promise—we've got the papers ready and have collected the money!
Third Peasant. Be merciful, master! We're short of land; we'll say nothing about cattle, but even a hen, let's say, we've no room to keep. (Bows.) Don't wrong us, master!
[Bows.
Leoníd Fyódoritch. Of course it's quite true, that I agreed last year to let you have the land for payment by instalments, but now circumstances are such that it would be inconvenient.