Second Peasant. Without this land we cannot live!
First Peasant. That's just it. Without land our lives must grow weaker and come to a decline.
Third Peasant (bowing). Master, we have so little land, let's not talk about the cattle, but even a chicken, let's say, we've no room for. Master, be merciful, accept the money, master!
Leoníd Fyódoritch (examining the document). I quite understand, and should like to help you. Wait a little; I will give you an answer in half-an-hour.... Theodore, say I am engaged and am not to be disturbed.
Theodore Ivánitch. Yes, sir.
[Exit LEONÍD FYODORITCH.
[The PEASANTS look dejected.
Second Peasant. Here's a go! "Give me the whole sum," he says. And where are we to get it from?
First Peasant. If he had not given us hopes, for example. As it is we felt quite insured it would be as was said last year.
Third Peasant. Oh, Lord! and I had begun unwrapping the money. (Begins wrapping up the bundle of bank-notes again.) What are we to do now?