Theodore Ivánitch. He'd do it willingly.
Second Peasant. It seems he's afraid of his wife.
Theodore Ivánitch. It's not that he's afraid, but they don't hit things off together.
Third Peasant. But you should try, father! How are we to live else? We've so little land....
Theodore Ivánitch. We'll see what comes of Tánya's attempt. She's taken the business into her hands now!
Third Peasant (takes a sip of tea). Father, be merciful. We've so little land. A hen, let's say, we've no room for a hen, let alone the cattle.
Theodore Ivánitch. If the business depended on me.... (To SECOND PEASANT.) Well, friend, so we've done our bit of match-making! It's agreed then about Tánya?
Second Peasant. I've given my word, and I'll not go back on it without a good reason. If only our business succeeds!
[Enter SERVANTS' COOK, who looks up at the oven, makes a sign, and then begins to speak animatedly to THEODORE IVÁNITCH.
Servants' Cook. Just now Simon was called upstairs from the front kitchen! The master and that other bald-headed one who calls up spirits with him, ordered him to sit down and take the place of Kaptchítch!