First Peasant. Who might that man be?
Jacob. He used to be our master's cook. He comes to see Loukérya.
First Peasant. Kitchen-master, as one might say. Then, does he live here?
Jacob. No, they won't allow that. He's here one day, there another. If he's got a copper he goes to a dosshouse; but when he has drunk all, he comes here.
Second Peasant. How did he come to this?
Jacob. Simply grew weak. And what a man he used to be—like a gentleman! Went about with a gold watch; got forty roubles a month wages. And now look at him! He'd have starved to death long ago if it hadn't been for Loukérya.
[Enter SERVANTS' COOK with the sour cabbage.
Jacob (to SERVANTS' COOK). I see you've got Paul Petróvitch here again?
Servants' Cook. And where's he to go to? Is he to go and freeze?
Third Peasant. What liquor does.... Liquor, let's say....