Third Peasant. Didn't I say, come to some lodging-house? Well, supposing we'd had to give three-pence each, then at least we'd have been in peace. As to here, the Lord be merciful! "Give us the money," he says. What's that for?
Second Peasant. He's drunk, I daresay.
[PEASANTS turn their cups upside-down, rise, and cross themselves.
First Peasant. And d'you mind what a saying he threw out? Sowing mint! One must know how to understand them, that one must!
Second Peasant. Sow mint indeed! He'd better bend his own back at that work, and then it's not mint he'll hanker after, no fear! Well, many thanks!... And now, good woman, would you tell us where we could lie down to sleep?
Servants' Cook. One of you can lie on the oven, and the others on these benches.
Third Peasant. Christ save you!
[Prays, crossing himself.
First Peasant. If only by God's help we get our business settled! (Lies down.) Then to-morrow, after dinner, we'd be off by the train, and on Tuesday we'd be home again.
Second Peasant. Are you going to put out the light?