Sahátof. Allow me to ask again. Have I a ten rouble note in my pocket?
[TÁNYA knocks several times and passes a thread over SAHÁTOF'S head.
Sahátof. Ah!
[Seizes the thread and breaks it.
Professor. I should ask those present not to ask indefinite or trivial questions. It is unpleasant to him!
Sahátof. No, but allow me! Here I have a thread in my hand!
Leoníd Fyódoritch. A thread? Hold it fast; that happens often, and not only threads but sometimes even silk cords—very ancient ones!
Sahátof. No—but where did this thread come from?
[TÁNYA throws a cushion at him.
Sahátof. Wait a bit; wait! Something soft has hit me on the head. Light a candle—there is something....