Theodore Ivánitch. A worthless fellow, not fit for service. He used to be an office boy and has got spoilt. I advised them not to take him, but the mistress liked him. He looks well on the carriage when they drive out.
First Footman. I should like to send him to our Count; he'd put him in his place! Oh, he don't like those scatterbrains. "If you're a footman, be a footman and fulfil your calling." Such pride is not befitting.
[PETRÍSTCHEF comes running downstairs, and takes out a cigarette.
Petrístchef (deep in thought). Let's see, my second is the same as my first. Echo, a-co, co-coa. (Enter KOKO KLÍNGEN, wearing his pince-nez.) Ko-ko, co-coa. Cocoa tin, where do you spring from?
Koko Klíngen. From the Stcherbákofs. You are always playing the fool....
Petrístchef. No, listen to my charade. My first is the same as my second, my third may be cracked, my whole is like your pate.
Koko Klíngen. I give it up. I've no time.
Petrístchef. Where else are you going?
Koko Klíngen. Where? Of course to the Ivins, to practice for the concert. Then to the Shoúbins, and then to the rehearsal. You'll be there too, won't you?
Petrístchef. Most certainly. At the re-her-Sall and also at the re-her-Sarah. Why, at first I was a savage, and now I am both a savage and a general.