NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Why, Peter is to be imprisoned on account of some wretched pine-trees of ours.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. How's that?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Quite simply! He cut it down, and they informed the Justice of Peace, and he has sentenced him to three months' imprisonment. His wife has come about it.
MARY IVÁNOVNA. Well, and can't anything be done?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Not now. The only way is not to possess any forest. And I will not possess any. What is one to do? I shall, however, go and see whether what we have done can be remedied. [Goes out on to the verandah and meets Borís and Lyúba].
LYÚBA. Good morning, papa [kisses him], where are you going?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I have just returned from the village and am going back again. They are just dragging a hungry man to prison because he …
LYÚBA. I suppose it's Peter?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, Peter. [Exit, followed by Mary Ivánovna].
LYÚBA [sits down in front of samovár] Will you have tea or coffee?