Noise and talk in the passage outside.

AKULÍNA. Here's Michael, just in time for tea.

MARTHA[ rises ] Oh, my goodness, Ignát is with him! That means he's drunk.

Michael and Ignát stagger in.

IGNÁT. How are you all? [ Crosses himself before the icon ] Here we are, damn you, just in time for tea. We went to church, service was done; we went to dine, all eaten and gone; to the pub, we went in, just time to begin. Ha, ha, ha! You give us some tea and we'll give you some vódka. That's fair. [ Laughs ].

MICHAEL. Where has this swell come from? [ Points to Tramp. Takes a bottle from the bosom of his coat and puts it on the table ] Bring some cups.

AKULÍNA. Well, did you get on all right?

IGNÁT. Nothing could be better, damn you; drank, and had a spree, and have brought some home.

MICHAEL[ fills the cups with vódka, hands one to his mother and then one to the Tramp ] Drink, you too!

TRAMP[ taking cup ] I offer most heartfelt thanks. Your health. [ Empties the cup ].