KOSTILYOFF. He-ho! You’re always jesting, darling—always poking fun . . . can kindliness of heart be repaid with gold? Kindliness—it’s above all other qualities. But your debt to me—remains a debt. And so you’ll have to pay me back. You ought to be kind to me, an old man, without seeking for reward!
THE ACTOR. You’re a swindler, old man! [Goes into kitchen]
[Kleshtch rises and goes into the hall.]
KOSTILYOFF [to Satine] See that squeaker—? He ran away—he doesn’t like me!
SATINE. Does anybody like you besides the Devil?
KOSTILYOFF [laughing] Oh—you’re so quarrelsome! But I like you all—I understand you all, my unfortunate down-trodden, useless brethren . . . [Suddenly, rapidly] Is Vaska home?
SATINE. See for yourself—
KOSTILYOFF [goes to the door and knocks] Vaska!
[The Actor appears at the kitchen door, chewing something.]
PEPEL. Who is it?