BUBNOFF. Same as ever—
MIEDVIEDIEFF. Meaning—he’s getting along—?
BUBNOFF. Why shouldn’t he? He’s able to get along all right.
MIEDVIEDIEFF [doubtfully] Why shouldn’t he? [Luka goes into hallway, carrying a pail] M-yes—there’s a lot of talk about Vaska. Haven’t you heard?
BUBNOFF. I hear all sorts of gossip . . .
MIEDVIEDIEFF. There seems to have been some sort of talk concerning Vassilisa. Haven’t you heard about it?
BUBNOFF. What?
MIEDVIEDIEFF. Oh—why—generally speaking. Perhaps you know—and lie. Everybody knows—[Severely] You mustn’t lie, brother!
BUBNOFF. Why should I lie?
MIEDVIEDIEFF. That’s right. Dogs! They say that Vaska and Vassilisa . . . but what’s that to me? I’m not her father. I’m her uncle. Why should they ridicule me? [Kvashnya comes in] What are people coming to? They laugh at everything. Aha—you here?