ANNA. Osip, please tell me, how is he—
GOVERNOR. Do stop now. You just interfere with your silly talk. Well, friend, how—
ANNA. What is your master's rank?
OSIP. The usual rank.
GOVERNOR. For God's sake, your stupid questions keep a person from getting down to business. Tell me, friend, what sort of a man is your master? Is he strict? Does he rag and bully a fellow—you know what I mean—does he or doesn't he?
OSIP. Yes, he likes things to be just so. He insists on things being just so.
GOVERNOR. I like your face. You must be a fine man, friend. What—?
ANNA. Listen, Osip, does your master wear uniform in St. Petersburg?
GOVERNOR. Enough of your tattle now, really. This is a serious matter, a matter of life and death. (To Osip.) Yes, friend, I like you very much. It's rather chilly now and when a man's travelling an extra glass of tea or so is rather welcome. So here's a couple of rubles for some tea.
OSIP [taking the money.] Thank you, much obliged to you, sir. God grant you health and long life. You've helped a poor man.