Spir. The earnest-money? Ah no, sir, there can be no earnest-money. The whole sum of money must be paid at once. I am a poor man. I must pay the quarryman for the stone; my workmen cannot live on air.
Ast. If she has the money she will pay you.
Fomá. Well, if there is to be no earnest-money, at least we will have the vodka. Vodka is always good.
Ast. [to Spiridón]. Sit down and wait till she returns. She will not be long.
Spir. No, no; I will come again in an hour. I have to go to my brother-in-law two streets away. [Crossing himself before the eikons.] I will come again as I return.
[The tap of drums in the street.]
Ast. Why are they beating drums?
Fomá. It is a patrol passing.
Spir. The soldiers are very watchful to-day.
Fomá. It is because the Empress comes this way to-morrow on her journey to Smolensk.