[Varvára goes out, and brings in the samovar.]
Fomá. I have been making myself at home; my stove smoked.
Pras. Sit down, sit down! What ceremony! Why should you not be here? And vodka too? What is the vodka for?
Ast. I will tell you when I have finished my patience. [They all drink tea.]
Pras. So you are playing already.
Ast. If it comes out, the good luck that it brings shall be for you!
Pras. For me? [They all watch Astéryi playing.] The knave goes on the queen. [A pause.]
Fomá. That is unfortunate.
Var. You should not have moved the ten. [A pause.]
Ast. That will be better. [A pause.]