Mrs. Popov [striking her fists and stamping her feet]. You are vulgar! You're a boor! A monster!
Smirnov. Wh—at did you say?
Mrs. Popov. I said you were a boor, a monster!
Smirnov [steps toward her quickly]. Permit me to ask what right you have to insult me?
Mrs. Popov. Yes, I insult you. What of it? Do you think I am afraid of you?
Smirnov. And you think that because you are a romantic creature that you can insult me without being punished? I challenge you! Now you have it.
Luka. Merciful heaven! Water!
Smirnov. We'll have a duel.
Mrs. Popov. Do you think because you have big fists and a steer's neck that I am afraid of you?
Smirnov. That is the limit! I allow no one to insult me and I make no exception because you are a woman, one of the "weaker sex"!