Madame P. None the less, my dear one, I know your character; I know that you would not care to marry any sort of person.
Paul. Any one you like; I want money in order to be comme il faut; in order to play my proper part in society—in a word, to do that for which I am fitted. I do not know how to save up money; I only know how to spend it with elegance and dignity. For that I have all the necessary gifts. I have tact, I have taste, I am fitted to take a leading position in society.
Madame P. Still, my dear——(Enter Footman.)
Footman. Pereshìvkina asks to see madame.
Madame P. She always comes at the wrong time!
Paul. We shall have time to talk afterwards.
Madame P. Let her come in. (Exit Footman. Enter Pereshìvkina.)
Madame P. What is it, Oustìnya Filimònovna?
Pereshìvkina (kisses Prèzhneva on the shoulder, and then stands a little back.) I came to ask after your health, little mother; I never forget my benefactors.
Paul. Well, old vinegar face, where have you come from?