Madame P. Well, but go on.
Pereshìvkina. Yes, little mother. Well, you see, she’s a near neighbour of yours—it’s the white stone house on the left-hand side. Pàvel Petròvich often passes.
Madame P. Well, what of that?
Pereshìvkina (whispers). She’s fallen in love.
Madame P. What?
Pereshìvkina (louder). She’s fallen in love. Yes; it’s quite true.
Madame P. Well, what is there wonderful in that? You’re very simple, my good woman. How could she help falling in love with him? She’s not the only one!
Pereshìvkina. Oh! of course, of course, ma’am. Only, you see, she’s rich.
Paul (sings). “La Donna e mobile.”
Pereshìvkina. “Oustìnya Filimònovna,” says she, “I’m in love.” So I asked her, “With who, little mother?” “You look,” says she, “he’ll pass in a minute.” So I looked out of the window, and there was Pàvel Petròvich going past, and she says to me, “That’s he,” says she. You could have knocked me down with a feather.