Gold had I to spare and give——”
Matryòna. Wait a bit! I’ll tell Oulìta Nikìtishna that you’re an idle fellow, and one never can get you to do anything.
First C. I’m the coachman; do you understand that? I have my own work to do. And what are you? A beggarly fine lady! If you go so fine, you’ll freeze your stockings. So you can just carry the samovar yourself.
Matryòna. Why, the thing weighs twelve stone, man; how can a girl carry it?
First C. All I have to say is—it’s not my business.
Matryòna. Then you’re a brazen, shameless fellow! A girl may break her back, for all you care!
(Lifts samovar with great difficulty, and carries it to gallery, turning her head away from the steam.)
First C. (calls after her). Don’t romp in your earrings, the gilding will come off!
MATRYÒNA: “THEN YOU’RE A BRAZEN, SHAMELESS FELLOW! A GIRL MAY BREAK HER BACK, FOR ALL YOU CARE.”