Karp. Oho! For nothing? They’re to rob and murder to their heart’s content, and not get locked up for it!
Oulìta. Well, but the robbers and murderers are in the great prison; what do people get put into the jail for?
Karp. For debt.
Oulìta. It’s all very well to talk about debt; they say Kòn Kònych is in jail for interest.
Karp. For what—interest?
Oulìta. Yes, indeed; for interest. And it’s not right! What a man borrows, he should give back; but interest is a sin.
Karp. Going to begin your chattering again, now! (Oulìta pours out tea; Matryòna carries cup on tray to Serafìma; she takes it with her gloves on.)
Oulìta. Serafimoushka, you’d better take off your hat and cloak; and you might as well unlace your dress at the back; there are no strangers here. Matryòna will do it for you.
Serafima. Oh! mamma, how can you? I don’t feel the heat. I just came to you for a minute to ask your advice.
Karp (blowing on his saucer). What about?