Karp. We’re going to have a wedding too, soon. Matryòna was found in the garden with one of the shopmen; so I’m going to marry them. (Matryòna hides her face in her sleeve.) I shall give him a thousand roubles, and have the wedding at my cost.
Oulìta. It’s all very well for you to get up weddings; you just want a chance to have a drunken spree.
Karp. Well, what now?
Oulìta. Nothing.
Karp (sternly). No; you say what you mean.
Oulìta. Nothing; really nothing.
Karp (very sternly). No; I will have you speak out; I want to hear.
Oulìta. There’s no use speaking when you never listen.
Karp. What should I listen for? It’s not worth while when you talk. Ah-h-h-, Oulìta Nikìtishna! (Threatens with his finger.) You were told to hold your tongue! I want the lass to feel what I’m doing for her; and here you come in with your chattering!... (Matryòna hides her face with the other sleeve.) She’s only my second cousin twice removed, and yet I give her a dowry. I’m the benefactor of all my kindred. There’s another little one; I shall take her in Matryòna’s place, and bring her up, and settle her in life. (Silence.)
Oulìta. Are you quite sure he will love you, my dear?