Serafìma, his wife.

Madame Prèzhnev.

A Person Unknown, a friend of Paul, middle-aged, with Greek profile and gloomy expression of face.

A Maid-servant.

A Footman.

(A richly-furnished study. Paul sits at the table writing. Enter Footman.)

Foot. Pàvel Petròvich, the tailor and carriage-builder are waiting.

Paul (turning round). Send them off!

Foot. They won’t go, sir.

Paul. Then tell them to come next week.