Antìp. It would be jolly to have some tea now. (Stares at the ceiling, and puffs.)

Matryòna. Dàrya!

(Enter Dàrya.)

Matryòna. Bring the samovar; and ask Stepanìda Trofimovna for the keys. (Exit Dàrya. Silence. Màrya sits at her embroidery; Matryòna beside her; Antìp looks about the room, sighing.)

Antìp (sternly). Wife! come here!

Matryòna. What now?

Antìp (striking the table with his fist). Come here, I tell you!

Matryòna. Why, are you gone crazy?

Antìp (drumming on the table). What do you expect me to do with you?

Matryòna. Whatever can it be? (Timidly.) Antìp Antìpych?