Fèkla. Oh, no, Arìna Pantelèymovna, a noble is more distinguished, somehow.
Arìna. What’s the use of being distinguished? Just look at Alexièy Dmìtrievich—what a beautiful sledge he can drive in, and his cap is real sable!...
Fèkla. Yes, but a nobleman with epaulettes on can drive past and call out, “Out of the road, counterjumper!” or, “Show me your best velvet, shopman!” and then the merchant will have to say, “Certainly, little father!” and the nobleman will say, “Take off your hat, you clown!” That’s what he’ll say.
Arìna. And if the merchant likes, he won’t give him the stuff; and there’s your nobleman in rags without a thing to put on.
Fèkla. Then the nobleman will give the shopkeeper a black eye.
Arìna. Well then, the shopkeeper will go and complain to the police.
Fèkla. Then the nobleman will complain to the senator.
Arìna. And the merchant to the governor.
Fèkla. And the nobleman——
Arìna. Fiddlesticks! Fiddlesticks! You and your noblemen! The governor’s grander than any senator! You’re just off your head about noblemen! Don’t tell me—a nobleman can take off his hat as well as any shopkeeper, when there’s a reason why.... (Door-bell rings.) There’s some one at the door.