Koch. I say this to you because I know you’re a sensible man. I shouldn’t say it to everybody. However, I’ll get you married, if you like, only to another woman.
Zhev. Thank you, no; I must ask you not to marry me to another woman. If you will be so kind, I should prefer this one.
Koch. As you like. I’ll arrange it for you, only with one condition—you musn’t interfere at all; you musn’t even let the young lady see you; I’ll manage it all without you.
Zhev. I don’t quite understand. How “without me?” Of course the young lady must see me.
Koch. Not at all; not at all! Just go home and wait; it’ll all be done by this evening.
Zhev. (rubbing his hands). That’ll be splendid! That’ll be capital! Don’t you think I ought to have my certificate, though—my list of service? Perhaps the young lady would like to see it; I’ll fetch it this minute.
Koch. You needn’t fetch anything; only go home; I’ll let you know this very day. (Exit Zhevàkin.) Yes; and don’t you wish you may get it!... I wonder why on earth Podkolyòssin doesn’t come! It’s very strange! He surely can’t be setting his strap to rights all this time. I’d almost better run and find him.
(Enter Agàfia Tikhònovna.)
Agàfia (looking around). Have they all gone? Is there no one here?
Koch. There’s no one here; they’ve all gone.