USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. I was at his house this morning. He came out just as he was, in his dressing-gown; but he treated me, be it said to his honor. He ordered coffee, and rum, and heaps of fancy crackers--simply piles of them. "Eat away!" says he, "Ustinya Naúmovna." I had come on business, you know, so it was necessary to find out something definite. So I said: "You wanted to go to-day and get acquainted." But on that subject he wouldn't say a sensible word to me. "Well," he said, "we'll think it over, and advise about it." And all he did was pull at the cords of his dressing-gown. LÍPOCHKA. Why does he just fold his arms and sentimentalize? Why, it's disgusting to see how long this lasts. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Really, now, why is he showing off? Aren't we as good as he is? USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. Plague take him; can't we find another fellow? BOLSHÓV. Don't you look for another, or the same thing will happen again. I'll find another for you myself. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Yes, much you will, unless you get down off the stove and hustle. You've actually forgotten, I think, that you have a daughter. BOLSHÓV. We'll see! AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. We'll see what? We'll see nothing! Bah--don't talk to me, please; don't aggravate me. [_She sits down._ _BOLSHÓV bursts out laughing;_ USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA _walks off with_ LÍPOCHKA _to the other side of the stage_. USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA _inspects the girl's dress._ USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. My! how you're dolled up--that dress certainly makes you look better. You didn't make it yourself, did you? LÍPOCHKA. Horrible need I had of making it! Why, do you think we're beggars? What are dressmakers for? USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. Beggars, the idea! Who's saying anything so foolish to you? They can tell from your house-keeping that you didn't make it yourself. However, your dress is a fright. LÍPOCHKA. What's the matter with you? Have you lost your wits? Where are your eyes? What gave you that wild notion? USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. What are you getting on your high horse for? LÍPOCHKA. Nonsense! Think I'll stand such rubbish? What, am I an uncultivated hussy! USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. What are you taking on so for? Where did such a caprice come from? Am I finding fault with your dress? Why, isn't it a dress?--and anybody will say it's a dress. But it isn't becoming to you; it's absolutely not the right thing for your style of beauty--blot out my soul if I lie. For you a gold one would be little enough; let's have one embroidered with seed-pearls. Ah! there you smile, my jewel! You see, I know what I'm talking about! TISHKA. [_Entering_] Sysóy Psoich wants me to ask whether he, says he, can come in. He's out there with Lázar Elizárych. BOLSHÓV. March! Call him in here with Lázar. TISHKA _goes out_. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Well, now, the relish isn't ready for nothing: we'll take a snack. Now, Ustinya Naúmovna, I suppose you've been wanting a drop of vodka for a long time?