USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. Just the thing--it's one o'clock, the admiral's lunch-time. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Now, Samsón Sílych, move out of that place; what are you sitting there like that for? BOLSHÓV. Wait a minute; they're coming up. There's time enough. LÍPOCHKA. Mamma, I'll go change my dress. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Run along, my dear, run along. BOLSHÓV. Wait a minute before changing--there's a suitor coming. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. What sort of a suitor can that be? Quit your fooling. BOLSHÓV. Wait a bit, Lipa, there's a suitor coming. LÍPOCHKA. Who is it, daddy? Do I know him or not? BOLSHÓV. You'll see him in a minute; and then, perhaps, you'll recognize him. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. What are you listening to him for? What sort of a clown is coming? He's just talking to hear himself talk. BOLSHÓV. I told you that he was coming; and I usually know what I'm talking about. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. If anybody were actually coming, then you'd be talking sense; but you keep saying he's coming, he's coming, but God knows who it is that's coming. It's always like that. LÍPOCHKA. Well, in that case I'll stay, mamma. [_She goes to the mirror and looks at herself. Then to her father_] Daddy! BOLSHÓV. What do you want? LÍPOCHKA. I'm ashamed to tell you, daddy! AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Ashamed of what, you little fool? Speak out if you need anything. USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. Shame isn't smoke--it won't eat out your eyes. LÍPOCHKA. No, by heavens, I'm ashamed! BOLSHÓV. Well, hide your face if you're ashamed! AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Do you want a new hat; is that it? LÍPOCHKA. There! you didn't guess it. No, not a hat. BOLSHÓV. Then what do you want? LÍPOCHKA. To marry a soldier! BOLSHÓV. Just listen to that! AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Wake up, you shameless girl! Lord help you! LÍPOCHKA. Why--you see, others marry soldiers. BOLSHÓV. Well, let 'em marry 'em; you just sit by the sea and wait for a fair breeze. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. And don't you dare give me any of your lip! I won't give you my mother's blessing. SCENE IV _The same and_ LÁZAR, RISPOLÓZHENSKY, _and_ FOMÍNISHNA _in the doorway_. RISPOLÓZHENSKY. How do you do, my dear Samsón Sílych! How do you do, my dear Agraféna Kondrátyevna! Olimpiáda Samsónovna, how do you do! BOLSHÓV. How are you, old man, how are you! Do us the favor to sit down. You sit down, too, Lázar! AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Won't you have a snack? I have a relish all ready for you. RISPOLÓZHENSKY. Why shouldn't I, dear lady? I'd just like a thimbleful of something now. BOLSHÓV. Let's all go in together pretty soon; but now, meanwhile, we can have a little talk. USTÍNYA NAÚMOVNA. Why not have a little talk? D'you know, my jewels, I heard--it must have been printed in the newspaper, whether it's true or not--that a second Bonaparte has been born, and it may be, my jewels---- BOLSHÓV. Bonaparte's all right, but we'll trust most of all in the mercy of God; it's not a question of that now.