OLIMPIÁDA SAMSÓNOVNA. What's the matter with you, ma? you're crying over him as if he were dead! God only knows what's happened. BOLSHÓV. That's just it, daughter; God only knows; but all the same your father's in jail. OLIMPIÁDA SAMSÓNOVNA. Why, daddy, there are better people than you and me there, too. BOLSHÓV. There are, that's so! But how does it feel to be there? How'd you like to go through the street with a soldier? Oh, daughter! You see they've known me here in this city for forty years; for forty years they've all bowed to me down to their belts, but now the street brats point their fingers at me. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. You haven't any color at all, my darling! You look like a ghost. PODKHALYÚZIN. Ah, daddy, God is merciful! When the rough places are smoothed over it'll all be pleasant again. Well, daddy, what do the creditors say? BOLSHÓV. Here's what: they've agreed on the terms. "What's the use," they say, "of dragging it out? Maybe it'll do good, maybe it won't; but just give something in cash, and deuce take you!" PODKHALYÚZIN. Why not give 'em something, sir! By all means do, sir! But do they ask much, daddy? BOLSHÓV. They ask twenty-five kopeks. PODKHALYÚZIN. That's a good deal, daddy! BOLSHÓV. Well, man, I know myself that it's a good deal; but what's to be done? They won't take less. PODKHALYÚZIN. If they'd take ten kopeks, then it'd be all right sir. Seven and a half for satisfaction, and two and a half for the expenses of the meeting. BOLSHÓV. That's the way I talked; but they won't listen to it. PODKHALYÚZIN. They carry it blamed high! But won't they take eight kopeks in five years? BOLSHÓV. What's the use, Lázar, we'll have to give twenty-five; that's what we proposed at first. PODKHALYÚZIN. But how, daddy! You yourself used to say not to give more than ten kopeks, sir. Just consider yourself: at the rate of twenty-five kopeks, that's a lot of money. Daddy, wouldn't you like to take a snack of something, sir? Mamma! order them to bring some vodka, and have them start the samovar; and we, for company's sake, 'll just take a thimbleful, sir.--But twenty-five kopeks's a lot, sir! AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. Right away, my dear, right away! [She goes out. BOLSHÓV. But what are you talking to me for: of course, I know it's a good deal, but how can I help it? They'll put you in the pen for a year and a half; they'll have a soldier lead you through the streets every week, and if you don't watch out, they'll even transfer you to prison: so you'd be glad to give even half a ruble. You don't know where to hide yourself from mere shame. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA _enters with vodka_; TISHKA _brings in relishes, and goes out_. AGRAFÉNA KONDRÁTYEVNA. My own little dove! Eat, my dear, eat! I suppose they half starve you there! PODKHALYÚZIN. Eat, daddy! Don't be particular; we're offering you such as we have. BOLSHÓV. Thanks, Lázar, thanks! [_He drinks_] Take a drink yourself.