SHISHGÁLEV. That's the truth, just preference. But usually they have tables with drinks and refreshments--just as it should be. They play, and then they take a bite, and so they pass the time. BABÁYEV. And do they all drink, from six o'clock on? SHISHGÁLEV. Oh, no, by no means! Only the dealer, or some one who has to pay a fine. BABÁYEV. Then, my dear sir, I can't help it. I've got to wait. SHISHGÁLEV. Just wait awhile, sir. On Monday you will please appear in court, and we'll arrange the matter without delay. BABÁYEV. Very well, I will be in court on Monday. But you'll have some writing to do for me. Then I'll give you--as is proper--I don't like any one to labor for me for nothing. SHISHGÁLEV. My family is large, Your Honor---- BABÁYEV. What's that? SHISHGÁLEV. Do have the kindness to bestow a little something---- BABÁYEV. Really, I don't know; how's that? How much do you want? KARP. Give him one ruble, sir; that'll be enough for him. BABÁYEV. [_Giving the money_] Here you are--I'm really ashamed. SHISHGÁLEV. [_Depositing the coin in his pocket_] Not at all. I thank you heartily; I wish you all good fortune. [_Goes out_. SCENE III BABÁYEV _and_ KARP BABÁYEV. How rude you are, Karp. KARP. If you begin to be sentimental with 'em, sir, they'll get the habit of calling around here and bewailing their fate. No amount of money will suffice 'em. They're a godless crowd. BABÁYEV. Well, what'll I do? I'd like to go for a walk, but it's still hot. Karp, what shall I do? KARP. I'll tell you what, go to sleep; after travelling it's a good thing. BABÁYEV. But what shall I do at night? KARP. At night just the same. They say people sleep when they're bored. BABÁYEV. How stupid I was not to bring any books. If I only had some frivolous intrigue to amuse myself with for four days. [_Goes out through the side door._] KARP. So that's what you wish! An intrigue! That's his style! He was his mother's spoiled darling and he was raised with young ladies and in the housemaids' room, and he has a hankering for that kind of thing now. Since I've lived in St. Petersburg with him, what things I have seen; it was shameful! I wonder if he's asleep? I'd like to have a nap. [_He's about to lie down when the door opens_] Who's that? LUKÉRYA _comes in._ SCENE IV KARP and LUKÉRYA KARP. What do you want? LUKÉRYA. Valentin Pávlich. KARP. What do you want of him? LUKÉRYA. If I want to see him, of course it must be necessary. KARP. Do you want help of some sort? LUKÉRYA. How rude! Aren't you aware that the Zhmigulin ladies were always welcome at the home of your master's mother? I am also very intimately acquainted with Valentin Pávlich. KARP. You are? I doubt it. LUKÉRYA. Maybe you stupidly misunderstand my words in some way that's beyond me. [_Sits down_] Your business is to go right off and announce me. KARP. I tell you he's asleep now.