LUKÉRYA. That can't be, because I've just seen him through the window. KARP. Well, I see I can't do anything with you; I'll have to announce you. [_Goes out._] LUKÉRYA. In these modern times, these new changes have done a lot to spoil people. He ought to have found out first what my rank was, and then treated me accordingly. And it's not his business whether I came to ask for aid or not. To be sure, people of our station are often engaged in that, but not all. Maybe Valentin Pávlich has become so proud since he has lived in St. Petersburg that he will not wish to see me. But I'm so anxious to show every one here what acquaintances we have. I think he didn't disdain us formerly, especially sister Tánya. _BABÁYEV comes in._ SCENE V BABÁYEV and LUKÉRYA BABÁYEV. Whom have I the honor of addressing? LUKÉRYA. I hardly expected, Valentin Pávlich, that you would so soon forget old acquaintances. BABÁYEV. Be seated, please. [_Both sit down_] I somehow do not recall. LUKÉRYA. Of course, nowadays feelings are not in vogue; now it's all a matter of calculation; but we provincials aren't like you in St. Petersburg; we remember our former acquaintances, and especially our benefactors. BABÁYEV. I agree with you--benefactors should always be remembered. LUKÉRYA. We are so indebted to your mother that words fail me to express it. She did so much for the Zhmigulin family. BABÁYEV. The Zhmigulins? LUKÉRYA. Especially for sister Tánya and me. BABÁYEV. [_Rising_] Tánya--Tatyána Danílovna? LUKÉRYA. Do you remember, now? BABÁYEV. So you are her sister? LUKÉRYA. Lukérya Danílovna Zhmigulin. BABÁYEV. Pardon me, I beg of you. LUKÉRYA. I'm not in the least offended because you remember my sister more readily than you do me. She's so beautiful that it's impossible to forget her. BABÁYEV. Yes, yes, she was an exceedingly beautiful girl; we were great friends. LUKÉRYA. I'm aware of that. Who should know it if not I? Being the elder sister I had to care for the younger. BABÁYEV. Yes, yes, to be sure. Tell me, if you please, where is she now? What is she doing? LUKÉRYA. She's here in the city, married. BABÁYEV. Married? Does she live happily? LUKÉRYA. Judge for yourself. She lives in poverty among stupid, ignorant people. It isn't as it was in your mother's house at Zavetnoye. That was an earthly paradise! Your mother was the kindest of ladies, and liked to have everybody happy at her house. There were always lots of young ladies in her house, and likewise young gentlemen, and they played games from morning till night. She made even the chambermaids play tag with us and other games, and she looked on and enjoyed it. BABÁYEV. Yes, yes, it was but a short time ago. It's no more than three years since I left for St. Petersburg.