THEODORE IVANITCH (alone, shaking his head). A good affectionate girl. To think that so many like her perish! Get but once into trouble and she'll go from hand to hand until she sinks into the mire, and can never be found again! There was that dear little Nataly. She, too, was a good girl, reared and cared for by a mother. (Takes up paper.) Well, let's see what tricks Ferdinand is up to in Bulgaria. CURTAIN ACT II Evening of the same day. The scene represents the interior of the servants' kitchen. The PEASANTS have taken off their outer garments and sit drinking tea at the table, and perspiring. THEODORE IVANITCH is smoking a cigar at the other side of the stage. The discharged COOK is lying on the brick oven, and is unseen during the early part of the scene. THEODORE IVANITCH. My advice is, don't hinder him! If it's his wish and hers, in Heaven's name, let him do it. She is a good, honest girl. Never mind her being a bit dressy; she can't help that, living in town: she is a good girl all the same. SECOND PEASANT. Well, of course, if it is his wish, let him! He'll have to live with her, not me. But she's certainly uncommon spruce. How's one to take her into one's hut? Why, she'll not let her mother-in-law so much as pat her on the head. THEODORE IVANITCH. That does not depend on the spruceness, but on character. If her nature is good, she's sure to be docile and respectful. SECOND PEASANT. Ah, well, we'll have her if the lad's bent on having her. After all, it's a bad job to live with one as one don't care for. I'll consult my missus, and then may Heaven bless them! THEODORE IVANITCH. Then let's shake hands on it! SECOND PEASANT. Well, it seems it will have to come off. FIRST PEASANT. Eh, Zachary! fortune's a-smiling on you! You've come to accomplish a piece of business, and just see what a duchess of a daughter-in-law you've obtained. All that's left to be done is to have a drink on it, and then it will be all in order. THEODORE IVANITCH. That's not at all necessary. [An awkward silence. THEODORE IVANITCH. I know something of your way of life, too, you know. I am even thinking of purchasing a bit of land, building a cottage, and working on the land myself somewhere; maybe in your neighborhood. SECOND PEASANT. A very good thing, too. FIRST PEASANT. That's just it. When one has got the money one can get all kinds of pleasure in the country. THIRD PEASANT. Say no more about it! Country life let's say, is freer in every way, not like the town! THEODORE IVANITCH. There now, would you let me join your Commune if I settled among you? SECOND PEASANT. Why not? If you stand drink for the Elders, they'll accept you soon enough! FIRST PEASANT. And if you open a public-house, for example, or an inn, why, you'd have such a life you'd never need to die! You might live like a king, and no mistake.