NIKITA (pretending to be sober). You must not be cross with me, father. You think I'm drunk? I am all there, that's flat! As they say, "Drink, but keep your wits about you." I can talk with you at once, father. I can attend to any business. You told me about the money; your horse is worn-out,--I remember! That can all be managed. That's all in our hands. If it was an enormous sum that's wanted, then we might wait; but as it is I can do everything. That's the case. AKIM (goes on fidgeting with the leg-bands). Eh, lad, "It's ill sledging when the thaw has set in." NIKITA. What do you mean by that? "And it's ill talking with one who is drunk?" But don't you worry, let's have some tea. And I can do anything; that's flat! I can put everything to rights. AKIM (shakes his head). Eh, eh, eh! NIKITA. The money, here it is. (Puts his hand in his pocket, pulls out pocket-book, handles the notes in it and takes out a ten-rouble note.) Take this to get a horse; I can't forget my parent. I shan't forsake him, that's flat. Because he's my parent! Here you are, take it! Really now, I don't grudge it. (Comes up and pushes the note towards AKIM, who won't take it. NIKITA catches hold of his father's hand.) Take it, I tell you. I don't grudge it. AKIM. I can't what d'you call it, I mean, can't take it! And can't what d'ye call it, talk to you, because you're not yourself, I mean. NIKITA. I'll not let you go! Take it! [Puts the money into AKIM'S hand. ANISYA (enters, and stops). You'd better take it, he'll give you no peace! AKIM (takes it, and shakes his head). Oh! that liquor. Not like a man, I mean! NIKITA. That's better! If you repay it you'll repay it, if not I'll make no bother. That's what I am! (Sees AKOULINA.) Akoulina, show your presents. AKOULINA. What? NIKITA. Show your presents. AKOULINA. The presents, what's the use of showing 'em? I've put 'em away. NIKITA. Get them, I tell you. Nan will like to see 'em. Undo the shawl. Give it here. AKIM. Oh, oh! It's sickening! [Climbs on the oven. AKOULINA (gets out the parcels and puts them on the table). Well, there you are,--what's the good of looking at 'em? NAN. Oh how lovely! It's as good as Stepanida's. AKOULINA. Stepanida's? What's Stepanida's compared to this? (Brightening up and undoing the parcels.) Just look here,--see the quality! It's a French one. NAN. The print is fine! Mary has a dress like it, only lighter on a blue ground. This is pretty. NIKITA. Ah, that's it! [ANISYA passes angrily into the closet, returns with a tablecloth and the chimney of the Samovar, and goes up to the table. ANISYA. Drat you, littering the table! NIKITA. You look here! ANISYA. What am I to look at? Have I never seen anything? Put it away! [Sweeps the shawl on to the floor with her arm. AKOULINA. What are you pitching things down for? You pitch your own things about! [Picks up the shawl. NIKITA. Anisya! Look here! ANISYA. Why am I to look?