MARTHA. It's all very well to say "everyone in turn," but I have children, and besides, the master is not at home to-day. TARÁS. Never mind, let the fellow sleep here to-night; he'll not wear out the place he lies on. AKULÍNA [to Tramp] Come in and sit down, and be our guest. TRAMP. I tender my gratitude. I should like a bite of something, if possible. MARTHA. You haven't had time to look round, and want to eat already. Didn't you beg anything in the village? TRAMP [sighs] I'm not in the habit of begging because of my position, and having no producks of my own ... Akulína rises, goes to the table, takes a loaf of bread, cuts a slice, and gives it to the Tramp. TRAMP [taking the bread] Merci.[2] [Sits down on the bench and eats greedily]. [2] The tramp, who has had some acquaintance with educated Revolutionaries, tries to introduce foreign words, or words not generally used by workmen, into his talk. In this instance he used the French word _merci_ instead of the plain "thank you." TARÁS. And where is Michael? MARTHA. Why, he took hay to the town. It's time he was back, but he's not here. Something must have happened. TARÁS. Why, what should happen? MARTHA. What indeed? Not anything good; it's only bad one has to expect. As soon as he's out of the house he forgets all about us! I expect he'll come back tipsy! AKULÍNA [sitting down to spin, points at Martha and says to Tarás] It's not in her to be quiet. As I always say, we women must find something to grumble about. MARTHA. If he were alone I should not be afraid, but he went with Ignát. TARÁS [smiling] Ah well, Ignát Ivánovich certainly is fond of a drop of vódka. AKULÍNA. Doesn't he know what Ignát is like! Ignát is one man, and our Michael's another. MARTHA. It's all very well for you to talk, mother; but I'm sick of his drinking. While he is sober it would be a sin to complain of him, but when he's drunk, you know what he is like. One can't say a word; everything is wrong. TARÁS. Yes, but look at you women too; a man has a drink. Well, he swaggers about a bit, and sleeps it off, and everything goes on all right; but then the likes of you keep on nagging at him. MARTHA. When he's drunk there's no pleasing him, do what you will. TARÁS. But you should understand that we can't help having a drop now and then. Your woman's business is at home, but the likes of us must have a drop when we're on business, or for company's sake. Well, so one drinks, and where is the harm? MARTHA. You may talk, but it's hard on us women. Oh, how hard it is! If one harnessed you men to our work just for a week, you would sing a different tune. Kneading, cooking, baking, spinning, weaving, and the cattle to look after, and all the rest of it, and the brats to keep washed and clothed and fed; it's all on our shoulders, and if anything is the least bit not to his fancy, there you are, especially when he's drunk. Oh dear, what a life ours is!