_Zhev._ Yes, there are such cases. All our squadron, both officers and crew, had the most extraordinary names: Pomòykin,[8] Yarỳzhkin,[9] Lieutenant Pereprèyev;[10] and there was one midshipman—a very good midshipman too—whose name was just Dỳrka;[11] it was so odd; the captain would call, “Come here, Dỳrka;” and we all of us used to tease him, and call him stop-gap, and bung-hole, and all sorts of things. (_Door-bell rings_, FÈKLA _runs across stage_.) _Yaìch._ Ah! Good-morning, little mother! _Zhev._ Good-morning! How are you, my dear? _Anoùch._ Glad to see you, little mother, Fèkla Ivànovna. _Fèkla_ (_hurriedly_). Thank you, thank you; same to you. (_Exit into hall; opens door. Voices without_: “At home?” “At home.” _Then several half-inaudible words_; FÈKLA’S _voice answers angrily_: “Just you take care!” _Enter_ KOCHKARYÒV, PODKOLYÒSSIN, _and_ FÈKLA.) _Koch._ (_to_ PODKOLYÒSSIN). Now just keep up your courage—that’s all that’s wanted. (_Glances round, and salutes the company with a surprised expression._) (_Aside._) Oho! What a lot of people! What’s the meaning of this? They can’t all be suitors. (_Nudges_ FÈKLA, _and speaks to her softly_.) Where did all these crows come from, eh? _Fèkla_ (_softly_). There are no crows here; they are all honest people. _Koch._ (_to her_). There are plenty of them, but they’re precious draggletailed. _Fèkla_ (_softly_). I doubt they’ll fly better than yours, for all he’s so grand. ’Tisn’t fine feathers make fine birds. _Koch._ (_softly_). Yes, every crow thinks her own children the fairest. (_Aloud._) What’s she doing now? I suppose that door leads to her bedroom? (_Approaches door._) _Fèkla._ For shame! I tell you she’s dressing. _Koch._ Well, dear me! there’s no harm in that! I’ll only just look in—nothing more. (_Peeps through keyhole._) _Zhev._ Permit me to satisfy my curiosity too! _Yaìch._ Let me have one little peep. _Koch._ (_continuing to look_). There’s nothing to be seen, gentlemen; there’s something white, but I can’t make out whether it’s a woman or a pillow. (_They all crowd round door and try to peep through keyhole._) _Koch._ There’s ... some one coming! (_All start back. Enter_ ARÌNA PANTELÈYMOVNA _and_ AGÀFIA TIKHÒNOVNA. _All bow._) _Arìna._ To what are we indebted for the honour of this visit? _Yaìch._ I read in the newspapers that you wished to enter into a contract to supply timber; and therefore, as I hold the post of usher in a Government Department, I called to inquire what kind of timber you can supply, what quantity, and at what date. _Arìna._ We don’t take contracts; but we are very glad to see you. Allow me to ask your name. [Illustration: “ALL BOW.” ] _Yaìch._ Ivàn Pàvlovich Yaìchnitza, collegiate assessor. _Arìna._ Be so kind as to take a seat. (_Turns to_ ZHEVÀKIN _and looks at him_.) And may I ask——