_Paul_ (_sings_). “La Donna e mobile.” _Pereshìvkina._ “Oustìnya Filimònovna,” says she, “I’m in love.” So I asked her, “With who, little mother?” “You look,” says she, “he’ll pass in a minute.” So I looked out of the window, and there was Pàvel Petròvich going past, and she says to me, “That’s he,” says she. You could have knocked me down with a feather. _Paul_ (_sings_). “La Donna e mobile.” _Pereshìvkina._ Of course Pàvel Petròvich must look at her himself, and see whether he likes her. And if you feel any doubt you might go to the Warden Council and see that the money’s all right; there’s no harm in making sure. Love’s all very well, but money’s money. You see, it’s for all your life. _Paul_ (_goes up to his mother_). _Maman_, I’m going for a walk. _Madame P._ Good-bye, my dear. (_Kisses his forehead._) _Paul_ (_whispers_). Try your hardest. (_Exit._) _Madame P._ You see, my dear Oustìnya Filimonòvna, it’s not a very great stroke of fortune for my Paul that some Madame Aslàmevich has fallen in love with him. However, if he sees her she may possibly take his fancy.... Of course, for my part, I shall make no difficulties, although she’s only from the merchant class.... All I care for is his happiness. (_Rises._) Come with me; I’ll tell the servants to give you some tea.... Only I beg you to behave with discretion. _Pereshìvkina._ Little mother, I’d as soon——(_Exeunt._) PICTURE II. DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. KARP KÀRPYCH TOLSTOGORÀZDOV, _merchant; short, fat, grey haired_. OULÌTA NIKÌTISHNA, _his wife; an elderly woman, without any noteworthy characteristics_. SERAFÌMA KÀRPOVNA, _Tolstogoràzdov’s daughter; widow; tall, slender, remarkably handsome; walk and gestures of boarding-school girl; often meditates; sighs and lifts her eyes to heaven when she speaks of love; also when she counts her money; and sometimes without any reason_. MATRYÒNA, _maid-servant; distant connection of the Tolstogoràzdov’s, a young girl; plump, exquisitely white skin, red cheeks, black eyes and brows. Costume: Pelisse, ornamental chemise, with muslin sleeves, and coins woven into plait of hair._ FIRST COACHMAN, _Tolstogoràzdov’s_. SECOND COACHMAN, _Serafima’s_. _Courtyard, gallery of house, right. Garden in background. Stables, &c., left. Two doors: one into cellar, one into hay-loft._ SCENE I. IN COURTYARD. (FIRST COACHMAN _sits on cellar steps_. _Enter_ MATRYÒNA.) _First Coachman_ (_sings, falsetto_). “In my youth I knew of naught but pleasure, Gold had I to spare and give;— Now my joys are vanished with my treasure, As a wretched slave I live.” _Matryòna._ The master and mistress have waked up; you might carry in the samovar, Ivànych.