usic, or parties?

SHISHGALEV. No, we haven't.

BABAYEV. But where do the members of the court and the rest of them spend
their time?

SHISHGALEV. They usually spend it together.

BABAYEV. How together?

SHISHGALEV. Every day is assigned. For instance, to-day they are with the
prefect, to-morrow with the judge, day after to-morrow with the attorney;
then with the farmer of the spirit tax, and next with the retired police
captain--and so all the week goes by.

BABAYEV. At what time do they meet?

SHISHGALEV. About six o'clock.

BABAYEV. What do they do then?

SHISHGALEV. They play preference.

BABAYEV. And what else, certainly not only preference?

SHISHGALEV. That's the truth, just preference. But usually they have tables
with drinks and refreshments--just as it should be. They play, and then
they take a bite, and so they pass the time.

BABAYEV. And do they all drink, from six o'clock on?

SHISHGALEV. Oh, no, by no means! Only the dealer, or some one who has to
pay a fine.

BABAYEV. Then, my dear sir, I can't help it. I've got to wait.

SHISHGALEV. Just wait awhile, sir. On Monday you will please appear in
court, and we'll arrange the matter without delay.

BABAYEV. Very well, I will be in court on Monday. But you'll have some
writing to do for me. Then I'll give you--as is proper--I don't like any
one to labor for me for nothing.

SHISHGALEV. My family is large, Your Honor----

BABAYEV. What's that?

SHISHGALEV. Do have the kindness to bestow a little something----

BABAYEV. Really, I don't know; how's that? How much do you want?

KARP. Give him one ruble, sir; that'll be enough for him.

BABAYEV. [_Giving the money_] Here you are--I'm really ashamed.

SHISHGALEV. [_Depositing the coin in his pocket_] Not at all. I thank you
heartily; I wish you all good fortune. [_Goes out_.

SCENE III

BABAYEV _and_ KARP

BABAYEV. How rude you are, Karp.

KARP. If you begin to be sentimental with 'em, sir, they'll get the habit
of calling around here and bewailing their fate. No amount of money will
suffice 'em. They're a godless crowd.

BABAYEV. Well, what'll I do? I'd like to go for a walk, but it's still hot.
Karp, what shall I do?

KARP. I'll tell you what, go to sleep; after travelling it's a good thing.

BABAYEV. But what shall I do at night?

KARP. At night just the same. They say people sleep when they're bored.

BABAYEV. How stupid I was not to bring any books. If I only had