BABAYEV. Really, what is there vulgar in it?

LUKERYA. The words are low and even quite coarse, and they aren't usually
spoken before people of good breeding.

BABAYEV. Well, imagine that I'm a man of no breeding. What are the words,
tell me?

LUKERYA. You're embarrassing Tanya and me. But if you're interested to hear
those words, all right! The kitchen and other common things belong to the
household: the frying-pan, the handle, the oven fork. Isn't that low?

KRASNOV. Whether the oven fork is high or low, if you put the soup in the
stove you've got to get it out.

TATYANA. You might spare your wife before guests.

KRASNOV. I haven't insulted you a hair's breadth either before guests or
without guests. When you're asked what sort of a housekeeper you are for
your husband, right before him, then I should think you'd answer, that
you're a good housekeeper, and aren't ashamed of your position, because
among such as us that is the first duty.

LUKERYA. [_In a low voice to_ KRASNOV] You're disturbing our conversation
with our guest.

BABAYEV. [_In a low voice to_ TATYANA] Is he always like this?

TATYANA. [_In a low voice_] I don't know what's the matter with him.

BABAYEV. [_In a low voice_] You see for yourself that I've no business
here. You'd better come to me to-day, and I'll go home now. [_Aloud_] Well,
good-by. I hope this isn't the last time we meet.

LUKERYA. Certainly, certainly.

TATYANA. We are most grateful for your visit!

KRASNOV. [_Bowing_] Good-by to you! Are you going away from here soon?

BABAYEV. I don't know. Whenever my affairs are settled.

KRASNOV. But when, do you think?

BABAYEV. They tell me, at court, the day after to-morrow.

KRASNOV. So, when that's over you're going directly?

BABAYEV. I think so. What is there to do here?

KRASNOV. Yes, there's nothing to do here. My regards to you! [BABAYEV,
TATYANA, _and_ LUKERYA _go out_] An unbidden guest is worse than a Tatar.
What do we want with him? What use is he to us? I won't have his help; we
aren't beggars. Well, be off with you! Go to St. Petersburg, and good luck
to you.

_Enter_ TATYANA _and_ LUKERYA.

SCENE V

KRASNOV, TATYANA, _and_ LUKERYA

TATYANA. What are you doing? Why did you go and insult me so?

KRASNOV. There's no insult! Now, look here! We haven't quarrelled once
since our wedding, and I hope that we may never do so, but may always live
in love.

LUKERYA. Fine love, I must say!

[KRASNOV _looks