faction, and two and a half for the expenses of the
meeting.

BOLSHOV. That's the way I talked; but they won't listen to it.

PODKHALYUZIN. They carry it blamed high! But won't they take eight kopeks
in five years?

BOLSHOV. What's the use, Lazar, we'll have to give twenty-five; that's what
we proposed at first.

PODKHALYUZIN. But how, daddy! You yourself used to say not to give more
than ten kopeks, sir. Just consider yourself: at the rate of twenty-five
kopeks, that's a lot of money. Daddy, wouldn't you like to take a snack of
something, sir? Mamma! order them to bring some vodka, and have them start
the samovar; and we, for company's sake, 'll just take a thimbleful,
sir.--But twenty-five kopeks's a lot, sir!

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA. Right away, my dear, right away! [She goes out.

BOLSHOV. But what are you talking to me for: of course, I know it's a good
deal, but how can I help it? They'll put you in the pen for a year and a
half; they'll have a soldier lead you through the streets every week, and
if you don't watch out, they'll even transfer you to prison: so you'd be
glad to give even half a ruble. You don't know where to hide yourself from
mere shame.

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA _enters with vodka_; TISHKA _brings in relishes, and
goes out_.

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA. My own little dove! Eat, my dear, eat! I suppose
they half starve you there!

PODKHALYUZIN. Eat, daddy! Don't be particular; we're offering you such as
we have.

BOLSHOV. Thanks, Lazar, thanks! [_He drinks_] Take a drink yourself.

PODKHALYUZIN. Your health! [_He drinks_] Mamma, won't you have some, ma'am?
Please do!

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA. Holy saints, what am I to do now? Such is the will
of God! O Lord, my God! Ah, my own little dove, you!

PODKHALYUZIN. Ah, mamma, God is merciful; we'll get out of it somehow. Not
all at once, ma'am!

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA. Lord grant we may! As it is, it makes me pine away
simply looking at him.

BOLSHOV. Well, what about it, Lazar?

PODKHALYUZIN. Ten kopeks, if you please, I'll give, sir, as we said.

BOLSHOV. But where am I going to get fifteen more? I can't make 'em out of
door-mats.

PODKHALYUZIN. Daddy, I can't raise 'em, sir! God sees that I can't, sir!

BOLSHOV. What's the matter, Lazar? What's the matter? What have you done
with the money?

PODKHALYUZIN. Now you just consider: here I'm setting up in business--have
fixed up a house. But do have something to eat, daddy! You can have some