after, and we shall enjoy their happiness. Love and good luck to them both! [She drinks] This is strong vodka!
Shabelski. [Laughing loudly, to Lebedieff] The funny thing is, they actually think I am in earnest. How strange! [He gets up] And yet, Paul, why shouldn’t I play her this shabby trick? Just out of spite? To give the devil something to do, eh, Paul?
Lebedieff. You are talking nonsense, Count. You and I must fix our thoughts on dying now; we have left Martha’s money far behind us; our day is over.
Shabelski. No, I shall certainly marry her; upon my word, I shall!
Enter Ivanoff and Lvoff.
Lvoff. Will you please spare me five minutes of your time?
Lebedieff. Hallo, Nicholas! [He goes to meet Ivanoff] How are you, old friend? I have been waiting an hour for you.
Avdotia. [Bows] How do you do, my son?
Ivanoff. [Bitterly] So you have turned my library into a bar-room again, have you? And yet I have begged you all a thousand times not to do so! [He goes up to the table] There, you see, you have spilt vodka all over my papers and scattered crumbs and cucumbers everywhere! It is disgusting!
Lebedieff. I beg your pardon, Nicholas. Please forgive me. I have something very important to speak to you about.
Borkin. So have I.
Lvoff. May I have a word with you?
Ivanoff. [Pointing to Lebedieff] He wants to speak to me; wait a minute. [To Lebedieff] Well, what is it?
Lebedieff. [To the others] Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, I want to speak to him in private.
Shabelski goes out, followed by Avdotia, Borkin, and Lvoff.
