some
frivolous intrigue to amuse myself with for four days.
[_Goes out through the side door._]

KARP. So that's what you wish! An intrigue! That's his style! He was his
mother's spoiled darling and he was raised with young ladies and in the
housemaids' room, and he has a hankering for that kind of thing now. Since
I've lived in St. Petersburg with him, what things I have seen; it was
shameful! I wonder if he's asleep? I'd like to have a nap. [_He's about to
lie down when the door opens_] Who's that?

LUKERYA _comes in._

SCENE IV

KARP and LUKERYA

KARP. What do you want?

LUKERYA. Valentin Pavlich.

KARP. What do you want of him?

LUKERYA. If I want to see him, of course it must be necessary.

KARP. Do you want help of some sort?

LUKERYA. How rude! Aren't you aware that the Zhmigulin ladies were always
welcome at the home of your master's mother? I am also very intimately
acquainted with Valentin Pavlich.

KARP. You are? I doubt it.

LUKERYA. Maybe you stupidly misunderstand my words in some way that's
beyond me. [_Sits down_] Your business is to go right off and announce me.

KARP. I tell you he's asleep now.

LUKERYA. That can't be, because I've just seen him through the window.

KARP. Well, I see I can't do anything with you; I'll have to announce you.
[_Goes out._]

LUKERYA. In these modern times, these new changes have done a lot to spoil
people. He ought to have found out first what my rank was, and then treated
me accordingly. And it's not his business whether I came to ask for aid or
not. To be sure, people of our station are often engaged in that, but not
all. Maybe Valentin Pavlich has become so proud since he has lived in St.
Petersburg that he will not wish to see me. But I'm so anxious to show
every one here what acquaintances we have. I think he didn't disdain us
formerly, especially sister Tanya.

_BABAYEV comes in._

SCENE V

BABAYEV and LUKERYA

BABAYEV. Whom have I the honor of addressing?

LUKERYA. I hardly expected, Valentin Pavlich, that you would so soon forget
old acquaintances.

BABAYEV. Be seated, please. [_Both sit down_] I somehow do not recall.

LUKERYA. Of course, nowadays feelings are not in vogue; now it's all
a matter of calculation; but we provincials aren't like you in St.
Petersburg; we remember our former acquaintances, and especially our
benefactors.

BABAYEV. I agree with you--benefactors should always