s, you know.

LIPA

What strange fancies you have. Why, now you are joking--

SAVVA _(somewhat surprised)_

They are not fancies.

LIPA

My fancies are different. You are a dear now, because you talk to
me. In the evening I'll tell you all about myself. We'll take a walk
together, and I'll tell you everything.

SAVVA

Very well, I'll listen. Why shouldn't I?

LIPA

Tell me, Savva, if I may ask--are you in love with a woman?

SAVVA

Ah, switched around to the subject of love after all--just like a
woman! I hardly know what to say. I did love a girl, in a way, but she
didn't stick it out.

LIPA

Stick out what?

SAVVA

My love, or perhaps myself. All I know is that one fine day she went
away and left me.

LIPA _(laughing)_

And you?

SAVVA

Nothing. I remained alone.

LIPA

Have you any friends, comrades?

SAVVA

No.

LIPA

Any enemies? I mean is there anyone whom you particularly dislike,
whom you hate?

SAVVA

Yes--God.

LIPA _(incredulously)_

What?

SAVVA

God, I say--the one whom you call your Saviour.

LIPA _(shouting)_

Don't dare speak that way! You've gone out of your mind!

SAVVA

Ah! I touched your sensitive spot, did I?

LIPA

Don't you dare!

SAVVA

I thought you were a gentle dove, but you have a tongue like a
snake's. _(He imitates the movements of a snake's tongue with his
finger)_

LIPA

Good Lord! How dare you, how can you speak like that of the Saviour?
Why, one dares not look at him. Why have you come here?

_[Kondraty appears at the door of the tavern, looks around, and enters
quietly._

KONDRATY

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost!

SAVVA

Amen! You're very late, my gracious lord!

KONDRATY

I did the will of him who sent me. I was picking young little
cucumbers for the Father Superior. He has them made into a dainty dish
which he loves dearly for an appetizer. My, what infernal heat! I was
in pools of perspiration before I got through.

SAVVA _(to Lipa)_

You see, here is a monk. He likes a drink. His cussing vocabulary
isn't bad. He is no fool, and as to women--

KONDRATY

Don't embarrass the young lady, Mr. Tropinin. In the presence of a
lady--

SAVVA

And furthermore, he doesn't believe in God.

KONDRATY

He is joking.

LIPA

I don't like such jokes. What have you come here for?

KONDRATY

I am here by invitation.

SAVVA

I have some business with him.

LIPA _(without look