PROKOFYEVNA.  I tell you it’s a mistake.  It’s true, she isn’t without faults.  There’s a woman here who comes to him, and looks like her, but it isn’t she.  What’s that to me!  Wouldn’t I tell you?  But if it isn’t true, then why talk nonsense?

ULYANA.  You’re just helping them out.

PROKOFYEVNA.  Don’t tell wrong stories, Ulyana; don’t tell wrong stories!

ULYANA.  But where’s the wrong, Prokofyevna!  She’s equal to it; because I know her.  It’s too bad brother has given her so much freedom.  I wouldn’t have thought of saying such a thing of another, but it isn’t a sin to say it of her.  If not to-day then to-morrow she’ll begin to raise trouble that will never come to an end.  She’ll hoodwink brother.  If you only knew how she’s insulted me.

PROKOFYEVNA.  Is that so?

ULYANA.  May I die in my tracks if she didn’t!  She’s changed brother so that now he fairly growls at me.  “I won’t have anything to do with you,” says he.  That’s the sort she is!  Just you wait, my dear!  I’m not like some.

PROKOFYEVNA.  That’s enough for you!  What’s the good of your mixing in! 
She’s the mistress in her house, and you are in yours.

ULYANA.  To the deuce with her!  I’ve nothing to do with her.  But it hurts me, Prokofyevna, that she upsets brother, and estranges him from his whole family.

PROKOFYEVNA.  Well, that’s your business; you’ll settle accounts somehow. 
Are you going home now?

ULYANA.  Yes, my dear; it’s supper-time.  My boss is probably storming and pacing the floor by now.  Come and see us!

PROKOFYEVNA.  Good-by.

They kiss each other.  PROKOFYEVNA goes out through the gate.

SCENE II

ULYANA and later AFONYA

ULYANA.  Who knows whether Prokofyevna was lying or not.  You can’t believe her; she’s a rogue.  I’d give a lot to find out for certain if she’s now with the gentleman or not.  Will it hurt to wait?  If she stays long, my husband will make such a fuss that I won’t forget it for a month of Sundays.  You’re lucky that I’m in a hurry, or I’d watch out for you. [Goes out.  She meets AFONYA] Afonya, where are you going?

AFONYA.  Go away, leave me alone!  Leave me alone!

ULYANA.  Is Tatyana at home?

AFONYA.  No, she’s gone.

ULYANA.  Then she’s here at the gentleman’s; I just saw her.

AFONYA.  At the gentleman’s?  Heavens!  Have people no sense of shame!

ULYANA.  I’ve got to run home; I’ll tell my husband, then I’ll call at your house. [Going away] Wait, brother, wait!  I’ll get even with you for your insults! [Goes out.