LEONID.  Well, well, but I don’t know how to talk to the girls.

POTAPYCH.  But what’s the use of talking to them a long time?  What about?  What kind of sciences would you talk about with them?  Much they understand such stuff!  You’re just the master, and that’s all.

LEONID. [Glances to one side] Who’s this coming?  That’s NADYA, evidently. 
Ah, Potapych, how pretty she is!

POTAPYCH.  She is related to me, sir, my niece.  Her father was set free by the late master; he was employed in a confectioner’s in Moscow.  When her mother died, her mistress took and brought her up, and is awful fond of her.  And because her father is dead, why, now, she’s an orphan.  She’s a good girl.

LEONID.  Looks as if they were coming this way.

POTAPYCH.  Well, let ’em.

GAVRILOVNA and NADYA enter.

SCENE III

The same, GAVRILOVNA and NADYA

GAVRILOVNA.  How do you do, good master?

LEONID. [Bows] How do you do?

GAVRILOVNA.  Well, master, I suppose you’re bored in the country?

LEONID.  No, not at all.

GAVRILOVNA.  What, not bored yet!  Why, you see it’s like a monastery here; they look after you with a hundred eyes.  Well, as for you, it goes without saying, you’re a young gentleman, you ought to have some amusement; but you can’t.  It’s no great joy to shoot ducks! [She laughs.

LEONID. [Going up to GAVRILOVNA] Yes, yes, Gavrilovna.

NADYA. [To GAVRILOVNA] Let’s go.

GAVRILOVNA.  Where do you want to go?  Now, seeing that the mistress isn’t at home, you ought to have a little fun with the young master.  That’s what young folks need.  And what a clever girl she is, master!  In talking, and in everything.

NADYA.  Come, what’s the use!

GAVRILOVNA.  Well, there’s no harm in it!  I was young once.  I didn’t run away from the gentlemen, and you see they didn’t eat me.  Perhaps even he won’t bite you.  Quit playing the prude, and stay here!  But I’m going to get the tea ready!  Good-by, good master! [She goes out.

LEONID.  Why did you not wish to remain with me?

POTAPYCH.  What’s this, sir!  You talk to her as if she were a young lady! 
Call her Nadya!

LEONID.  What are you afraid of, Nadya?

NADYA is silent.

POTAPYCH.  Talk!  What are you keeping still for?  And I’m going, sir; I must get dressed for tea, too. [He goes out.

SCENE IV

LEONID, NADYA, and then LIZA

NADYA.  Of course I’m a girl of humble position, but, indeed, even we do not want anybody to speak evil of us.  Pray consider yourself, after such talk, who would marry me?

LEONID.  Are you going to get married?