Act 1, Scene 4 Summary

It is the following evening at the village Inn. Avram, Lazar, Mendel and several other villagers are already sitting at tables. Lazar is impatiently drumming his fingers on the table and watching the door. He asks Mordcha for two glasses a bottle of the best brandy.

Avram and Mordcha are curious about the request, and Lazar says that there might be a party and a wedding. Mordcha offers to help make the wedding merry for a small fee. Lazar agrees, insert a small amount of sarcasm regarding the fee.

Several Russians enter, including Fyedka, and ask for Vodka. Then Tevye follows, and Lazar pretends to be unconcerned about watching the door anymore. Tevye and Mordcha greet one another, and Mendel expresses surprise that he is there so early. Tevye explains quietly to Mendel that Lazar wants to buy his new milk...