jackstones with the children.
YEGOR
I'm not asking you. What time is it?
PELAGUEYA
It just struck two.
YEGOR
Tell him I'll turn him out. I won't stand it.
LIPA
Stand what? Be reasonable.
YEGOR
I won't stand it. Who is he anyway? Never at home in time for dinner. He comes and feeds like a dog by himself—knocks about at night and doesn't lock the gate. I went out yesterday and found the gate wide open. If we are robbed, who'll pay for it?
LIPA
There are no thieves here. What thieves have you ever seen in this place?
YEGOR
What thieves? A lot. When all people are asleep, he is knocking about.
Who ever heard of such a thing?
LIPA
But if he doesn't want to sleep, what is he to do?
YEGOR
What, you too? He doesn't want to? Let him go to bed, and he'll sleep. No one wants to sleep, but once you lie down you fall asleep. He doesn't want to? I know him. Who asked him to come? He was making bank-notes over there—then why didn't he stay where he was and do what he pleased? What business has he here?
LIPA
What bank-notes?
YEGOR
What bank-notes? Not real ones. Nothing is done to you for making real bank-notes. Counterfeit bank-notes, that's what. Not the sort of thing you get patted on the head for, when you are caught, no sirree! It's very strict now. I'll go to the police captain and tell him: "It's like this—just search him."
LIPA
Oh, nonsense.
PELAGUEYA
You are the only, one who doesn't know it. Everybody else knows it.
LIPA
Oh, Lord!
YEGOR
Well, about the Lord we know better than you. You needn't appeal to Him. I want you to tell Savva that I am not afraid of him. He didn't strike the right person. I'll just make him skip. I'll turn him out. Let him go where he came from. The idea of my having to be responsible for his robberies. Who's ever heard of such a thing?
LIPA
You are not quite wide awake, father, that's what's the matter with you.
YEGOR
I am wide awake all right, and have been for a long time. What I'd like to know is, are you wide awake? Look out, Lipa, don't let it happen to you too.
LIPA
What?
YEGOR
It. (He yawns and crosses himself) If mother were to rise from her grave now and see her children, she would be delighted. Fine children, she would say. I have nursed you, and brought you up, and what's the result? Regular good-for-nothing scamps. Tony'll soon begin to drink again. I can see it on his face. Who's ever heard of such a thing? People will soon be coming here for the feast-day, and I'll have to work alone for the whole bunch. Polya, hand me that match from the floor—there. No, not there, you blind goose. There, you stupid.
PELAGUEYA (hunting for the match)
I don't see it.
YEGOR
I'll take you by the back of your neck and give you such a shaking that you'll see mighty quick. There it is, damn you!
LIPA (faint)
Oh, God, what a blistering heat!
YEGOR
There it is. Where are you crawling? Under the chair. There, damn you!
SAVVA (enters gayly, the pocket of his blouse full of jackstones) I won six pair.
YEGOR
Well, the idea!
SAVVA
I finished that rascal Misha, cleared him all up. What are you mumbling about there?
YEGOR
Nothing. Only I wish you'd address me a little more politely.
SAVVA (paying no attention to him)
Lipa, I won six pair.
LIPA
How can you play in such heat?
SAVVA
Wait, I am going to put the jackstones away. I have eighteen pair now.
Misha, the little rascal, plays well. (He goes out)
YEGOR (rising)
I don't want to see him any more. Tell him to get out of here at once.
LIPA
All right, I will.
YEGOR
Don't say "all right," but do what your father tells you. A fine lot of brats—that's a sure thing! Yes, yes. (Goes) If mother saw them—
PELAGUEYA
He speaks of mother as if he weren't the one that drove her to an early grave. He talked her to death, the old scold! He just talks and talks, and nags and nags, and he doesn't know himself what he wants.
LIPA
To be with you is like being caught in the wheel of a machine. My head is spinning round and round.
PELAGUEYA
Then why don't you go away with your Savva? What are you waiting for?
LIPA
Look here, why are you angry with me?
PELAGUEYA
I am not angry. I am telling the truth. You don't want to marry. You are disgusted with all your beaux. Why don't you go into a convent?
LIPA
I won't go into a convent, but I will go away from here, soon enough,
I think.
PELAGUEYA
Well, go! No one is keeping you. The road is wide open.
LIPA
Ah, Polya, you are angry and sulky with me. You don't know how I spend my nights thinking about you. At night I lie awake and think and think about you, and about all the people that are unhappy—all of them.
PELAGUEYA
What do you want to think about me for? You had better think about yourself.
LIPA
And no one knows it. Well, what's the use of talking? You couldn't understand anyhow. I am sorry for you, Polya. (Pelagueya laughs) What's the matter?
PELAGUEYA
If you are sorry for me, why don't you carry out that pail? The way I am, I shouldn't be lifting heavy things. Why don't you help me, if you are so sorry for me?
LIPA (her face darkening, then brightening again) Give it to me. (She picks up the pail and starts to carry it away)
PELAGUEYA (spitefully)
Hypocrite! Let go! Where are you going? (She carries out the pail and returns for the other things)
SAVVA (entering; to his sister)
Why is your face so red?
LIPA
It's hot.