Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/105

 : I beg you to take a seat and converse with us about a very important matter.

(sitting): What can I do?


 * We have a son of ten years; we wish to give him a tutor. You are our marshal; be so kind, advise us.


 * The matter is important, certainly, as it concerns the education and consequently the well-being of a young noble; but it is not such an affair that I need to have come to you.


 * I feel that it was my duty to go to you myself, but my countess inconsiderately and without asking me sent for you; excuse the impatience of a countess.


 * I am not at all offended; on the contrary, I am pleased that you would have come to me on this business. By my position I know all our nobles. Recently I made the acquaintance of a gentleman who not long ago bought a small village in our district—a Major Flatternot. If he were to consent to educate your son, would you be pleased?

(after a pause): Countess, speak!


 * A Russian tutor! I do not like that very much.