Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/153

 remembrance of the happiest days of my life! Yes, my dear, dear sirs! Once again I thank you. (Throws them a kiss, and goes up to Hirin.) My dear fellow, my esteemed Hirin!

(rising): I have the honour to congratulate you, Mr. Shipuchin, on your fifteenth year at the head of the bank and I hope that

(squeezing his hand): Thank you, my dear fellow. Thank you! This notable day, this jubilee—Very, very glad! Thank you for your services, for everything; for everything I thank you. If, while I have had the honour to be managing director of this bank, if anything useful has been done, then I am indebted for it before all else to my colleagues. (Sighs.) Yes, my dear fellow, fifteen years! Fifteen years, or I’m not Shipuchin! (Briskly.) Well, what about my report? Is it coming along?


 * Yes. There are about five pages left.


 * Excellent. That means, it will be ready at three?


 * If nobody disturbs me, it’ll be finished. There’s just rubbish left.


 * Magnificent. Magnificent, or I’m not Shipuchin! The general meeting will be at four.