Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/161

 : Never mind, never mind, let him listen too. It’s very interesting; I’m just finishing. At the station, Sereja came to meet me. She had brought some young man, an inspector of taxes, I think, nothing particular to look at, very nice, especially the eyes—Sereja introduced him and we all three went off together. The weather was wonderful (Voices off: “You mustn’t! You mustn’t! What do you want?” Enter Mrs. Merchutkin, old, in a cloak.)

(at the door, fanning herself): What are you stopping me for? I must go myself! (Enters; to Shipuchin.) Allow me to introduce myself, your excellency, I am the wife of Mr.Merchutkin.


 * What can I do for you?


 * Please listen, your excellency; my husband was ill for five months and while he was lying at home getting better, they dismissed him without any reason, your excellency, and when I went for his salary, please listen, they had taken a quarter off his salary. “Why?” I asked them. “He’s been borrowing from the fund,” they told me, “and other people guaranteed him.” How can that be? He can’t take anything without