Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/163

 (to his wife): Tanyusha darling, just go into the office for half a minute. I’ll come immediately.


 * Very well, dear. (Exit.)


 * I don’t understand. You’ve evidently made a mistake, Madame. Your application does not concern us at all. Just give yourself the trouble to apply to the government department in which your husband worked.


 * Kind sir, I have been there already five months, and they won’t take in the application. I nearly went out of my head, but luckily my son-in-law Boris advised me to come to you. “Mama,” he said, “apply to Mr. Shipuchin; he’s an influential man and can do anything.” Help me, your excellency!


 * We can’t do anything for you, Mrs. Merchutkin. Do you understand—your husband, as far as I can judge, served in the Army Medical Department, but this is a perfectly private commercial establishment; this is a bank. Surely you understand?


 * Your excellency, I have a doctor’s certificate about my husband’s illness. Here it is, please look at it