NASTASYA TIMOFEYEVNA.
No, it isn't trifling!
You be careful what you say.
Besides a thousand roubles of good money, we're giving three dresses, the bed, and all the furniture.
You won't find another dowry like that in a hurry!
YATS.
I didn't mean...
The furniture's splendid, of course, and... and the dresses, but I never hinted at what they are getting offended at.
NASTASYA TIMOFEYEVNA.
Don't you go making hints.
We respect you on account of your parents, and we've invited you to the wedding, and here you go talking.
If you knew that Epaminond Maximovitch was marrying for profit, why didn't you say so before? [Tearfully] I brought her up, I fed her, I nursed her.... I cared for her more than if she was an emerald jewel, my little girl....
APLOMBOV.
And you go and believe him?
Thank you so much!
I'm very grateful to you! [To YATS] And as for you, Mr. Yats, although you are acquainted with me, I shan't allow you to behave like this in another's house.
Please get out of this!
YATS.
What do you mean?
APLOMBOV.
I want you to be as straightforward as I am!
In short, please get out! [Band plays a flourish]
THE GENTLEMEN.
Leave him alone!
Sit down!
Is it worth it!
Let him be!
Stop it now!
YATS.
I never...
I...
I don't understand....
Please, I'll go....
Only you first give me the five roubles which you borrowed from me last year on the strength of a pique waistcoat, if I may say so.
Then I'll just have another drink and... go, only give me the money first.
VARIOUS GENTLEMEN.
Sit down!
That's enough!
Is it worth it, just for such trifles?
A GROOMSMAN. [Shouts] The health of the bride's parents, Evdokim Zaharitch and Nastasya Timofeyevna! [Band plays a flourish. Cheers.]
ZHIGALOV. [Bows in all directions, in great emotion] I thank you!
Dear guests!
I am very grateful to you for not having forgotten and for having conferred this honour upon us without being standoffish And you must not think that I'm a rascal, or that I'm trying to swindle anybody. I'm speaking from my heart—from the purity of my soul!
I wouldn't deny anything to good people!
We thank you very humbly! [Kisses.]
DASHENKA. [To her mother] Mama, why are you crying?
I'm so happy!
APLOMBOV.
Maman is disturbed at your coming separation.
But I should advise her rather to remember the last talk we had.