Am I a little boy that will allow himself to be pulled by his hair? They don't do these things nowadays.
Akím. That is so: I have heard that nowadays they pull fathers' beards, so to speak,—but this leads only to ruin, to ruin, so to speak.
Nikíta (angrily). We are getting along without your help. But you have come to ask aid of me.
Akím. Money? There is your money. I will go and beg, so to speak, but I will not, so to speak, take the money.
Nikíta. Stop that! Why are you so angry, and breaking up the company? (Holds him back by his hand.)
Akím (moaning). Let me go! I will not stay! I would rather sleep near the fence than in your nastiness. Pshaw, God forgive you! (Exit.)
Scene XVI. Nikíta, Akulína, Anísya, and Mítrich.
Nikíta. I declare!
Scene XVII. The same and Akím.
Akím (opening the door). Nikíta, come to your senses! One needs a soul! (Exit.)
Scene XVIII. Nikíta, Akulína, Anísya, and Mítrich.
Akulína (taking the cups). Well, shall I pour out the tea? (All are silent.)
Mítrich (bellowing). O Lord, have mercy on me, sinful man! (All tremble.)
Nikíta (lying down on a bench). Oh, I feel bad, so bad. Akulína, where is the accordion?
