Yes, yes. He has a guest just now. You tell them to wait.
Porter. Where shall they wait?
Fédor Iványch. Let them wait in the courtyard. I will send for them. (Porter exit.)
Scene XV. Fédor Iványch, Tánya, followed by three peasants, Grigóri, and Messenger.
Tánya. To the right. This way, this way!
Fédor Iványch. I have ordered you not to let them in.
Grigóri. There you have it, hussy!
Tánya. It will not harm, Fédor Iványch! They will stand at the very edge.
Fédor Iványch. They will bring in dirt.
Tánya. They have cleaned their shoes, and I will clean up. (To the peasants.) You stand here!
(Enter the peasants, carrying presents in kerchiefs: white loaves, eggs, towels. They are trying to find something to cross themselves by. Cross themselves at the staircase, bow to Fédor Iványch, and take a firm stand.)
Grigóri (to Fédor Iványch). Fédor Iványch! They say that Pironet's half-shoes are the latest fashion, but this fellow has better ones! (Pointing to the Third Peasant in bast shoes.)
Fédor Iványch. You must always make fun of people. (Grigóri exit.)
Scene XVI. Tánya, Fédor Iványch, Messenger, and three peasants.
Fédor Iványch (rising and walking over to the peasants). So you are from Kursk, and have come in regard to the purchase of the land?
