Fruits of Culture

Act II

Evening of the same day. The scene represents the interior of the

servants' kitchen. The PEASANTS have taken off their outer garments

and sit drinking tea at the table, and perspiring. THEODORE IVNITCH

is smoking a cigar at the other side of the stage. The discharged COOK

is lying on the brick oven, and is unseen during the early part of the

scene.

THEODORE IVNITCH. My advice is, don't hinder him! If it's his wish

and hers, in Heaven's name, let him do it. She is a good, honest girl.

Never mind her being a bit dressy; she can't help that, living in

town: she is a good girl all the same.

SECOND PEASANT. Well, of course, if it is his wish, let him! He'll

have to live with her, not me. But she's certainly uncommon spruce.

How's one to take her into one's hut? Why, she'll not let her

mother-in-law so much as pat her on the head.

THEODORE IVNITCH. That does not depend on the spruceness, but on

character. If her nature is good, she's sure to be docile and

respectful.

SECOND PEASANT. Ah, well, we'll have her if the lad's bent on having

her. After all, it's a bad job to live with one as one don't care for.

I'll consult my missus, and then may Heaven bless them!

THEODORE IVNITCH. Then let's shake hands on it!

SECOND PEASANT. Well, it seems it will have to come off.

FIRST PEASANT. Eh, Zachary! fortune's a-smiling on you! You've come to

accomplish a piece of business, and just see what a duchess of a

daughter-in-law you've obtained. All that's left to be done is to have

a drink on it, and then it will be all in order.

THEODORE IVNITCH. That's not at all necessary.