Platon Markych is not coming, and that is that; do what you will.

But why, Mother, do you need Platon Markych?

How can you ask why? What do we know, sitting here; but he is a man, after all. The butochnik a policeman on duty at a sentry box brought some sort of paper; who can make sense of it? This is what a woman's life is like! You walk around like a fool. I have been unable to count the money all morning. Being without a man, I do not know what to do; here, trouble comes even without trouble. Take the paper, Masha, and count the money for me, do me a favor.

Just tell me, I will count it as it is.

Wait, Masha! You will rush me and I will lose my place again. Where is that paper of mine? God help my memory. Here it is! Wait, I found it. Take it and count. A while ago I was counting and counting on the abacus; either a silver ruble original: "tselkovy" is missing, or there are two extra, and you are better off not relying on Darya. And my head is just not right. The matter worries me greatly; I need to speak with Platon Markych about the house. He is a man, after all.

SCENE II

THE SAME AND DARYA.

Mistress, oh mistress! A boy has come from Platon Markych.

Call him here. (Darya leaves. The boy enters).

Platon Markych sends his respects; he has sent yesterday’s newspapers and a little note, and he instructed me to ask after your health.