Tánya. But, Fédor Iványch, we must do something for them. I will wash it all off later.
Fédor Iványch. I see, nothing will come of it.
First Peasant. How, honourable man, are we to introduce our affair into action? You, your Honour, intercede for us, and we will be able to represent gratitude in full from the Commune as a reward for the trouble.
Third Peasant. Try, little falcon,—we can't get along without it. The land is small, and there is not room enough to let out a cow, nay, not even a chick, let me say. (Bows.)
Fédor Iványch. I am sorry for you, friends, but I do not know how to do it. I understand it all very well,—but he has refused. How is it to be done now? And the lady does not consent, either. Hardly! Well, let me have the paper,—I will go and try. I will ask him. (Exit.)
Scene LIII. Tánya and the three peasants (sighing).
Tánya. Uncles, tell me what the matter now is.
First Peasant. If only we could get the signature of the application of his hand!
Tánya. You want the master to sign the paper, yes?
First Peasant. We want him to apply his hand to the paper, and take the money,—and that would be the solution.
Third Peasant. If he only wrote down: "As the peasants wish, let me say, so, let me say, I, too, wish." And that would be all: he would sign it, and—the end of it.
Tánya. Only to sign it? All you want is for the master to sign? (In thought.)
First Peasant. In rivality, the whole affair depends on it: he signs, so to speak, and no more of it.
