Telegin. [With embarrassment] I not only nourish feelings of respect toward learning, your Excellency, but I am also drawn to it by family ties. My brother Gregory’s wife’s brother, whom you may know; his name is Constantine Lakedemonoff, and he used to be a magistrate—
Voitski. Stop, Waffles. This is business; wait a bit, we will talk of that later. [To Serebrakoff] There now, ask him what he thinks; this estate was bought from his uncle.
Serebrakoff. Ah! Why should I ask questions? What good would it do?
Voitski. The price was ninety-five thousand roubles. My father paid seventy and left a debt of twenty-five. Now listen! This place could never have been bought had I not renounced my inheritance in favour of my sister, whom I deeply loved—and what is more, I worked for ten years like an ox, and paid off the debt.
Serebrakoff. I regret ever having started this conversation.
Voitski. Thanks entirely to my own personal efforts, the place is entirely clear of debts, and now, when I have grown old, you want to throw me out, neck and crop!
Serebrakoff. I can’t imagine what you are driving at.
Voitski. For twenty-five years I have managed this place, and have sent you the returns from it like the most honest of servants, and you have never given me one single word of thanks for my work, not one—neither in my youth nor now. You allowed me a meagre salary of five hundred roubles a year, a beggar’s pittance, and have never even thought of adding a rouble to it.
Serebrakoff. What did I know about such things, Ivan? I am not a practical man and don’t understand them. You might have helped yourself to all you wanted.
Voitski. Yes, why did I not steal? Don’t you all despise
