Notes

[1] Economical balls at which the ladies are bound to appear in dresses made of cotton materials.

[2] The present value of the ruble is rather over two shillings and one penny.

[3] The Gypsy choirs are very popular in Moscow.

[4] BETSY. Cease! You are becoming quite unbearable!

[5] PETRÍSTCHEF. I have C said (ceased), B said, and D said.

[6] BARONESS. But tell me, please, is he paid for this?

ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I really do not know.

[7] BARONESS. But he is a gentleman?

ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Oh yes!

BARONESS. It is almost miraculous. Isn't it? How does he manage to find things?

ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I really can't tell you. My husband will explain it to you.… Excuse me.…

[8] Stunning!

[9] BARONESS. Capital! Does it not cause him any pain?

LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH. Not the slightest.

[10] He uses a Centigrade thermometer.

[11] LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH. You bring good luck.

[12] FAT LADY. But he looks quite nice.

[13] To take a header.

[14] Do not disappoint us.

[15] BETSY. I have more than enough of your Koko.

[16] YOUNG PRINCESS. … He is usually so very punctual …

[17] BETSY. Cease; mind the servants!

[18] And that won't suit me at all, at all! Not at all, at all!

[19] Employers have charge of the servants' passports, and in this way have a hold on them in case of misconduct.

[20] See footnote, p. 28. It is customary for peasants to marry just after Easter, but when spring has come and the field work begun, no marriages take place among them till autumn.

[21] COUNTESS. Thank you (for your hospitality), a thousand thanks.

[22] ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Thank you (for coming to see us), a thousand thanks. Till next Tuesday!