GOVERNOR. Do stop now. You just interfere with
your silly talk. Well, friend, how--

ANNA. What is your master's rank?

OSIP. The usual rank.

GOVERNOR. For God's sake, your stupid questions
keep a person from getting down to business. Tell me,
friend, what sort of a man is your master? Is he strict?
Does he rag and bully a fellow--you know what I
mean--does he or doesn't he?

OSIP. Yes, he likes things to be just so. He insists
on things being just so.

GOVERNOR. I like your face. You must be a fine
man, friend. What--?

ANNA. Listen, Osip, does your master wear uniform
in St. Petersburg?

GOVERNOR. Enough of your tattle now, really. This is
a serious matter, a matter of life and death. (To Osip.)
Yes, friend, I like you very much. It's rather chilly
now and when a man's travelling an extra glass of tea
or so is rather welcome. So here's a couple of rubles
for some tea.