Smirnov. It is high time to do away with the old superstition that it is only the man who is forced to give satisfaction. If there is equity at all let there be equity in all things. There's a limit!
Mrs. Popov. You wish to fight a duel? Very well.
Smirnov. Immediately.
Mrs. Popov. Immediately. My husband had pistols. I'll bring them. (She hurries away, then turns) Oh, what a pleasure it will be to put a bullet in your impudent head. The devil take you ! (She goes out)
Smirnov. I'll shoot her down! I'm no fledgling, no sentimental young puppy. For me, there is no weaker sex!
Luka. Oh, sir! (Falls to his knees) Have mercy on me, an old man, and go away. You have frightened me to death already, and now you want to fight a duel.
Smirnov. (Paying no attention) A duel. That's equity, emancipation. That way the sexes are made equal. I'll shoot her down as a matter of principle. What can a person say to such a woman? (Imitating her) "The devil take you. I'll put a bullet in your impudent head." What can one say to that? She was angry, her eyes blazed, she accepted the challenge. On my honor, it's the first time in my life that I ever saw such a woman.
Luka. Oh, sir. Go away. Go away!
Smirnov. That is a woman. I can understand her. A real woman. No shilly-shallying, but fire, powder, and noise! It would be a pity to shoot a woman like that.
Luka. (Weeping) Oh, sir, go away.
(Enter Mrs. Popov.)
Mrs. Popov. Here are the pistols. But before
