you don’t want to admit that such women, from aversion to your cultured life, from love of the unusual, and from love, of course, of me, are able to become slaves! I’ll show you afterwards the vows they’ve sworn.
Friend: Nothing could surprise me now.
Master: Why should it?
Friend: What?!!
Master (reproachfully): You only just said that nothing could surprise you now. (All laugh.) But do you recognise Egórich? My good old servant? I don’t remember if I told you that he and his wife—she cooks for us here—took up a somewhat original position in regard to a certain reform.
Friend: How?
Master: They declared that this reform could not affect such faithful servants as they, and despite everything they went on living with us in the old way. (Servant kisses his hand.) He is the right hand of my estate here. And what a hunter—it’s simply amazing! Did you ever hear of hunting with alauntis, bandogs and bercelets?
Friend: Whatever are they?
Master: There you are! (To Servant.) Order your old woman to cook something good for
