Chapter 123

FOMÍNISHNA _and_ BOLSHÓV

BOLSHÓV. Has that shyster been cooking up any deviltry here?

FOMÍNISHNA. They've cooked cabbage soup with corned beef, and roast goose.

BOLSHÓV. Are you gone daft, you old fool?

FOMÍNISHNA. No, dear! I gave the order to the cook myself!

BOLSHÓV. Get out! [_He sits down_.

FOMÍNISHNA _goes to the door_; PODKHALYÚZIN _and_ TISHKA _come in_.

FOMÍNISHNA. [_Returning_] Ah, I'm a fool, a fool! Don't punish me for my bad memory. The cold roast sucking pig had entirely jumped out of my mind.