just hear rolling thunder instead of the music.  Now, what comparison can there be between a soldier and a civilian?  A soldier!  Why, you can see right off his cleverness and everything.  But what does a civilian amount to?  Just a dummy. [Silence] I wonder why it is that so many ladies sit down with their feet under their chairs.  There’s positively no difficulty in learning how!  Although I was a little bashful before the teacher, I learned how to do it perfectly in twenty lessons.  Why not learn how to dance?  It’s only a superstition not to.  Here mamma sometimes gets angry because the teacher is always grabbing at my knees.  All that comes from lack of education.  What of it?  He’s a dancing-master and not somebody else. [Reflecting] I picture to myself:  suddenly a soldier makes advances to me, suddenly a solemn betrothal, candles burn everywhere, the butlers enter, wearing white gloves; I, naturally, in a tulle or perhaps in a gauze gown; then suddenly they begin to play a waltz—­but how confused I shall be before him!  Ah, what a shame!  Then where in the world shall I hide?  What will he think?  “Here,” he’ll say, “an uneducated little fool!” But, no, how can that be!  Only, you see I haven’t danced for a year and a half!  I’ll try it now at leisure. [Waltzing badly] One—­two—­three; one—­two—­three—­

SCENE II

LIPOCHKA and AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA. [Entering] Ah, ha, shameless creature!  My heart told me so; before it’s fairly daylight, before you’ve eaten God’s bread, you start off dancing right away!

LIPOCHKA.  Now, mamma, I’ve drunk my tea and eaten some curd-cakes.  Look here, is this all right?  One, two, three; one—­two—­

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA. [Following her] What difference does it make if you have had something to eat?  I suppose I’ll have to keep watching what sinful pranks you’re up to!  I tell you, don’t whirl around!

LIPOCHKA.  Pooh! where’s the sin in that!  Everybody’s doing it nowadays.  One, two—­

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA.  Better knock your forehead against the table, but don’t fiddle around with your feet. [She runs after her] What’s the matter with you?  Where did you get the idea of not obeying?

LIPOCHKA.  Who told you I didn’t obey?  Don’t meddle; let me finish the way I want to!  One, two, three—­

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA.  Shall I have to run after you long, old woman as I am?  Ouf!  You’ve worn me out, you barbarian!  Do you hear?  Stop!  I’ll complain to your father!

LIPOCHKA.  Right away, right away, mamma!  This is the last time around!  God created you expressly for complaining.  Much I care for you!  One—­two—­

AGRAFENA KONDRATYEVNA.  What! you keep on dancing, and talk impudently into the bargain!  Stop it this minute!  It’ll be so much the worse for you; I’ll grab you by the skirt, and tear off the whole train.