briefcase.
Myshevskiy. Of course, it's not that easy. Only after you promise me to get the spirit of Hermes Trismegistus. So… Deal?
Golyshkin. Give me some time to think. I can't make a decision out of the blue like this. After all, I am a philosopher, not an adventurer.
Myshevskiy. I understand, professor. How much time do you need?
Golyshkin. I'll call you. In a week. Or by the end of the month.
Myshevskiy. I'll call you myself. If you don’t mind.
Golyshkin. But I don't promise anything!
Myshevsky. Negative answer is also an answer.
Golyshkin. Well, if so…
Myshevskiy. Well, it’s time for me to leave.
Golyshkin. Shall I guide you?
Myshevskiy. No, thanks. I'll find the way.
Golyshkin. It is not so easy. You may get lost in the maze of the rooms.
Myshevsky. It seems to me I've been here before. And that's why I'm fine with it.
Golyshkin. Oh, really? And when?
Myshevsky. Maybe in my previous life. It’s genetic memory.
Golyshkin. You are speaking with puzzles, Mr. Myshevsky.
Myshevskiy. There will come a time for clues, professor. I promise you. I'm leaving, but I’ll come back. See you!
Golyshkin. But remember – I didn't promise anything!
Olga moves away from the door and drags Rodion along with her.
Rodion. Where are you taking me? Tell me!
Olga. Don't make your guest think that we were listening.
Rodion. But we were not listening! Well, we heard a few words, but those are some nonsense!
Olga. Aren’t you stupid, boy?! Of course, I didn't get it all either. But I understood the main thing.
Rodion. And what is it?
Olga. The fact that our visitor is a very rich man.
Rodion. So, what?
Olga. He desperately needs Stalver Udarpyatovich. And if you offer him your help… Then you can demand something else in return.
Rodion. What else do you mean?
Olga. Oh, how stupid you are! Whatever you want! Job, money, recommendation…
Rodion. To shake the guy down for some cash? It's cool! But there is one weak point.
Olga. And what is it?
Rodion. My father. He's stubborn like a donkey's tail. And if he says “du hast nicht”, do not hesitate – it will be so.
Olga. But his guest doesn't know that, does he?
Rodion. Definitely not!
Olga. So, take this advantage! Promise him your help. After all, to promise does not mean to marry. But make sure to take a prepay from him.
Rodion. Well, you're right!
Olga. Of course, my boy!
Rodion. But what about later then? If the father jumps off the topic though?
Olga. We will see then. Live for now, my boy, and don't think about the future. Like a bird of God. And God will send you food for your next day.
Myshevskiy comes out of the office. Olga pushes Rodion towards him, stepping aside to stay unnoticed.
Rodion. Your chatting has been so long…
Myshevskiy. Really? I didn't notice.
Rodion. Were you messing up something important?
Myshevskiy. Maybe.
Rodion. Have you anchored my dad for your deal?
Myshevskiy. Philosophers do think long before making a decision. This is their weakness.
Rodion. That's for sure! Also, when you leave, he will call me and ask for advice.
Myshevskiy. Really?
Rodion. It's always like that in our family. My opinion means a lot.
Myshevskiy. This is quite interesting. And I think I can guess what you're driving at.
Rodion. I immediately realized that you are not a sucker.
Myshevskiy. As I see, you are a clever guy, Rodion.
Rodion. I wish my dad could hear that. He would like that!
Myshevskiy. And how much is your vote worth?
Rodion. My vote is in exchange for yours. It's fair, isn't it?
Myshevskiy. What are you talking about?
Rodion. I need a bank loan. But it is not issued without a reliable guarantor. If such a pricy guy like you vouches for me, the problem would be easily solved.
Myshevskiy. I'm sure of it. I am the chairman of a local bank board of directors.
Rodion. So, I hit the spot!
Myshevskiy. Here's my business card, Rodion. Come over by this afternoon. And we'll make a good deal.
Rodion. Without a preliminary call?
Myshevskiy. Security will be informed. Is four p.m. okay with you?
Rodion. Any time you want! But I warn you, the sum is big.
Myshevskiy. This’s fine. I don’t bargain in trifles.
Rodion and Myshevskiy leave. Olga follows them with her eyes, then she comes up to the office door, knocks and enters.
Golyshkin. Oh, what a pleasant surprise, Olenka!
Olga. We have been meeting with you every day, Stalver Udarpyatovich, for the past two weeks. I give you injections, measure your blood pressure. Besides, you knew about my visit yesterday. What is surprising about it? Or do you think that instead of regular procedures, I will offer you something new?
Golyshkin. But what if you will?! Hope dies the last, Olenka. Why shouldn't I, an old man, dream? As long as I'm alive, albeit not quite healthy.
Olga. Any young man can envy your health, Stalver Udarpyatovich. I don’t understand why you need these injections? They are so painful!
Golyshkin. The only pleasure for me is to see you, Olenka. And, yes, you are absolutely right. I'm still not as bad! There is still life in the old dog yet.
Olga. I am sure there is! I’m going to inform my supervising doctor that you don’t need the nurse care any more. You are just pretending, professor! And I am a stupid girl, so worried about you.
Golyshkin. Olenka! Of course, if you don't like these visits…
Olga. What are you talking about, Stalver Udarpyatovich! After all, you know…
Golyshkin. What do you mean? Go on, Olenka!
Olga. Oh, nothing, just never mind!
Golyshkin. Oh, don't argue with me, otherwise my blood pressure will rise. And it will be your fault, Olenka.
Olga. Then take off your pants! (takes out a syringe.) And don't try to convince me. I won't believe you anymore. Not a single word!
Golyshkin. Oh, really, Olenka… Oh!
Olga. I hope it doesn’t hurt you, Stalver Udarpyatovich?
Golyshkin. Oh, no, Olenka, your hands are so tender, like angel’s ones! I am feeling pleasure.
Olga. That's wonderful. Now let me measure your blood pressure.
Golyshkin. Sure! I confess, this procedure is more pleasant for me than injections.
Olga. Your pressure is also perfect, Stalver Udarpyatovich. No, definitely, you don't need me any more. If only just to
