MME. KABANOVA. Now do you remember everything I've told you? Mind you do remember it! Keep it in your heart!

KABANOV. Yes, mamma.

MME. KABANOVA. Well, now everything is ready. The horses are at the door. You've only to say good-bye and be off in God's name.

KABANOV. Yes, mamma, it's time I was off.

MME. KABANOVA. Well?

KABANOV. What do you desire?

MME. KABANOVA. Why are you standing about? Don't you know the way to do things? Lay your commands upon your wife, exhort her how she is to live in your absence.

[Katerina looks on the ground.

KABANOV. But she knows quite well without that.

MME. KABANOVA. The way you talk! Come, come, give your commands, that I may hear what commands you lay upon her! And then when you come back, you can ask if she has performed everything exactly.

KABANOV (standing opposite Katerina). Obey mamma, Katia.

MME. KABANOVA. Tell her not to be saucy to her mother-in-law.

KABANOV. Don't be saucy!

MME. KABANOVA. To revere her mother-in-law as her own mother.

KABANOV. Revere mamma, Katia, as your own mother.

MME. KABANOVA. Not to sit with her hands in her lap like a fine lady.

KABANOV. Do some work while I am away!

MME. KABANOVA. Not to go staring out of window!

KABANOV. But, mamma, whenever has she....

MME. KABANOVA. Come, come!

KABANOV. Don't look out of window!

MME. KABANOVA. Not to stare at young fellows while you are away!

KABANOV. But that is too much, mamma, for mercy's sake!

MME. KABANOVA (severely). Enough of this nonsense! It's your duty to do what your mother tells you. (With a smile) It's always as well when it's forbidden.

KABANOV (in great confusion). Don't look at young men! [Katerina looks sternly at him.

MME. KABANOVA. Well, now you can talk by yourselves a little, if you want to. Come, Varvara! [They go out.