The latter has long sighed for Lipotchka, but his personal repulsiveness, added to his merchant rank, has prevented his ever daring to hint at such a thing.

Now, however, he sees his chance.

He promises the legal shyster a round sum if he will arrange matters securely in his favor.

He bribes the match-maker to get rid of the noble suitor, and to bring about his marriage with Lipotchka, promising her, in case of success, two thousand rubles and a sable-lined cloak.
Matters have gone so far that Lipotchka is gorgeously arrayed to receive her nobly born suitor, and accept him.

Her mother is feasting her eyes on her adored child, in one of the intervals of her grumbling and bickering with her "ungrateful offspring," and warning the dear idol not to come in contact with the door, and crush her finery.