Agnes (positively, to her friends). Speaking of men! Are you aware that we have a new guest here? A man! Well, like a man… Was once a man. Just like we were girls. Today is a grandfather, but a concrete grandfather! Yeah. Lonely, according to the rumors. Fifty-five or sixty years old by the look of it, but actually he is already over seventy.

Friends are interested, enlivened.

Nyura (with interest, remembering). And I heard something like that. Praskovya from the next house told me. The old devil, but look. Jogging in the morning! Drinks only water, mostly hot.

Vedana (remembering). So I also heard about him from Kondratyevna. Is he a vegetarian or something. And by the look of it, it seems like the truth, this devil is not so old. Adheres to the views of Chinese medicine, does not turn to doctors, almost does not take pills.

Nyura (indignantly). Is he a parasite, does he want to live to be a hundred years old?

Methodius' voice (cheerful, charged, loud). And why not?

Friends turn to the voice at once!

An intriguing musical composition sounds.

A cheerful, fresh-faced Methodius enters. Real lively for his age. And he doesn't look so much young as young at Heart. This can be read both in the look, and in the mood, and in the charming smile, which old girlfriends have not been able to boast of for many years.

Methodius defiles, knowing that the eyes from all sides are riveted on him and he likes it. Makes some spectacular passes, stops in front of the friends sitting on the bench.

Methodius (with a sly smile, to the old ladies, fervently). Good afternoon, dolls!

Vedana (with interest). Well, hello.

Nyura (with interest). Hello.

Agnes (with interest). And good health to you.

Methodius (with a sly smile, to the old ladies). And what, girls, is there a place for a real kid among such beauties?

The grandmothers are embarrassed, they are bursting, they smooth their hair. Each seeks to move closer so that he sits next to her.

The old man with a comically blunted gait in a few steps, "squirming" and making faces, sincerely enjoying all this, theatrically sits down on the chosen place between Nyura and Vedana.

There is an awkward pause, everyone is thinking where to start a conversation.

Methodius (loudly, unexpectedly, so that the grannies shudder). Yes! (The old ladies shudder). I didn't introduce myself! (Parading Carlson). Come on, let's get married. They call me Methodius. Well, and you, the charmers?

Friends are embarrassed, flirtatious.

Vedana (with a sly smile). I am Vedana!

Methodius (politely, kindly). It's very nice.

Nyura (in a simple way). I'm Nyura.

Methodius (politely, kindly). Let's get acquainted.

Agnes (gently waving her pen). And I'm Agnes!

Methodius (politely, kindly). I am heartily glad!

Nyura (feigning indignation, Methodius). So! (Indignantly slaps himself on the knee.) Just appeared, and you are already bringing disunity into our friendly ranks!

Methodius (with cautious interest). What am I?

Nyura (played indignantly, Methodius). Who else?

Methodius (with cautious interest, feigned). What have I done to you, O beautiful one?

Nyura (played indignantly, Methodius). Well, how? So, it was very nice to meet Vedana! You see, you are heartily glad to Agnes! And he just answered me – let's get acquainted. What are you, a tattered lovelace, aren't you glad to see me?

Methodius (with a cautious attack). How can I not be glad? Where did I sit down?

Nyura (played indignantly, Methodius). Where to?

Methodius (with a cautious attack). Take off your charming eyes, and take a closer look. If I wasn't happy, I wouldn't be sitting next to you. And if I sat down, then I'm glad!