Final answer:
Mrs. Popov cannot pay Mr. Smirnov because she is heavily in debt.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mrs. Popov says she cannot pay Mr. Smirnov because she is heavily in debt and needs to get that off her shoulders at once.
This statement is found in the given reference text, where Mrs. Popov expresses her financial difficulties to Peter. She mentions that she wishes she could afford to keep him, but her current financial situation does not allow her to do so. Therefore, the reason Mrs. Popov cannot pay Mr. Smirnov is due to her overwhelming debt.
Mrs. Popov mentions she cannot pay Mr. Smirnov because she is in a difficult financial position. She expresses the dilemma by stating, "I wish I could afford to keep you, Peter," but highlights her inability to do so due to being heavily in debt. This financial struggle makes it imperative for her to prioritize her debts, and as a result, she cannot retain his services.