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PETER IGN脕TITCH.聽A well-to-do peasant, 42 years old, married for the second time, and sickly.

础狈脥厂驰础.听His wife, 32 years old, fond of dress.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Peter's daughter by his first marriage, 16 years old, hard of hearing, mentally undeveloped.

NAN (ANNA PETR脫VNA).聽His daughter by his second marriage, 10 years old.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Their labourer, 26 years old, fond of dress.

础碍脥惭.听Nik铆ta's father, 50 years old, a plain-looking, God-fearing peasant.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听His wife and Nik铆ta's mother, 50 years old.

惭础搁脥狈础.听An orphan girl, 22 years old.

惭础搁罢贬础.听Peter's sister.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听An old labourer, ex-soldier.

厂滨惭翱狈.听Mar铆na's husband.

叠搁滨顿贰骋搁翱翱惭.听Engaged to Akoul铆na.

滨痴脕狈.听His father.

A NEIGHBOUR.

FIRST GIRL.

SECOND GIRL.

POLICE OFFICER.

DRIVER.

BEST-MAN.

MATCHMAKER.

VILLAGE ELDER.

VISITORS, WOMEN, GIRLS, AND PEOPLE聽come to see the wedding.

N.B.---The 'oven' mentioned is the usual large, brick, Russian baking-oven. The top of it outside is flat, so that more than one person can lie on it.

The Act takes place in autumn in a large village. The Scene represents Peter's roomy hut. Peter is sitting on a wooden bench, mending a horse-collar. An铆sya and Akoul铆na are spinning, and singing a part-song.

笔贰罢贰搁听摆looking out of the window] The horses have got loose again. If we don't look out they'll be killing the colt. Nik铆ta! Hey, Nik铆ta! Is the fellow deaf? [Listens. To the women] Shut up, one can't hear anything.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆from outside] What?

PETER.聽Drive the horses in.

NIK脥TA. We'll drive 'em in. All in good time.

笔贰罢贰搁听摆shaking his head] Ah, these labourers! If I were well, I'd not keep one on no account. There's nothing but bother with 'em. [Rises and sits down again] Nik铆ta!... It's no good shouting. One of you'd better go. Go, Ako煤l, drive 'em in.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听What? The horses?

PETER.聽What else?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听All right. [Exit].

PETER.聽Ah, but he's a loafer, that lad ... no good at all. Won't stir a finger if he can help it.

础狈脥厂驰础.听You're so mighty brisk yourself. When you're not sprawling on the top of the oven you're squatting on the bench. To goad others to work is all you're fit for.

PETER.聽If one weren't to goad you on a bit, one'd聽4have no roof left over one's head before the year's out. Oh what people!

础狈脥厂驰础.听You go shoving a dozen jobs on to one's shoulders, and then do nothing but scold. It's easy to lie on the oven and give orders.

笔贰罢贰搁听摆sighing] Oh, if 'twere not for this sickness that's got hold of me, I'd not keep him on another day.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆off the scene] Gee up, gee, woo. [A colt neighs, the stamping of horses' feet and the creaking of the gate are heard].

PETER.聽Bragging, that's what he's good at. I'd like to sack him, I would indeed.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆mimicking him] "Like to sack him." You buckle to yourself, and then talk.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆enters] It's all I could do to drive 'em in. That piebald always will聽...

PETER.聽And where's Nik铆ta?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Where's Nik铆ta? Why, standing out there in the street.

PETER.聽What's he standing there for?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听What's he standing there for? He stands there jabbering.

PETER.聽One can't get any sense out of her! Who's he jabbering with?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆does not hear] Eh, what?

Peter waves her off. She sits down to her spinning.

狈础狈听摆running in to her mother] Nik铆ta's father and mother have come. They're going to take him away. It's true!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Nonsense!

NAN.聽Yes. Blest if they're not! [Laughing] I was just going by, and Nik铆ta, he says, "Good-bye, Anna Petr贸vna," he says, "you must come and dance at my wedding. I'm leaving you," he says, and laughs.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆to her husband] There now. Much he cares. You see, he wants to leave of himself. "Sack him" indeed!

5PETER.聽Well, let him go. Just as if I couldn't find somebody else.

础狈脥厂驰础.听And what about the money he's had in advance?

Nan stands listening at the door for awhile, and then exit.

笔贰罢贰搁听摆frowning] The money? Well, he can work it off in summer, anyhow.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Well, of course you'll be glad if he goes and you've not got to feed him. It's only me as'll have to work like a horse all the winter. That lass of yours isn't over fond of work either. And you'll be lying up on the oven. I know you.

PETER.聽What's the good of wearing out one's tongue before one has the hang of the matter?

础狈脥厂驰础.听The yard's full of cattle. You've not sold the cow, and have kept all the sheep for the winter: feeding and watering 'em alone takes all one's time, and you want to sack the labourer. But I tell you straight, I'm not going to do a man's work! I'll go and lie on the top of the oven same as you, and let everything go to pot! You may do what you like.

笔贰罢贰搁听摆to Akoul铆na] Go and see about the feeding, will you? it's time.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听The feeding? All right. [Puts on a coat and takes a rope].

础狈脥厂驰础.听I'm not going to work for you. You go and work yourself. I've had enough of it, so there!

PETER.聽That'll do. What are you raving about? Like a sheep with the staggers!

础狈脥厂驰础.听You're a crazy cur, you are! One gets neither work nor pleasure from you. Eating your fill, that's all you do, you palsied cur, you!

笔贰罢贰搁听摆spits and puts on coat] Faugh! The Lord have mercy! I'd better go myself and see what's up. [Exit].

础狈脥厂驰础听摆after him] Scurvy long-nosed devil!

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听What are you swearing at dad for?

6础狈脥厂驰础.听Hold your noise, you idiot!

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆going to the door] I know why you're swearing at him. You're an idiot yourself, you bitch. I'm not afraid of you.

础狈脥厂驰础.听What do you mean? [Jumps up and looks round for something to hit her with] Mind, or I'll give you one with the poker.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆opening the door] Bitch! devil! that's what you are! Devil! bitch! bitch! devil! [Runs off].

础狈脥厂驰础听摆ponders] "Come and dance at my wedding!" What new plan is this? Marry? Mind, Nik铆ta, if that's your intention, I'll go and ... No, I can't live without him. I won't let him go.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆enters, looks round, and seeing An铆sya alone approaches quickly. In a low tone] Here's a go; I'm in a regular fix! That governor of mine wants to take me away,---tells me I'm to come home. Says quite straight I'm to marry and live at home.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Well, go and marry! What's that to me?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Is that it? Why, here am I reckoning how best to consider matters, and just hear her! She tells me to go and marry. Why's that? [Winking] Has she forgotten?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Yes, go and marry! What do I care?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What are you spitting for? Just see, she won't even let me stroke her.... What's the matter?

础狈脥厂驰础.听This! That you want to play me false.... If you do,---why, I don't want you either. So now you know!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听That'll do, An铆sya. Do you think I'll forget you? Never while I live! I'll not play you false, that's flat. I've been thinking that supposing they do go and make me marry, I'd still come back to you. If only he don't make me live at home.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Much need I'll have of you, once you're married.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听There's a go now. How is it possible to go against one's father's will?

7础狈脥厂驰础.听Yes, I daresay, shove it all on your father. You know it's your own doing. You've long been plotting with that slut of yours, Mar铆na. It's she has put you up to it. She didn't come here for nothing t'other day.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Mar铆na? What's she to me? Much I care about her!... Plenty of them buzzing around.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Then what has made your father come here? It's you have told him to. You've gone and deceived me. [Cries].

狈滨碍脥罢础.听An铆sya, do you believe in a God or not? I never so much as dreamt of it. I know nothing at all about it. I never even dreamt of it---that's flat! My old dad has got it all out of his own pate.

础狈脥厂驰础.听If you don't wish it yourself who can force you? He can't drive you like an ass.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Well, I reckon it's not possible to go against one's parent. But it's not by my wish.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Don't you budge, that's all about it!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听There was a fellow wouldn't budge, and the village elder gave him such a hiding.... That's what it might come to! I've no great wish for that sort of thing. They say it touches one up....

础狈脥厂驰础.听Shut up with your nonsense. Nik铆ta, listen to me: if you marry that Mar铆na I don't know what I won't do to myself.... I shall lay hands on myself! I have sinned, I have gone against the law, but I can't go back now. If you go away I'll聽...

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Why should I go? Had I wanted to go---I should have gone long ago. There was Iv谩n Semy贸nitch t'other day---offered me a place as his coachman.... Only fancy what a life that would have been! But I did not go. Because, I reckon, I am good enough for any one. Now if you did not love me it would be a different matter.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Yes, and that's what you should remember. My old man will die one of these fine days, I'm thinking;聽8then we could cover our sin, make it all right and lawful, and then you'll be master here.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Where's the good of making plans? What do I care? I work as hard as if I were doing it for myself. My master loves me, and his missus loves me. And if the wenches run after me, it's not my fault, that's flat.

础狈脥厂驰础.听And you'll love me?

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆embracing her] There, as you have ever been in my heart聽...

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆enters, and crosses herself a long time before the ic贸n. Nik铆ta and An铆sya step apart] What I saw I didn't perceive, what I heard I didn't hearken to. Playing with the lass, eh? Well,---even a calf will play. Why shouldn't one have some fun when one's young? But your master is out in the yard a-calling you, sonnie.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听I only came to get the axe.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听I know, sonnie, I know; them sort of axes are mostly to be found where the women are.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆stooping to pick up axe] I say, mother, is it true you want me to marry? As I reckon, that's quite unnecessary. Besides, I've got no wish that way.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Eh, honey! why should you marry? Go on as you are. It's all the old man. You'd better go, sonnie, we can talk these matters over without you.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听It's a queer go! One moment I'm to be married, the next, not. I can't make head or tail of it. [Exit].

础狈脥厂驰础.听What's it all about then? Do you really wish him to get married?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Eh, why should he marry, my jewel? It's all nonsense, all my old man's drivel. "Marry, marry." But he's reckoning without his host. You know the saying, "From oats and hay, why should horses stray?" When you've enough and to spare, why look elsewhere? And so in this case. [Winks] Don't I see which way the wind blows?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Where's the good of my pretending to you,聽9Mother Matry贸na? You know all about it. I have sinned. I love your son.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Dear me, here's news! D'you think Mother Matry贸na didn't know? Eh, lassie,---Mother Matry贸na's been ground, and ground again, ground fine! This much I can tell you, my jewel: Mother Matry贸na can see through a brick wall three feet thick. I know it all, my jewel! I know what young wives need sleeping draughts for, so I've brought some along. [Unties a knot in her handkerchief and brings out paper-packets] As much as is wanted, I see, and what's not wanted I neither see nor perceive! There! Mother Matry贸na has also been young. I had to know a thing or two to live with my old fool. I know seventy-and-seven dodges. But I see your old man's quite seedy, quite seedy! How's one to live with such as him? Why, if you pricked him with a hay-fork it wouldn't fetch blood. See if you don't bury him before the spring. Then you'll need some one in the house. Well, what's wrong with my son? He'll do as well as another. Then where's the advantage of my taking him away from a good place? Am I my child's enemy?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh, if only he does not go away.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听He won't go away, birdie. It's all nonsense. You know my old man. His wits are always wool-gathering; yet sometimes he takes a thing into his pate, and it's as if it were wedged in, you can't knock it out with a hammer.

础狈脥厂驰础.听And what started this business?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, you see, my jewel, you yourself know what a fellow with women the lad is,---and he's handsome too, though I say it as shouldn't. Well, you know, he was living at the railway, and they had an orphan wench there to cook for them. Well, that same wench took to running after him.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Mar铆na?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Yes, the plague seize her! Whether anything聽10happened or not, anyhow something got to my old man's ears. Maybe he heard from the neighbours, maybe she's been and blabbed聽...

础狈脥厂驰础.听Well, she is a bold hussy!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听So my old man---the old blockhead---off he goes: "Marry, marry," he says, "he must marry her and cover the sin," he says. "We must take the lad home," he says, "and he shall marry," he says. Well, I did my best to make him change his mind, but, dear me, no. So, all right, thinks I,---I'll try another dodge. One always has to entice them fools in this way, just pretend to be of their mind, and when it comes to the point one goes and turns it all one's own way. You know, a woman has time to think seventy-and-seven thoughts while falling off the oven, so how's such as he to see through it? "Well, yes," says I, "it would be a good job,---only we must consider well beforehand. Why not go and see our son, and talk it over with Peter Ign谩titch and hear what he has to say?" So here we are.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh dear, oh dear, how will it all end? Supposing his father just orders him to marry her?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Orders, indeed. Chuck his orders to the dogs! Don't you worry; that affair will never come off. I'll go to your old man myself, and sift and strain this matter clear---there will be none of it left. I have come here only for the look of the thing. A very likely thing! Here's my son living in happiness and expecting happiness, and I'll go and match him with a slut! No fear, I'm not a fool!

础狈脥厂驰础.听And she---this Mar铆na---came dangling after him here! Mother, would you believe, when they said he was going to marry, it was as if a knife had gone right through my heart. I thought he cared for her.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Oh, my jewel! Why, you don't think him such a fool, that he should go and care for a homeless baggage like that? Nik铆ta is a sensible fellow, you see. He聽11knows whom to love. So don't you go and fret, my jewel. We'll not take him away, and we won't marry him. No, we'll let him stay on, if you'll only oblige us with a little money.

础狈脥厂驰础.听All I know is, that I could not live if Nik铆ta went away.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Naturally, when one's young it's no easy matter! You, a wench in full bloom, to be living with the dregs of a man like that husband of yours.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Mother Matry贸na, would you believe it? I'm that sick of him, that sick of this long-nosed cur of mine, I can hardly bear to look at him.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Yes, I see, it's one of them cases. Just look here, [looks round and whispers] I've been to see that old man, you know---he's given me simples of two kinds. This, you see, is a sleeping draught. "Just give him one of these powders," he says, "and he'll sleep so sound you might jump on him!" And this here, "This is that kind of simple," he says, "that if you give one some of it to drink it has no smell whatever, but its strength is very great. There are seven doses here, a pinch at a time. Give him seven pinches," he says, "and she won't have far to look for freedom," he says.

础狈脥厂驰础.听O-o-oh! What's that?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听"No sign whatever," he says. He's taken a rouble for it. "Can't sell it for less," he says. Because it's no easy matter to get 'em, you know. I paid him, dearie, out of my own money. If she takes them, thinks I, it's all right; if she don't, I can let old Michael's daughter have them.

础狈脥厂驰础.听O-o-oh! But mayn't some evil come of them? I'm frightened!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听What evil, my jewel? If your old man was hale and hearty, 'twould be a different matter, but he's neither alive nor dead as it is. He's not for this world. Such things often happen.

12础狈脥厂驰础.听O-o-oh, my poor head! I'm afeared, Mother Matry贸na, lest some evil come of them. No. That won't do.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Just as you like. I might even return them to him.

础狈脥厂驰础.听And are they to be used in the same way as the others? Mixed in water?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Better in tea, he says. "You can't notice anything," he says, "no smell nor nothing." He's a cute old fellow too.

Matry贸na gives An铆sya the powders.

础狈脥厂驰础.听[taking the powder] O-oh, my poor head! Could I have ever thought of such a thing if my life were not a very hell?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听You'll not forget that rouble? I promised to take it to the old man. He's had some trouble, too.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Of course? [Goes to her box and hides the powders].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听And now, my jewel, keep it as close as you can, so that no one should find it out. Heaven defend that it should happen, but聽if聽any one notices it, tell 'em it's for the black-beetles. [Takes the rouble] It's also used for beetles. [Stops short].

Enter Ak铆m, who crosses himself in front of the ic贸n, and then Peter, who sits down.

PETER.聽Well then, how's it to be, Daddy Ak铆m?

础碍脥惭.听As it's best, Peter Ign谩titch, as it's best ... I mean---as it's best. 'Cos why? I'm afeared of what d'you call 'ems, some tomfoolery, you know. I'd like to, what d'you call it ... to start, you know, start the lad honest, I mean. But supposing you'd rather, what d'you call it, we might, I mean, what's name? As it's best聽...

PETER.聽All right. All right. Sit down and let's talk it over. [Ak铆m sits down] Well then, what's it all about? You want him to marry?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听As to marrying, he might bide a while,聽13Peter Ign谩titch. You know our poverty, Peter Ign谩titch. What's he to marry on? We've hardly enough to eat ourselves. How can he marry then?...

PETER.聽You must consider what will be best.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Where's the hurry for him to get married? Marriage is not that sort of thing, it's not like ripe raspberries that drop off if not picked in time.

PETER.聽If he were to get married, 'twould be a good thing in a way.

础碍脥惭.听We'd like to ... what d'you call it? 'Cos why, you see. I've what d'you call it ... a job. I mean, I've found a paying job in town, you know.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听And a fine job too---cleaning out cesspools. The other day when he came home, I could do nothing but spew and spew. Faugh!

础碍脥惭.听It's true, at first it does seem what d'you call it ... knocks one clean over, you know,---the smell, I mean. But one gets used to it, and then it's nothing, no worse than malt grain, and then it's, what d'you call it, ... pays, pays, I mean. And as to the smell being, what d'you call it, it's not for the likes of us to complain. And one changes one's clothes. So we'd like to take what's his name ... Nik铆ta I mean, home. Let him manage things at home while I, what d'you call it,---earn something in town.

PETER.聽You want to keep your son at home? Yes, that would be well: but how about the money he has had in advance?

础碍脥惭.听That's it, that's it! It's just as you say, Ign谩titch, it's just what d'you call it. 'Cos why? If you go into service, it's as good as if you had sold yourself, they say. That will be all right. I mean he may stay and serve his time, only he must, what d'you call it, get married. I mean---so: you let him off for a little while, that he may, what d'you call it?

PETER.聽Yes, we could manage that.

14惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Ah, but it's not yet settled between ourselves, Peter Ign谩titch. I'll speak to you as I would before God, and you may judge between my old man and me. He goes on harping on that marriage. But just ask---who it is he wants him to marry. If it were a girl of the right sort now--- I am not my child's enemy, but the wench is not honest.

础碍脥惭.听No, that's wrong! Wrong, I say. 'Cos why? She, that same girl---it's my son as has offended, offended the girl I mean.

PETER.聽How offended?

础碍脥惭.听That's how. She's what d'you call it, with him, with my son, Nik铆ta. With Nik铆ta, what d'you call it, I mean.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听You wait a bit, my tongue runs smoother---let me tell it. You know, this lad of ours lived at the railway before he came to you. There was a girl there as kept dangling after him. A girl of no account, you know, her name's Mar铆na. She used to cook for the men. So now this same girl accuses our son, Nik铆ta, that he, so to say, deceived her.

PETER.聽Well, there's nothing good in that.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听But she's no honest girl herself; she runs after the fellows like a common slut.

础碍脥惭.听There you are again, old woman, and it's not at all what d'you call it, it's all not what d'you call it, I mean聽...

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听There now, that's all the sense one gets from my old owl---"what d'you call it, what d'you call it," and he doesn't know himself what he means. Peter Ign谩titch, don't listen to me, but go yourself and ask any one you like about the girl, everybody will say the same. She's just a homeless good-for-nothing.

PETER.聽You know, Daddy Ak铆m, if that's how things are, there's no reason for him to marry her. A daughter-in-law's not like a shoe, you can't kick her off.

15础碍脥惭听摆excitedly] It's false, old woman, it's what d'you call it, false; I mean, about the girl; false! 'Cos why? The lass is a good lass, a very good lass, you know. I'm sorry, sorry for the lassie, I mean.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听It's an old saying: "For the wide world old Miriam grieves, and at home without bread her children she leaves." He's sorry for the girl, but not sorry for his own son! Sling her round your neck and carry her about with you! That's enough of such empty cackle!

础碍脥惭.听No, it's not empty.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听There, don't interrupt, let me have my say.

础碍脥惭听摆interrupts] No, not empty! I mean, you twist things your own way, about the lass or about聽yourself.聽Twist them, I mean, to make it better for yourself; but God, what d'you call it, turns them His way. That's how it is.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Eh! One only wears out one's tongue with you.

础碍脥惭.听The lass is hard-working and spruce, and keeps everything round herself ... what d'you call it. And in our poverty, you know, it's a pair of hands, I mean; and the wedding needn't cost much. But the chief thing's the offence, the offence to the lass, and she's a what d'you call it, an orphan, you know; that's what she is, and there's the offence.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Eh! they'll all tell you a tale of that sort聽...

础狈脥厂驰础.听Daddy Ak铆m, you'd better listen to us women; we can tell you a thing or two.

础碍脥惭.听And God, how about God? Isn't she a human being, the lass? A what d'you call it,---also a human being I mean, before God. And how do you look at it?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Eh!... started off again?...

PETER.聽Wait a bit, Daddy Ak铆m. One can't believe all these girls say, either. The lad's alive, and not far away; send for him, and find out straight from him if it's true.聽16He won't wish to lose his soul. Go and call the fellow, [An铆sya rises] and tell him his father wants him. [Exit An铆sya].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听That's right, dear friend; you've cleared the way clean, as with water. Yes, let the lad speak for himself. Nowadays, you know, they'll not let you force a son to marry; one must first of all ask the lad. He'll never consent to marry her and disgrace himself, not for all the world. To my thinking, it's best he should go on living with you and serving you as his master. And we need not take him home for the summer either; we can hire a help. If you would only give us ten roubles now, we'll let him stay on.

PETER.聽All in good time. First let us settle one thing before we start another.

础碍脥惭.听You see, Peter Ign谩titch, I speak. 'Cos why? you know how it happens. We try to fix things up as seems best for ourselves, you know; and as to God, we what d'you call it, we forget Him. We think it's best so, turn it our own way, and lo! we've got into a fix, you know. We think it will be best, I mean; and lo! it turns out much worse---without God, I mean.

PETER.聽Of course one must not forget God.

础碍脥惭.听It turns out worse! But when it's the right way---God's way---it what d'you call it, it gives one joy; seems pleasant, I mean. So I reckon, you see, get him, the lad, I mean, get him to marry her, to keep him from sin, I mean, and let him what d'you call it at home, as it's lawful, I mean, while I go and get the job in town. The work is of the right sort---it's payin', I mean. And in God's sight it's what d'you call it---it's best, I mean. Ain't she an orphan? Here, for example, a year ago some fellows went and took timber from the steward,---thought they'd do the steward, you know. Yes, they did the steward, but they couldn't what d'you call it---do God, I mean. Well, and so聽...

17Enter Nik铆ta and Nan.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听You called me? [Sits down and takes out his tobacco-pouch].

笔贰罢贰搁听摆in a low, reproachful voice] What are you thinking about---have you no manners? Your father is going to speak to you, and you sit down and fool about with tobacco. Come, get up!

Nik铆ta rises, leans carelessly with his elbow on the table, and smiles.

础碍脥惭.听It seems there's a complaint, you know, about you, Nik铆ta---a complaint, I mean, a complaint.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Who's been complaining?

础碍脥惭.听Complaining? It's a maid, an orphan maid, complaining, I mean. It's her, you know---a complaint against you, from Mar铆na, I mean.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆laughs] Well, that's a good one. What's the complaint? And who's told you---she herself?

础碍脥惭.听It's I am asking you, and you must now, what d'you call it, give me an answer. Have you got mixed up with the lass, I mean---mixed up, you know?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听I don't know what you mean. What's up?

础碍脥惭.听Foolin', I mean, what d'you call it? foolin'. Have you been foolin' with her, I mean?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Never mind what's been! Of course one does have some fun with a cook now and then to while away the time. One plays the concertina and gets her to dance. What of that?

PETER.聽Don't shuffle, Nik铆ta, but answer your father straight out.

础碍脥惭听摆solemnly] You can hide it from men but not from God, Nik铆ta. You, what d'you call it---think, I mean, and don't tell lies. She's an orphan; so, you see, any one is free to insult her. An orphan, you see. So you should say what's rightest.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听But what if I have nothing to say? I have told you everything---because there isn't anything to tell,聽18that's flat! [Getting excited] She can go and say anything about me, same as if she was speaking of one as is dead. Why don't she say anything about F茅dka Mik铆shin? Besides, how's this, that one mayn't even have a bit of fun nowadays? And as for her, well, she's free to say anything she likes.

础碍脥惭.听Ah, Nik铆ta, mind! A lie will out. Did anything happen?

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆aside] How he sticks to it; it's too bad. [To Ak铆m] I tell you, I know nothing more. There's been nothing between us. [Angrily] By God! and may I never leave this spot [crosses himself] if I know anything about it. [Silence. Then still more excitedly] Why! have you been thinking of getting me to marry her? What do you mean by it?---it's a confounded shame. Besides, nowadays you've got no such rights as to force a fellow to marry. That's plain enough. Besides, haven't I sworn I know nothing about it?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆to her husband] There now, that's just like your silly pate, to believe all they tell you. He's gone and put the lad to shame all for nothing. The best thing is to let him live as he is living, with his master. His master will help us in our present need, and give us ten roubles, and when the time comes聽...

PETER.聽Well, Daddy Ak铆m, how's it to be?

础碍脥惭听摆looks at his son, clicking his tongue disapprovingly] Mind, Nik铆ta, the tears of one that's been wronged never, what d'you call it---never fall beside the mark but always on, what's name---the head of the man as did the wrong. So mind, don't what d'you call it.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆sits down] What's there to mind? mind yourself.

狈础狈听摆aside] I must run and tell mother. [Exit].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆to Peter] That's always the way with this old mumbler of mine, Peter Ign谩titch. Once he's got anything wedged in his pate there's no knocking it out.聽19We've gone and troubled you all for nothing. The lad can go on living as he has been. Keep him; he's your servant.

PETER.聽Well, Daddy Ak铆m, what do you say?

础碍脥惭.听Why, the lad's his own master, if only he what d'you call it.... I only wish that, what d'you call it, I mean.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听You don't know yourself what you're jawing about. The lad himself has no wish to leave. Besides, what do we want with him at home? We can manage without him.

PETER.聽Only one thing, Daddy Ak铆m---if you are thinking of taking him back in summer, I don't want him here for the winter. If he is to stay at all, it must be for the whole year.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听And it's for a year he'll bind himself. If we want help when the press of work comes, we can hire help, and the lad shall remain with you. Only give us ten roubles now....

PETER.聽Well then, is it to be for another year?

础碍脥惭.听[sighing] Yes, it seems, it what d'you call it ... if it's so, I mean, it seems that it must be what d'you call it.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听For a year, counting from St. Dim铆try's day. We know you'll pay him fair wages. But give us ten roubles now. Help us out of our difficulties. [Gets up and bows to Peter].

Enter Nan and An铆sya. The latter sits down at one side.

PETER.聽Well, if that's settled we might step across to the inn and have a drink. Come, Daddy Ak铆m, what do you say to a glass of v贸dka?

础碍脥惭.听No, I never drink that sort of thing.

PETER.聽Well, you'll have some tea?

础碍脥惭.听Ah, tea! yes, I do sin that way. Yes, tea's the thing.

PETER.聽And the women will also have some tea. Come.聽20And you, Nik铆ta, go and drive the sheep in and clear away the straw.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听All right. [Exeunt all but Nik铆ta. Nik铆ta lights a cigarette. It grows darker] Just see how they bother one. Want a fellow to tell 'em how he larks about with the wenches! It would take long to tell 'em all those stories---"Marry her," he says. Marry them all! One would have a good lot of wives! And what need have I to marry? Am as good as married now! There's many a chap as envies me. Yet how strange it felt when I crossed myself before the ic贸n. It was just as if some one shoved me. The whole web fell to pieces at once. They say it's frightening to swear what's not true. That's all humbug. It's all talk, that is. It's simple enough.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆enters with a rope, which she puts down. She takes off her outdoor things and goes into closet] You might at least have got a light.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What, to look at you? I can see you well enough without.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Oh, bother you!

Nan enters and whispers to Nik铆ta.

NAN.聽Nik铆ta, there's a person wants you. There is!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What person?

NAN.聽Mar铆na from the railway; she's out there, round the corner.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Nonsense!

NAN.聽Blest if she isn't!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What does she want?

NAN.聽She wants you to come out. She says, "I only want to say a word to Nik铆ta." I began asking, but she won't tell, but only says, "Is it true he's leaving you?" And I say, "No, only his father wanted to take him away and get him to marry, but he won't, and is going to stay with us another year." And she says, "For goodness' sake send him out to me. I must see him," she says, "I聽21must say a word to him somehow." She's been waiting a long time. Why don't you go?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Bother her! What should I go for?

NAN.聽She says, "If he don't come, I'll go into the hut to him." Blest if she didn't say she'd come in!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Not likely. She'll wait a bit and then go away.

NAN.聽"Or is it," she says, "that they want him to marry Akoul铆na?"

Re-enter Akoul铆na, passing near Nik铆ta to take her distaff.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Marry whom to Akoul铆na?

NAN.聽Why, Nik铆ta.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听A likely thing! Who says it?

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆looks at her and laughs] It seems people do say it. Would you marry me, Akoul铆na?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Who, you? Perhaps I might have afore, but I won't now.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听And why not now?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听'Cos you wouldn't love me.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Why not?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听'Cos you'd be forbidden to. [Laughs].

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Who'd forbid it?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Who? My step-mother. She does nothing but grumble, and is always staring at you.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆laughing] Just hear her! Ain't she cute?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Who? Me? What's there to be cute about? Am I blind? She's been rowing and rowing at dad all day. The fat-muzzled witch! [Goes into closet].

狈础狈听摆looking out of the window] Look, Nik铆ta, she's coming! I'm blest if she isn't! I'll go away. [Exit].

惭础搁脥狈础听摆enters] What are you doing with me?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Doing? I'm not doing anything.

惭础搁脥狈础.听You mean to desert me.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆gets up angrily] What does this look like, your coming here?

惭础搁脥狈础.听Oh, Nik铆ta!

22狈滨碍脥罢础.听Well, you are strange! What have you come for?

惭础搁脥狈础.听Nik铆ta!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听That's my name. What do you want with Nik铆ta? Well, what next? Go away, I tell you!

惭础搁脥狈础.听I see, you do want to throw me over.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Well, and what's there to remember? You yourself don't know. When you stood out there round the corner and sent Nan for me, and I didn't come, wasn't it plain enough that you're not wanted? It seems pretty simple. So there---go!

惭础搁脥狈础.听Not wanted! So now I'm not wanted! I believed you when you said you would love me. And now that you've ruined me, I'm not wanted.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Where's the good of talking? This is quite improper. You've been telling tales to father. Now, do go away, will you?

惭础搁脥狈础.听You know yourself I never loved any one but you. Whether you married me or not, I'd not have been angry. I've done you no wrong, then why have you left off caring for me? Why?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Where's the use of baying at the moon? You go away. Goodness me! what a duffer!

惭础搁脥狈础.听It's not that you deceived me when you promised to marry me that hurts, but that you've left off loving. No, it's not that you've stopped loving me either, but that you've changed me for another, that's what hurts. I know who it is!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆comes up to her viciously] Eh! what's the good of talking to the likes of you, that won't listen to reason? Be off, or you'll drive me to do something you'll be sorry for.

惭础搁脥狈础.听What, will you strike me, then? Well then, strike me! What are you turning away for? Ah, Nik铆ta!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Supposing some one came in. Of course, it's quite improper. And what's the good of talking?

23惭础搁脥狈础.听So this is the end of it! What has been has flown. You want me to forget it? Well then, Nik铆ta, listen. I kept my maiden honour as the apple of my eye. You have ruined me for nothing, you have deceived me. You have no pity on a fatherless and motherless girl! [Weeping] You have deserted, you have killed me, but I bear you no malice. God forgive you! If you find a better one you'll forget me, if a worse one you'll remember me. Yes, you will remember, Nik铆ta! Good-bye, then, if it is to be. Oh, how I loved you! Good-bye for the last time. [Takes his head in her hands and tries to kiss him].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆tossing his head back] I'm not going to talk with the likes of you. If you won't go away I will, and you may stay here by yourself.

惭础搁脥狈础听摆screams] You are a brute. [In the doorway] God will give you no joy. [Exit, crying].

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆comes out of closet] You're a dog, Nik铆ta!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What's up?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听What a cry she gave! [Cries].

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What's up with you?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听What's up? You've hurt her so. That's the way you'll hurt me also. You're a dog. [Exit into closet].

Silence.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Here's a fine muddle. I'm as sweet as honey on the lasses, but when a fellow's sinned with 'em it's a bad look-out!

Curtain.

24

The scene represents the village street. To the left the outside of Peter's hut, built of logs, with a porch in the middle; to the right of the hut the gates and a corner of the yard buildings. An铆sya is beating hemp in the street near the corner of the yard. Six months have elapsed since the聽[First Act]

础狈脥厂驰础听摆stops and listens] Mumbling something again. He's probably got off the stove.

Akoul铆na enters, carrying two pails on a yoke.

础狈脥厂驰础.听He's calling. You go and see what he wants, kicking up such a row.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Why don't you go?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Go, I tell you! [Exit Akoul铆na into hut] He's bothering me to death. Won't let out where the money is, and that's all about it. He was out in the passage the other day. He must have been hiding it there. Now, I don't know myself where it is. Thank goodness he's afraid of parting with it, so that at least it will stay in the house. If only I could manage to find it. He hadn't it on him yesterday. Now I don't know where it can be. He has quite worn the life out of me.

Enter Akoul铆na, tying her kerchief over her head.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Where are you off to?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Where? Why, he's told me to go for Aunt Martha. "Fetch my sister," he says. "I am going to die," he says. "I have a word to say to her."

础狈脥厂驰础听摆aside] Asking for his sister? Oh my poor head!聽25Sure he wants to give it her. What shall I do? Oh! [To Akoul铆na] Don't go! Where are you off to?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听To call Aunt.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Don't go I tell you, I'll go myself. You go and take the clothes to the river to rinse. Else you'll not have finished by the evening.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听But he told me to go.

础狈脥厂驰础.听You go and do as you're bid. I tell you I'll fetch Martha myself. Take the shirts off the fence.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听The shirts? But maybe you'll not go. He's given the order.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Didn't I say I'd go? Where's Nan?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Nan? Minding the calves.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Send her here. I dare say they'll not run away. [Akoul铆na collects the clothes, and exit].

础狈脥厂驰础.听If one doesn't go he'll scold. If one goes he'll give the money to his sister. All my trouble will be wasted. I don't myself know what I'm to do. My poor head's splitting. [Continues to work].

Enter Matry贸na, with a stick and a bundle, in outdoor clothes.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听May the Lord help you, honey.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆looks round, stops working, and claps her hands with joy] Well, I never expected this! Mother Matry贸na, God has sent the right guest at the right time.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, how are things?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Ah, I'm driven well-nigh crazy. It's awful!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, still alive, I hear?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh, don't talk about it. He doesn't live and doesn't die!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听But the money---has he given it to anybody?

础狈脥厂驰础.听He's just sending for his sister Martha---probably about the money.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, naturally! But hasn't he given it to any one else?

础狈脥厂驰础.听To no one. I watch like a hawk.

26惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听And where is it?

础狈脥厂驰础.听He doesn't let out. And I can't find out in any way. He hides it now here, now there, and I can't do anything because of Akoul铆na. Idiot though she is, she keeps watch, and is always about. Oh my poor head! I'm bothered to death.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Oh, my jewel, if he gives the money to any one but you, you'll never cease regretting it as long as you live! They'll turn you out of house and home without anything. You've been worriting, and worriting all your life with one you don't love, and will have to go a-begging when you are a widow.

础狈脥厂驰础.听No need to tell me, mother. My heart's that weary, and I don't know what to do. No one to get a bit of advice from. I told Nik铆ta, but he's frightened of the job. The only thing he did was to tell me yesterday it was hidden under the floor.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, and did you look there?

础狈脥厂驰础.听I couldn't. The old man himself was in the room. I notice that sometimes he carries it about on him, and sometimes he hides it.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听But you, my lass, must remember that if once he gives you the slip there's no getting it right again! [Whispering] Well, and did you give him the strong tea?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh! oh!... [About to answer, but sees neighbour and stops].

The neighbour (a woman) passes the hut, and listens to a call from within.

狈贰滨骋贬叠翱鲍搁听摆to An铆sya] I say, An铆sya! Eh, An铆sya! There's your old man calling, I think.

础狈脥厂驰础.听That's the way he always coughs,---just as if he were screaming. He's getting very bad.

狈贰滨骋贬叠翱鲍搁听摆approaches Matry贸na] How do you do, granny? Have you come far?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Straight from home, dear. Come to see my聽27son. Brought him some shirts---can't help thinking of these things, you see, when it's one's own child.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Yes, that's always so. [To An铆sya] And I was thinking of beginning to bleach the linen, but it is a bit early, no one has begun yet.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Where's the hurry?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, and has he had communion?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh dear yes, the priest was here yesterday.

NEIGHBOUR.聽I had a look at him yesterday. Dearie me! one wonders his body and soul keep together. And, O Lord, the other day he seemed just at his last gasp, so that they laid him under the holy ic贸ns.聽They started lamenting and got ready to lay him out.

础狈脥厂驰础.听He came to, and creeps about again.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, and is he to have extreme unction?

础狈脥厂驰础.听The neighbours advise it. If he lives till to-morrow we'll send for the priest.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Oh, An铆sya dear, I should think your heart must be heavy. As the saying goes, "Not he is sick that's ill in bed, but he that sits and waits in dread."

础狈脥厂驰础.听Yes, if it were only over one way or other!

NEIGHBOUR.聽Yes, that's true, dying for a year, it's no joke. You're bound hand and foot like that.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Ah, but a widow's lot is also bitter. It's all right as long as one's young, but who'll care for you when you're old? Oh yes, old age is not pleasure. Just look at me. I've not walked very far, and yet am so footsore I don't know how to stand. Where's my son?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Ploughing. But you come in and we'll get the samov谩r ready; the tea'll set you up again.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆sitting down] Yes, it's true, I'm quite done up, my dears. As to extreme unction, that's absolutely necessary. Besides, they say it's good for the soul.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Yes, we'll send to-morrow.

28惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Yes, you had better. And we've had a wedding down in our parts.

NEIGHBOUR.聽What, in spring?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Ah, now if it were a poor man, then, as the saying is, it's always unseasonable for a poor man to marry. But it's Simon Matv茅yitch, he's married that Mar铆na.

础狈脥厂驰础.听What luck for her!

NEIGHBOUR.聽He's a widower. I suppose there are children?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Four of 'em. What decent girl would have him! Well, so he's taken her, and she's glad. You see, the vessel was not sound, so the wine trickled out.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Oh my! And what do people say to it? And he, a rich peasant!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听They are living well enough so far.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Yes, it's true enough. Who wants to marry where there are children? There now, there's our Michael. He's such a fellow, dear me聽...

PEASANT'S VOICE.聽Hullo, M谩vra. Where the devil are you? Go and drive the cow in.

Exit Neighbour.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆while the Neighbour is within hearing speaks in her ordinary voice] Yes, lass, thank goodness, she's married. At any rate my old fool won't go bothering about Nik铆ta. Now [suddenly changing her tone], she's gone! [Whispers] I say, did you give him the tea?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Don't speak about it. He'd better die of himself. It's no use---he doesn't die, and I have only taken a sin on my soul. O-oh, my head, my head! Oh, why did you give me those powders?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听What of the powders? The sleeping powders, lass,---why not give them? No evil can come of them.

础狈脥厂驰础.听I am not talking of the sleeping ones, but the others, the white ones.

29惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, honey, those powders are medicinal.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆sighs] I know, yet it's frightening. Though he's worried me to death.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, and did you use many?

础狈脥厂驰础.听I gave two doses.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Was anything noticeable?

础狈脥厂驰础.听I had a taste of the tea myself---just a little bitter. And he drank them with the tea and says, "Even tea disgusts me," and I say, "Everything tastes bitter when one's sick." But I felt that scared, mother.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Don't go thinking about it. The more one thinks the worse it is.

础狈脥厂驰础.听I wish you'd never given them to me and led me into sin. When I think of it something seems to tear my heart. Oh dear, why did you give them to me?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听What do you mean, honey? Lord help you! Why are you turning it on to me? Mind, lass, don't go twisting matters from the sick on to the healthy. If anything were to happen, I stand aside! I know nothing! I'm aware of nothing! I'll kiss the cross on it; I never gave you any kind of powders, never saw any, never heard of any, and never knew there were such powders. You think about yourself, lass. Why, we were talking about you the other day. "Poor thing, what torture she endures. The step-daughter an idiot; the old man rotten, sucking her life-blood. What wouldn't one be ready to do in such a case!"

础狈脥厂驰础.听I'm not going to deny it. A life such as mine could make one do worse than that. It could make you hang yourself or throttle him. Is this a life?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听That's just it. There's no time to stand gaping; the money must be found one way or other, and then he must have his tea.

础狈脥厂驰础.听O-oh, my head, my head! I can't think what to do. I am so frightened; he'd better die of himself. I don't want to have it on my soul.

30惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆viciously] And why doesn't he show the money? Does he mean to take it along with him? Is no one to have it? Is that right? God forbid such a sum should be lost all for nothing. Isn't that a sin? What's he doing? Is he worth considering?

础狈脥厂驰础.听I don't know anything. He's worried me to death.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听What is it you don't know? The business is clear. If you make a slip now, you'll repent it all your life. He'll give the money to his sister and you'll be left without.

础狈脥厂驰础.听O-oh dear! Yes, and he did send for her---I must go.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听You wait a bit and light the samov谩r first. We'll give him some tea and search him together---we'll find it, no fear.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh dear, oh dear; supposing something were to happen.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听What now? What's the good of waiting? Do you want the money to slip from your hand when it's just in sight? You go and do as I say.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Well, I'll go and light the samov谩r.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Go, honey, do the business so as not to regret it afterwards. That's right! [An铆sya turns to go. Matry贸na calls her back].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Just a word. Don't tell Nik铆ta about the business. He's silly. God forbid he should find out about the powders. The Lord only knows what he would do. He's so tender-hearted. D'you know, he usen't to be able to kill a chicken. Don't tell him. 'Twould be a fine go, he wouldn't understand things. [Stops horror-struck as Peter appears in the doorway].

笔贰罢贰搁听摆holding on to the wall, creeps out into the porch and calls with a faint voice] How's it one can't make you hear? Oh, oh, An铆sya! Who's there? [Drops on the bench].

31础狈脥厂驰础听摆steps from behind the corner] Why have you come out? You should have stayed where you were lying.

PETER.聽Has the girl gone for Martha? It's very hard.... Oh, if only death would come quicker!

础狈脥厂驰础.听She had no time. I sent her to the river. Wait a bit, I'll go myself when I'm ready.

PETER.聽Send Nan. Where's she? Oh, I'm that bad! Oh, death's at hand!

础狈脥厂驰础.听I've sent for her already.

PETER.聽Oh dear! Then where is she?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Where's she got to, the plague seize her!

PETER.聽Oh, dear! I can't bear it. All my inside's on fire. It's as if a gimlet were boring me. Why have you left me as if I were a dog?... no one to give me a drink.... Oh ... send Nan to me.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Here she is. Nan, go to father.

Nan runs in. An铆sya goes behind the corner of the house.

PETER.聽Go you. Oh ... to Aunt Martha, tell her father wants her; say she's to come, I want her.

NAN.聽All right.

PETER.聽Wait a bit. Tell her she's to come quick. Tell her I'm dying. O-oh!

NAN.聽I'll just get my shawl and be off. [Runs off].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆winking] Now then, mind and look sharp, lass. Go into the hut, hunt about everywhere, like a dog that's hunting for fleas: look under everything, and I'll search him.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆to Matry贸na] I feel a bit bolder, somehow, now you're here. [Goes up to porch. To Peter] Hadn't I better light the samov谩r? Here's Mother Matry贸na come to see her son; you'll have a cup of tea with her?

PETER.聽Well then, light it. [An铆sya goes into the house. Matry贸na comes up to the porch].

PETER.聽How do you do?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆bowing] How d'you do, my benefactor; how d'you do, my precious ... still ill, I see. And my聽32old man, he's that sorry! "Go," says he, "see how he's getting on." He sends his respects to you. [Bows again].

PETER.聽I'm dying.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Ah yes, Peter Ign谩titch, now I look at you I see, as the saying has it, "Sickness lives where men live." You've shrivelled, shrivelled, all to nothing, poor dear, now I come to look at you. Seems illness does not add to good looks.

PETER.聽My last hour has come.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Oh well, Peter Ign谩titch, it's God's will you know, you've had communion, and you'll have unction, God willing. Your missus is a wise woman, the Lord be thanked; she'll give you a good burial, and have prayers said for your soul, all most respectable! And my son, he'll look after things meanwhile.

PETER.聽There'll be no one to manage things! She's not steady. Has her head full of folly---why, I know all about it, I know. And my girl is silly and young. I've got the homestead together, and there's no one to attend to things. One can't help feeling it. [Whimpers].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Why, if it's money, or something, you can leave orders.

笔贰罢贰搁听摆to An铆sya inside the house] Has Nan gone?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆aside] There now, he's remembered!

础狈脥厂驰础听摆from inside] She went then and there. Come inside, won't you? I'll help you in.

PETER.聽Let me sit here a bit for the last time. The air's so stuffy inside. Oh, how bad I feel! Oh, my heart's burning.... Oh, if death would only come.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听If God don't take a soul, the soul can't go out. Death and life are in God's will, Peter Ign谩titch. You can't be sure of death either. Maybe you'll recover yet. There was a man in our village just like that, at the very point of death聽...

PETER.聽No, I feel I shall die to-day, I feel it. [Leans back and shuts his eyes].

33础狈脥厂驰础听摆enters] Well now, are you coming in or not? You do keep one waiting. Peter! eh, Peter!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆steps aside and beckons to An铆sya with her finger] Well?

础狈脥厂驰础听摆comes down the porch steps] Not there.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听But have you searched everywhere? Under the floor?

础狈脥厂驰础.听No, it's not there either. In the shed perhaps; he was rummaging there yesterday.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Go, search, search for all you're worth. Go all over everywhere, as if you licked with your tongue! But I see he'll die this very day, his nails are turning blue and his face looks earthy. Is the samov谩r ready?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Just on the boil.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆comes from the other side, if possible on horseback, up to the gate, and does not see Peter. To Matry贸na] How d'you do, mother, is all well at home?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听The Lord be thanked, we're all alive and have a crust to bite.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Well, and how's master?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Hush, there he sits. [Points to porch].

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Well, let him sit. What's it to me?

笔贰罢贰搁听摆opens his eyes] Nik铆ta, I say, Nik铆ta, come here! [Nik铆ta approaches. An铆sya and Matry贸na whisper together].

PETER.聽Why have you come back so early?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听I've finished ploughing.

PETER.聽Have you done the strip beyond the bridge?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听It's too far to go there.

PETER.聽Too far? From here it's still farther. You'll have to go on purpose now. You might have made one job of it. [An铆sya, without showing herself, stands and listens].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆approaches] Oh, sonnie, why don't you take more pains for your master? Your master is ill and depends on you; you should serve him as you would your own father, straining every muscle just as I always tell you to.

34PETER.聽Well then---o-oh!... Get out the seed potatoes, and the women will go and sort them.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆aside] No fear, I'm not going. He's again sending every one away; he must have the money on him now, and wants to hide it somewhere.

PETER.聽Else ... o-oh! when the time comes for planting, they'll all be rotten. Oh, I can't stand it! [Rises].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆runs up into the porch and holds Peter up] Shall I help you into the hut?

PETER.聽Help me in. [Stops] Nik铆ta!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆angrily] What now?

PETER.聽I shan't see you again ... I'll die to-day.... Forgive me, for Christ's sake, forgive me if I have ever sinned against you ... If I have sinned in word or deed ... There's been all sorts of things. Forgive me!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What's there to forgive? I'm a sinner myself.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Ah, sonnie, have some feeling.

PETER.聽Forgive me, for Christ's sake. [Weeps].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆snivels] God will forgive you, Daddy Peter. I have no cause to complain of you. You've never done me any wrong. You forgive me; maybe I've sinned worse against you. [Weeps].

Peter goes in whimpering, Matry贸na supporting him.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh, my poor head! It's not without some reason he's hit on that. [Approaches Nik铆ta] Why did you say the money was under the floor? It's not there.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆does not answer, but cries] I have never had anything bad from him, nothing but good, and what have I gone and done!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Enough now! Where's the money?

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆angrily] How should I know? Go and look for it yourself!

35础狈脥厂驰础.听What's made you so tender?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听I am sorry for him,---that sorry. How he cried! Oh dear!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Look at him,---seized with pity! He has found someone to pity too! He's been treating you like a dog, and even just now was giving orders to have you turned out of the house. You'd better show me some pity!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What are you to be pitied for?

础狈脥厂驰础.听If he dies, and the money's been hidden away聽...

狈滨碍脥罢础.听No fear, he'll not hide it聽...

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh, Nik铆ta darling! he's sent for his sister, and wants to give it to her. It will be a bad lookout for us. How are we going to live, if he gives her the money? They'll turn me out of the house! You try and manage somehow! You said he went to the shed last night.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听I saw him coming from there, but where he's shoved it to, who can tell?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh, my poor head! I'll go and have a look there. [Nik铆ta steps aside].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆comes out of the hut and down the steps of the porch to An铆sya and Nik铆ta] Don't go anywhere. He's got the money on him. I felt it on a string round his neck.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh my head, my head!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听If you don't keep wide awake now, then you may whistle for it. If his sister comes---then good-bye to it!

础狈脥厂驰础.听That's true. She'll come and he'll give it her. What's to be done? Oh my poor head!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听What is to be done? Why, look here; the samov谩r is boiling, go and make the tea and pour him out a cup, and then [whispers] put in all that's left in the paper. When he's drunk the cup, then just take it. He'll not tell, no fear.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh! I'm afeared!

36惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Don't be talking now, but look alive, and I'll keep his sister off if need be. Mind, don't make a blunder! Get hold of the money and bring it here, and Nik铆ta will hide it.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh my head, my head! I don't know how I'm going to聽...

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Don't talk about it I tell you, do as I bid you. Nik铆ta!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What is it?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听You stay here---sit down---in case something is wanted.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆waves his hand] Oh these women, what won't they be up to? Muddle one up completely. Bother them! I'll really go and fetch out the potatoes.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆catches him by the arm] Stay here, I tell you.

Nan enters.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Well?

NAN.聽She was down in her daughter's vegetable plot---she's coming.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Coming! What shall we do?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听There's plenty of time if you do as I tell you.

础狈脥厂驰础.听I don't know what to do; I know nothing, my brain's all in a whirl. Nan! Go, daughter, and see to the calves, they'll have run away, I'm afraid.... Oh dear, I haven't the courage.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Go on! I should think the samov谩r's boiling over.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh my head, my poor head! [Exit].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆approaches Nik铆ta] Now then, sonnie. [Sits down beside him] Your affairs must also be thought about, and not left anyhow.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What affairs?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Why, this affair---how you're to live your life.

37狈滨碍脥罢础.听How to live my life? Others live, and I shall live!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听The old man will probably die to-day.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Well, if he dies, God give him rest! What's that to me?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆keeps looking towards the porch while she speaks] Eh, sonnie! Those that are alive have to think about living. One needs plenty of sense in these matters, honey. What do you think? I've tramped all over the place after your affairs, I've got quite footsore bothering about matters. And you must not forget me when the time comes.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听And what's it you've been bothering about?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听About your affairs, about your future. If you don't take trouble in good time you'll get nothing. You know Iv谩n Mos茅itch? Well, I've been to him too. I went there the other day. I had something else to settle, you know. Well, so I sat and chatted awhile and then came to the point. "Tell me, Iv谩n Mos茅itch," says I, "how's one to manage an affair of this kind? Supposing," says I, "a peasant as is a widower married a second wife, and supposing all the children he has is a daughter by the first wife, and a daughter by the second. Then," says I, "when that peasant dies, could an outsider get hold of the homestead by marrying the widow? Could he," says I, "give both the daughters in marriage and remain master of the house himself?" "Yes, he could," says he, "but," says he, "it would mean a deal of trouble; still the thing could be managed by means of money, but if there's no money it's no good trying."

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆laughs] That goes without saying, only fork out the money. Who does not want money?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well then, honey, so I spoke out plainly about the affair. And he says, "First and foremost, your son will have to get himself on the register of that village---that will cost something. The elders will have to be聽38treated. And they, you see, they'll sign. Everything," says he, "must be done sensibly." Look, [unwraps her kerchief and takes out a paper] he's written out this paper; just read it, you're a scholar, you know. [Nik铆ta reads].

狈滨碍脥罢础.听This paper's only a decision for the elders to sign. There's no great wisdom needed for that.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听But you just hear what Iv谩n Mos茅itch bids us do. "Above all," he says, "mind and don't let the money slip away, dame. If she don't get hold of the money," he says, "they'll not let her do it. Money's the great thing!" So look out, sonnie, things are coming to a head.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What's that to me? The money's hers---so let her look out.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Ah, sonnie, how you look at it! How can a woman manage such affairs? Even if she does get the money, is she capable of arranging it all? One knows what a woman is! You're a man anyhow. You can hide it, and all that. You see, you've after all got more sense, in case of anything happening.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Oh, your woman's notions are all so inexpedient!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Why inexpedient? You just collar the money, and the woman's in your hands. And then should she ever turn snappish you'd be able to tighten the reins!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Bother you all,---I'm going.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆quite pale, runs out of the hut and round the corner to Matry贸na] So it was, it was on him! Here it is! [Shows that she has something under her apron].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Give it to Nik铆ta, he'll hide it. Nik铆ta, take it and hide it somewhere.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听All right, give here!

础狈脥厂驰础.听O-oh, my poor head! No, I'd better do it myself. [Goes towards the gate].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆seizing her by the arm] Where are you going to? You'll be missed. There's the sister coming; give it him; he knows what to do. Eh, you blockhead!

39础狈脥厂驰础听摆stops irresolutely] Oh, my head, my head!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Well, give it here. I'll shove it away somewhere.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Where will you shove it to?

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆laughing] Why, are you afraid?

Enter Akoul铆na, carrying clothes from the wash.

础狈脥厂驰础.听O-oh, my poor head! [Gives the money] Mind, Nik铆ta.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What are you afraid of? I'll hide it so that I'll not be able to find it myself. [Exit].

础狈脥厂驰础听摆stands in terror] Oh dear, and supposing he聽...

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Well, is he dead?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Yes, he seems dead. He did not move when I took it.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Go in, there's Akoul铆na.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Well there, I've done the sin and he has the money....

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Have done and go in! There's Martha coming!

础狈脥厂驰础.听There now, I've trusted him. What's going to happen now? [Exit].

惭础搁罢贬础听摆enters from one side, Akoul铆na enters from the other. To Akoul铆na] I should have come before, but I was at my daughter's. Well, how's the old man? Is he dying?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆puts down the clothes] Don't know, I've been to the river.

惭础搁罢贬础听摆pointing to Matry贸na] Who's that?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听I'm from Zo煤evo. I'm Nik铆ta's mother from Zo煤evo, my dearie. Good afternoon to you. He's withering, withering away, poor dear---your brother, I mean. He came out himself. "Send for my sister," he said, "because," said he ... Dear me, why, I do believe, he's dead!

础狈脥厂驰础听摆runs out screaming. Clings to a post, and begins wailing] Oh, oh, ah! who-o-o-m have you left me聽40to, why-y-y have you dese-e-e-e-rted me---a miserable widow ... to live my life alone ... Why have you closed your bright eyes聽...

Enter Neighbour. Matry贸na and Neighbour catch hold of An铆sya under the arms to support her. Akoul铆na and Martha go into the hut. A crowd assembles.

A VOICE IN THE CROWD.聽Send for the old women to lay out the body.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆rolls up her sleeves] Is there any water in the copper? But I daresay the samov谩r is still聽hot.聽I'll also go and help a bit.

Curtain.

41

The same hut. Winter. Nine months have passed since聽[Act II] An铆sya, plainly dressed, sits before a loom weaving. Nan is on the oven.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬听摆an old labourer, enters, and slowly takes off his outdoor things] Oh Lord, have mercy! Well, hasn't the master come home yet?

础狈脥厂驰础.听What?

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Nik铆ta isn't back from town, is he?

础狈脥厂驰础.听No.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Must have been on the spree. Oh Lord!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Have you finished in the stackyard?

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听What d'you think? Got it all as it should be, and covered everything with straw! I don't like doing things by halves! Oh Lord! holy Nicholas! [Picks at the corns on his hands] But it's time he was back.

础狈脥厂驰础.听What need has he to hurry? He's got money. Merry-making with that girl, I daresay聽...

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Why shouldn't one make merry if one has the money? And why did Akoul铆na go to town?

础狈脥厂驰础.听You'd better ask her. How do I know what the devil took her there!

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听What! to town? There's all sorts of things to be got in town if one's got the means. Oh Lord!

NAN.聽Mother, I heard myself. "I'll get you a little shawl," he says, blest if he didn't; "you shall choose it yourself," he says. And she got herself up so fine; she put on her velveteen coat and the French shawl.

42础狈脥厂驰础.听Really, a girl's modesty reaches only to the door. Step over the threshold and it's forgotten. She is a shameless creature.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Oh my! What's the use of being ashamed? While there's plenty of money make merry. Oh Lord! It is too soon to have supper, eh? [An铆sya does not answer] I'll go and get warm meanwhile. [Climbs on the stove] Oh Lord! Blessed Virgin Mother! holy Nicholas!

狈贰滨骋贬叠翱鲍搁听摆enters] Seems your goodman's not back yet?

础狈脥厂驰础.听No.

NEIGHBOUR.聽It's time he was. Hasn't he perhaps stopped at our inn? My sister, Thekla, says there's heaps of sledges standing there as have come from the town.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Nan! Nan, I say!

狈础狈.听驰别蝉?

础狈脥厂驰础.听You run to the inn and see! Mayhap, being drunk, he's gone there.

狈础狈听摆jumps down from the oven and dresses] All right.

NEIGHBOUR.聽And he's taken Akoul铆na with him?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Else he'd not have had any need of going. It's because of her he's unearthed all the business there. "Must go to the bank," he says; "it's time to receive the payments," he says. But it's all her fooling.

狈贰滨骋贬叠翱鲍搁听摆shakes her head] It's a bad look-out. [Silence].

狈础狈听摆at the door] And if he's there, what am I to say?

础狈脥厂驰础.听You only see if he's there.

NAN.聽All right. I'll be back in a winking. [Long silence].

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬听摆roars] Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas!

狈贰滨骋贬叠翱鲍搁听摆starting] Oh, how he scared me? Who is it?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Why, M铆tritch, our labourer.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Oh dear, oh dear, what a fright he did give me! I had quite forgotten. But tell me, dear, I've heard someone's been wooing Akoul铆na?

43础狈脥厂驰础听摆gets up from the loom and sits down by the table] There was some one from D茅dlovo; but it seems the affair's got wind there too. They made a start, and then stopped; so the thing fell through. Of course, who'd care to?

NEIGHBOUR.聽And the Lizoun贸fs from Zo煤evo?

础狈脥厂驰础.听They made some steps too, but it didn't come off either. They won't even see us.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Yet it's time she was married.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Time and more than time! Ah, my dear, I'm that impatient to get her out of the house; but the matter does not come off. He does not wish it, nor she either. He's not yet had enough of his beauty, you see.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Eh, eh, eh, what doings! Only think of it. Why, he's her step-father!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Ah, friend, they've taken me in completely. They've done me so fine it's beyond saying. I, fool that I was, noticed nothing, suspected nothing, and so I married him. I guessed nothing, but they already understood one another.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Oh dear, what goings on!

础狈脥厂驰础.听So it went on from bad to worse, and I see they begin hiding from me. Ah, friend, I was that sick---that sick of my life! It's not as if I didn't love him.

NEIGHBOUR.聽That goes without saying.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Ah, how hard it is to bear such treatment from him! Oh, how it hurts!

NEIGHBOUR.聽Yes, and I've heard say he's becoming too free with his fists?

础狈脥厂驰础.听And that too! There was a time when he was gentle when he'd had a drop. He used to hit out before, but of me he was always fond! But now when he's in a temper he goes for me and is ready to trample me under his feet. The other day he got both hands entangled in my hair so that I could hardly get away. And the girl's聽44worse than a serpent; it's a wonder the earth bears such furies.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Ah, ah, my dear, now I look at you, you are a sufferer! To suffer like that is no joke. To have given shelter to a beggar, and he to lead you such a dance! Why don't you pull in the reins?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Ah, but my dear, if it weren't for my heart! Him as is gone was stern enough, still I could twist him about any way I liked; but with this one I can do nothing. As soon as I see him all my anger goes. I haven't a grain of courage before him; I go about like a drowned hen.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Ah, neighbour, you must be under a spell. I've heard that Matry贸na goes in for that sort of thing. It must be her.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Yes, dear; I think so myself sometimes. Gracious me, how hurt I feel at times! I'd like to tear him to pieces. But when I set eyes on him, my heart won't go against him.

NEIGHBOUR.聽It's plain you're bewitched. It don't take long to blight a body. There now, when I look at you, what you have dwindled to!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Growing a regular spindle-shanks. And just look at that fool Akoul铆na. Wasn't the girl a regular untidy slattern, and just look at her now! Where has it all come from? Yes, he has fitted her out. She's grown so smart, so puffed up, just like a bubble that's ready to burst. And, though she's a fool, she's got it into her head, "I'm the mistress," she says; "the house is mine; it's me father wanted him to marry." And she's that vicious! Lord help us, when she gets into a rage she's ready to tear the thatch off the house.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Oh dear, what a life yours is, now I come to look at you. And yet there's people envying you: "They're rich," they say; but it seems that gold don't keep tears from falling.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Much reason for envy indeed! And the riches,聽45too, will soon be made ducks and drakes of. Dear me, how he squanders money!

NEIGHBOUR.聽But how's it, dear, you've been so simple to give up the money? It's yours.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Ah, if you knew all! The thing is that I've made one little mistake.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Well, if I were you, I'd go straight and have the law of him. The money's yours; how dare he squander it? There's no such rights.

础狈脥厂驰础.听They don't pay heed to that nowadays.

NEIGHBOUR.聽Ah, my dear, now I come to look at you, you've got that weak.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Yes, quite weak, dear, quite weak. He's got me into a regular fix. I don't myself know anything. Oh, my poor head!

狈贰滨骋贬叠翱鲍搁听摆listening] There's someone coming, I think. [The door opens and Ak铆m enters].

础碍脥惭听摆crosses himself, knocks the snow off his feet, and takes off his coat] Peace be to this house! How do you do? Are you well, daughter?

础狈脥厂驰础.听How d'you do, father? Do you come straight from home?

础碍脥惭.听I've been a-thinking, I'll go and see what's name, go to see my son, I mean,---my son. I didn't start early---had my dinner, I mean; I went, and it's so what d'you call it---so snowy, hard walking, and so there I'm what d'you call it---late, I mean. And my son---is he at home? At home? My son, I mean.

础狈脥厂驰础.听No; he's gone to the town.

础碍脥惭听摆sits down on a bench] I've some business with him, d'you see, some business, I mean. I told him t'other day, told him I was in need---told him, I mean, that our horse was done for, our horse, you see. So we must what d'ye call it, get a horse, I mean, some kind of a horse, I mean. So there, I've come, you see.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Nik铆ta told me. When he comes back you'll聽46have a talk. [Goes to the oven] Have some supper now, and he'll soon come. M铆tritch, eh M铆tritch, come have your supper.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Come to supper.

NEIGHBOUR.聽I shall go now. Good-night. [Exit].

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬听摆gets down from the oven] I never noticed how I fell asleep. Oh Lord! gracious Nicholas! How d'you do, Daddy Ak铆m?

础碍脥惭.听Ah, M铆tritch! What are you, what d'ye call it, I mean?...

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Why, I'm working for your son, Nik铆ta.

础碍脥惭.听Dear me! What d'ye call ... working for my son, I mean. Dear me!

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听I was living with a tradesman in town, but drank all I had there. Now I've come back to the village. I've no home, so I've gone into service. [Gapes] Oh Lord!

础碍脥惭.听But how's that, what d'you call it, or what's name, Nik铆ta, what does he do? Has he some business, I mean besides, that he should hire a labourer, a labourer I mean, hire a labourer?

础狈脥厂驰础.听What business should he have? He used to manage, but now he's other things on his mind, so he's hired a labourer.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Why shouldn't he, seeing he has money?

础碍脥惭.听Now that's what d'you call it, that's wrong, I mean, quite wrong, I mean. That's spoiling oneself.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh, he has got spoilt, that spoilt, it's just awful.

础碍脥惭.听There now, what d'you call it, one thinks how to make things better, and it gets worse I mean. Riches spoil a man, spoil, I mean.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Fatness makes even a dog go mad; how's one not to get spoilt by fat living? Myself now; how I went on with fat living. I drank for three weeks without being聽47sober. I drank my last breeches. When I had nothing left, I gave it up. Now I've determined not to. Bother it!

础碍脥惭.听And where's what d'you call, your old woman?

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听My old woman has found her right place, old fellow. She's hanging about the gin-shops in town. She's a swell too; one eye knocked out, and the other black, and her muzzle twisted to one side. And she's never sober; drat her!

础碍脥惭.听Oh, oh, oh, how's that?

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听And where's a soldier's wife to go? She has found her right place. [Silence].

础碍脥惭听摆to An铆sya] And Nik铆ta,---has he what d'you call it, taken anything up to town? I mean, anything to sell?

础狈脥厂驰础听摆laying the table and serving up] No, he's taken nothing. He's gone to get money from the bank.

础碍脥惭听摆sitting down to supper] Why? D'you wish to put it to another use, the money I mean?

础狈脥厂驰础.听No, we don't touch it. Only some twenty or thirty roubles as have come due; they must be taken.

础碍脥惭.听Must be taken. Why take it, the money I mean? You'll take some to-day I mean, and some to-morrow; and so you'll what d'you call it, take it all, I mean.

础狈脥厂驰础.听We get this besides. The money is all safe.

础碍脥惭.听All safe? How's that, safe? You take it, and it what d'you call it, it's all safe. How's that? You put a heap of meal into a bin, or a barn, I mean, and go on taking meal, will it remain there what d'you call it, all safe I mean? That's, what d'you call it, it's cheating. You'd better find out, or else they'll cheat you. Safe indeed! I mean you what d'ye call ... you take it and it remains all safe there?

础狈脥厂驰础.听I know nothing about it. Iv谩n Mos茅itch advised us at the time. "Put the money in the bank," he聽48said, "the money will be safe, and you'll get interest," he said.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬听摆having finished his supper] That's so. I've lived with a tradesman. They all do like that. Put the money in the bank, then lie down on the oven and it will keep coming in.

础碍脥惭.听That's queer talk. How's that---what d'ye call, coming in, how's that coming in, and they, who do they get it from I mean, the money I mean?

础狈脥厂驰础.听They take the money out of the bank.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Get along! 'Tain't a thing a woman can understand! You look here, I'll make it all clear to you. Mind and remember. You see, suppose you've got some money, and I, for instance, have spring coming on, my land's idle, I've got no seeds, or I have to pay taxes. So, you see, I go to you. "Ak铆m," I say, "give us a ten-rouble note, and when I've harvested in autumn I'll return it, and till two acres for you besides, for having obliged me!" And you, seeing I've something to fall back on---a horse say, or a cow---you say, "No, give two or three roubles for the obligation," and there's an end of it. I'm stuck in the mud, and can't do without. So I say, "All right!" and take a tenner. In the autumn, when I've made my turnover, I bring it back, and you squeeze the extra three roubles out of me.

础碍脥惭.听Yes, but that's what peasants do when they what d'ye call it, when they forget God. It's not honest, I mean, it's no good, I mean.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听You wait. You'll see it comes just to the same thing. Now don't forget how you've skinned me. And An铆sya, say, has got some money lying idle. She does not know what to do with it, besides, she's a woman, and does not know how to use it. She comes to you. "Couldn't you make some profit with my money too?" she says. "Why not?" say you, and you wait. Before the summer I come again and say, "Give me聽49another tenner, and I'll be obliged." Then you find out if my hide isn't all gone, and if I can be skinned again you give me An铆sya's money. But supposing I'm clean shorn,---have nothing to eat,---then you see I can't be fleeced any more, and you say, "Go your way, friend," and you look out for another, and lend him your own and An铆sya's money and skin him. That's what the bank is. So it goes round and round. It's a cute thing, old fellow!

础碍脥惭听摆excitedly] Gracious me, whatever is that like? It's what d'ye call it, it's filthy! The peasants---what d'ye call it, the peasants do so I mean, and know it's, what d'ye call it, a sin! It's what d'you call, not right, not right, I mean. It's filthy! How can people as have learnt ... what d'ye call it聽...

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听That, old fellow, is just what they're fond of! And remember, them that are stupid, or the women folk, as can't put their money into use themselves, they take it to the bank, and they there, deuce take 'em, clutch hold of it, and with this money they fleece the people. It's a cute thing!

础碍脥惭听摆sighing] Oh dear, I see, what d'ye call it, without money it's bad, and with money it's worse! How's that? God told us to work, but you, what d'ye call聽... I mean you put money into the bank and go to sleep, and the money will what d'ye call it, will feed you while you sleep. It's filthy, that's what I call it; it's not right.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Not right? Eh, old fellow, who cares about that nowadays? And how clean they pluck you, too! That's the fact of the matter.

础碍脥惭听摆sighs] Ah yes, seems the time's what d'ye call it, the time's growing ripe. There, I've had a look at the closets in town. What they've come to! It's all polished and polished I mean, it's fine, it's what d'ye call it, it's like inside an inn. And what's it all for? What's the good of it? Oh, they've forgotten God. Forgotten, I mean. We've forgotten, forgotten God, God I mean!聽50Thank you, my dear, I've had enough. I'm quite satisfied. [Rises. M铆tritch climbs on to the oven].

础狈脥厂驰础听摆eats, and collects the dishes] If his father would only take him to task! But I'm ashamed to tell him.

础碍脥惭.听What d'you say?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh! it's nothing.

Enter Nan.

础碍脥惭.听Here's a good girl, always busy! You're cold, I should think?

NAN.聽Yes, I am, terribly. How d'you do, grandfather?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Well? Is he there?

NAN.聽No. But Andriy谩n is there. He's been to town, and he says he saw them at an inn in town. He says Dad's as drunk as drunk can be!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Do you want anything to eat? Here you are.

狈础狈听摆goes to the oven] Well, it聽is聽cold. My hands are quite numb. [Ak铆m takes off his leg-bands and bast-shoes. An铆sya washes up].

础狈脥厂驰础.听Father!

础碍脥惭.听Well, what is it?

础狈脥厂驰础.听And is Mar铆na living well?

础碍脥惭.听Yes, she's living all right. The little woman is what d'ye call it, clever and steady; she's living, and what d'ye call it, doing her best. She's all right; the little woman's of the right sort I mean; painstaking and what d'ye call it, submissive; the little woman's all right I mean, all right, you know.

础狈脥厂驰础.听And is there no talk in your village that a relative of Mar铆na's husband thinks of marrying our Akoul铆na? Have you heard nothing of it?

础碍脥惭.听Ah; that's Mir贸nof. Yes, the women did chatter something. But I didn't pay heed, you know. It don't interest me I mean, I don't know anything. Yes, the old women did say something, but I've a bad memory, bad memory, I mean. But the Mir贸nofs are聽51what d'ye call it, they're all right, I mean they're all right.

础狈脥厂驰础.听I'm that impatient to get her settled.

础碍脥惭.听And why?

狈础狈听摆listens] They've come!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Well, don't you go bothering them. [Goes on washing the spoons without turning her head].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆enters] An铆sya! Wife! who has come? [An铆sya looks up and turns away in silence].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆severely] Who has come? Have you forgotten?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Now don't humbug. Come in!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆still more severely] Who's come?

础狈脥厂驰础听摆goes up and takes him by the arm] Well then, husband has come. Now then, come in!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆holds back] Ah, that's it! Husband! And what's husband called? Speak properly.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Oh bother you! Nik铆ta!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Where have you learnt manners? The full name.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Nik铆ta Ak铆mitch! Now then!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆still in the doorway] Ah, that's it! But now---the surname?

础狈脥厂驰础听摆laughs and pulls him by the arm] Tchil铆kin. Dear me, what airs!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Ah, that's it. [Holds on to the door-post] No, now say with which foot Tchil铆kin steps into this house!

础狈脥厂驰础.听That's enough! You're letting the cold in!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Say with which foot he steps? You've got to say it,---that's flat.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆aside] He'll go on worrying. [To Nik铆ta] Well then, with the left. Come in!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Ah, that's it.

础狈脥厂驰础.听You look who's in the hut!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I'm not聽52ashamed of my parent. I can pay my respects to my parent. How d'you do, father? [Bows and puts out his hand] My respects to you.

An铆sya.聽Come in!
Nik铆ta.聽Ah, that's it.
An铆sya.聽You look who's in the hut!
Nik铆ta.聽Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I'm not ashamed of my parent.

础碍脥惭听摆does not answer] Drink, I mean drink, what it does! It's filthy!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Drink, what's that? I've been drinking? I'm to blame, that's flat! I've had a glass with a friend, drank his health.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Go and lie down, I say.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Wife, say where am I standing?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Now then, it's all right, lie down!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听No, I'll first drink a samov谩r with my parent. Go and light the samov谩r. Akoul铆na, I say, come here!

Enter Akoul铆na, smartly dressed and carrying their purchases.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Why have you thrown everything about? Where's the yarn?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听The yarn? The yarn's there. Hullo, M铆tritch, where are you? Asleep? Asleep? Go and put the horse up.

础碍脥惭听摆not seeing Akoul铆na but looking at his son] Dear me, what is he doing? The old man's what d'ye call it, quite done up, I mean,---been thrashing,---and look at him, what d'ye call it, putting on airs! Put up the horse! Faugh, what filth!

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬听摆climbs down from the oven, and puts on felt boots] Oh, merciful Lord! Is the horse in the yard? Done it to death, I dare say. Just see how he's been swilling, the deuce take him. Up to his very throat. Oh Lord, holy Nicholas! [Puts on sheepskin, and exit].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆sits down] You must forgive me, father. It's true I've had a drop; well, what of that? Even a hen will drink. Ain't it true? So you must forgive me. Never mind M铆tritch, he doesn't mind, he'll put it up.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Shall I really light the samov谩r?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Light it! My parent has come. I wish to talk聽53to him, and shall drink tea with him. [To Akoul铆na] Have you brought all the parcels?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听The parcels? I've brought mine, the rest's in the sledge. Hi, take this, this isn't mine!

Throws a parcel on the table and puts the others into her box. Nan watches her while she puts them away. Ak铆m does not look at his son, but puts his leg-bands and bast-shoes on the oven.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆going out with the samov谩r] Her box is full as it is, and still he's bought more!

Nik铆ta.聽Have you brought all the parcels?
Akoul铆na.聽The parcels? I've brought mine, the rest's in the sledge.
An铆sya.聽Her box is full as it is, and still he's bought more!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆pretending to be sober] You must not be cross with me, father. You think I'm drunk? I am all there, that's flat! As they say, "Drink, but keep your wits about you." I can talk with you at once, father. I can attend to any business. You told me about the money; your horse is worn-out,---I remember! That can all be managed. That's all in our hands. If it was an enormous sum that's wanted, then we might wait; but as it is I can do everything. That's the case.

础碍脥惭听摆goes on fidgeting with the leg-bands] Eh, lad, "It's ill sledging when the thaw has set in."

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What d'you mean by that? "And it's ill talking with one who is drunk"? But don't you worry, let's have some tea. And I can do anything; that's flat! I can put everything to rights.

础碍脥惭听摆shakes his head] Eh, eh, eh!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听The money, here it is. [Puts his hand in his pocket, pulls out pocket-book, handles the notes in it and takes out a ten-rouble note] Take this to get a horse; I can't forget my parent. I shan't forsake him, that's flat. Because he's my parent! Here you are, take it! Really now, I don't grudge it. [Comes up and pushes the note towards Ak铆m who won't take it. Nik铆ta catches hold of his father's hand] Take it, I tell you. I don't grudge it.

础碍脥惭.听I can't, what d'you call it, I mean, can't take it! And can't what d'ye call it, talk to you, because you're not yourself, I mean.

54狈滨碍脥罢础.听I'll not let you go! Take it! [Puts the money into Ak铆m's hand].

础狈脥厂驰础听摆enters, and stops] You'd better take it, he'll give you no peace!

础碍脥惭听摆takes it, and shakes his head] Oh! that liquor. Not like a man, I mean!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听That's better! If you repay it you'll repay it, if not I'll make no bother. That's what I am! [Sees Akoul铆na] Akoul铆na, show your presents.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听What?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Show your presents.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听The presents, what's the use of showing 'em? I've put 'em away.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Get them, I tell you. Nan will like to see 'em. Undo the shawl. Give it here.

础碍脥惭.听Oh, oh! It's sickening! [Climbs on the oven].

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆gets out the parcels and puts them on the table] Well, there you are,---what's the good of looking at 'em?

NAN.聽Oh how lovely! It's as good as Stepan铆da's.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Stepan铆da's? What's Stepan铆da's compared to this? [Brightening up and undoing the parcels] Just look here,---see the quality! It's a French one.

NAN.聽The print聽is聽fine! Mary has a dress like it, only lighter on a blue ground. This聽is听辫谤别迟迟测.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Ah, that's it!

An铆sya passes angrily into the closet, returns with a tablecloth and the chimney of the samov谩r, and goes up to the table.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Drat you, littering the table!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听You look here!

础狈脥厂驰础.听What am I to look at? Have I never seen anything? Put it away! [Sweeps the shawl on to the floor with her arm].

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听What are you pitching things down for? You pitch your own things about! [Picks up the shawl].

狈滨碍脥罢础.听An铆sya! Look here!

55础狈脥厂驰础.听Why am I to look?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听You think I have forgotten you? Look here! [Shows her a parcel and sits down on it] It's a present for you. Only you must earn it! Wife, where am I sitting?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Enough of your humbug. I'm not afraid of you. Whose money are you spreeing on and buying your fat wench presents with? Mine!

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Yours indeed? No fear! You wished to steal it, but it did not come off! Get out of the way! [Pushes her while trying to pass].

础狈脥厂驰础.听What are you shoving for? I'll teach you to shove!

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Shove me? You try! [Presses against An铆sya].

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Now then, now then, you women. Have done now! [Steps between them].

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Comes shoving herself in! You ought to keep quiet and remember your doings! You think no one knows!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Knows what? Out with it, out with it! What do they know?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听I know something about you!

础狈脥厂驰础.听You're a slut who goes with another's husband!

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听And you did yours to death!

础狈脥厂驰础听摆throwing herself on Akoul铆na] You're raving!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆holding her back] An铆sya, you seem to have forgotten!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Want to frighten me! I'm not afraid of you!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆turns An铆sya round and pushes her out] Be off!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Where am I to go? I'll not go out of my own house!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Be off, I tell you, and don't dare to come in here!

础狈脥厂驰础.听I won't go! [Nik铆ta pushes her, An铆sya cries and screams and clings to the door] What! am I to be turned out of my own house by the scruff of the neck? What聽56are you doing, you scoundrel? Do you think there's no law for you? You wait a bit!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Now then!

础狈脥厂驰础.听I'll go to the Elder! To the policeman!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Off, I tell you! [Pushes her out].

础狈脥厂驰础听摆behind the door] I'll hang myself!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听No fear!

NAN.聽Oh, oh, oh! Mother, dear, darling! [Cries].

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Me frightened of her! A likely thing! What are you crying for? She'll come back, no fear. Go and see to the samov谩r. [Exit Nan].

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆collects and folds her presents] The mean wretch, how she's messed it up. But wait a bit, I'll cut up her jacket for her! Sure I will!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听I've turned her out, what more do you want?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听She's dirtied my new shawl. If that bitch hadn't gone away, I'd have torn her eyes out!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听That's enough. Why should you be angry? Now if I loved her聽...

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Loved her? She's worth loving, with her fat mug! If you'd have given her up, then nothing would have happened. You should have sent her to the devil. And the house was mine all the same, and the money was mine! Says she is the mistress, but what sort of mistress is she to her husband? She's a murderess, that's what she is! She'll serve you the same way!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Oh dear, how's one to stop a woman's jaw? You don't yourself know what you're jabbering about!

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听Yes, I do. I'll not live with her! I'll turn her out of the house! She can't live here with me. The mistress indeed! She's not the mistress,---that jailbird!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听That's enough! What have you to do with her? Don't mind her. You look at me! I am the master! I do as I like. I've ceased to love her, and now I love you. I love who I like! The power is mine,聽57she's under me. That's where I keep her. [Points to his feet] A pity we've no concertina. [Sings].

"We have loaves on the stoves,We have porridge on the shelf.So we'll live and be gay,Making merry every day,And when death comes,Then we'll die!We have loaves on the stoves,We have porridge on the shelf聽..."

Enter M铆tritch. He takes off his outdoor things and climbs on the oven.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Seems the women have been fighting again! Tearing each other's hair. Oh Lord, gracious Nicholas!

础碍脥惭听摆sitting on the edge of the oven, takes his leg-bands and shoes and begins putting them on] Get in, get into the corner.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听Seems they can't settle matters between them. Oh Lord!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Get out the liquor, we'll have some with our tea.

狈础狈听摆to Akoul铆na] Sister, the samov谩r is just boiling over.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听And where's your mother?

NAN.聽She's standing and crying out there in the passage.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Oh, that's it! Call her, and tell her to bring the samov谩r. And you, Akoul铆na, get the tea things.

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听The tea things? All right. [Brings the things].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆unpacks spirits, rusks, and salt herrings] That's for myself. This is yarn for the wife. The paraffin is out there in the passage, and here's the money. Wait a bit, [takes a counting-frame] I'll add it up. [Adds] Wheat-flour, 80 kop茅ykas, oil ... Father, 10 roubles.... Father, come let's have some tea!

Silence. Ak铆m sits on the oven and winds the bands round his legs. Enter An铆sya with samov谩r.

58础狈脥厂驰础.听Where shall I put it?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Here on the table. Well! have you been to the Elder? Ah, that's it! Have your say and then eat your words. Now then, that's enough. Don't be cross, sit down and drink this. [Fills a wine-glass for her] And here's your present. [Gives her the parcel he had been sitting on. An铆sya takes it silently and shakes her head].

础碍脥惭听摆gets down and puts on his sheepskin, then comes up to the table and puts down the money] Here, take your money back! Put it away.

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆does not see the money] Why have you put on your things?

础碍脥惭.听I'm going, going I mean; forgive me for the Lord's sake. [Takes up his cap and belt].

狈滨碍脥罢础.听My gracious! Where are you going to at this time of night?

础碍脥惭.听I can't, I mean what d'ye call 'em, in your house, what d'ye call 'em, can't stay I mean, stay, can't stay, forgive me.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听But are you going without having any tea?

础碍脥惭听摆fastens his belt] Going, because, I mean, it's not right in your house, I mean, what d'you call it, not right, Nik铆ta, in the house, what d'ye call it, not right! I mean, you are living a bad life, Nik铆ta, bad,---I'll go.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Eh now! Have done talking! Sit down and drink your tea!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Why, father, you'll shame us before the neighbours. What has offended you?

础碍脥惭.听Nothing what d'ye call it, nothing has offended me, nothing at all! I mean only, I see, what d'you call it, I mean, I see my son, to ruin I mean, to ruin, I mean my son's on the road to ruin, I mean.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What ruin? Just prove it!

础碍脥惭.听Ruin, ruin; you're in the midst of it! What did I tell you that time?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听You said all sorts of things!

59础碍脥惭.听I told you, what d'ye call it, I told you about the orphan lass. That you had wronged an orphan---Mar铆na, I mean, wronged her!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Eh! he's at it again. Let bygones be bygones ... All that's past!

础碍脥惭听摆excited] Past! No, lad, it's not past. Sin, I mean, fastens on to sin---drags sin after it, and you've stuck fast, Nik铆ta, fast in sin! Stuck fast in sin! I see you're fast in sin. Stuck fast, sunk in sin, I mean!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Sit down and drink your tea, and have done with it!

础碍脥惭.听I can't, I mean can't what d'ye call it, can't drink tea. Because of your filth, I mean; I feel what d'ye call it, I feel sick, very sick! I can't what d'ye call it, I can't drink tea with you.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Eh! There he goes rambling! Come to the table.

础碍脥惭.听You're in your riches same as in a net---you're in a net, I mean. Ah, Nik铆ta, it's the soul that God needs!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Now really, what right have you to reprove me in my own house? Why do you keep on at me? Am I a child that you can pull by the hair? Nowadays those things have been dropped!

础碍脥惭.听That's true. I have heard that nowadays, what d'ye call it, that nowadays children pull their fathers' beards, I mean! But that's ruin, that's ruin, I mean!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆angrily] We are living without help from you, and it's you who came to us with your wants!

础碍脥惭.听The money? There's your money! I'll go begging, begging I mean, before I'll take it, I mean.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听That's enough! Why be angry and upset the whole company! [Holds him by the arm].

础碍脥惭听摆shrieks] Let go! I'll not stay. I'd rather sleep under some fence than in the midst of your filth! Faugh! God forgive me! [Exit].

60狈滨碍脥罢础.听Here's a go!

础碍脥惭听摆reopens the door] Come to your senses, Nik铆ta! It's the soul that God wants! [Exit].

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础听摆takes cups] Well, shall I pour out the tea? [Takes a cup. All are silent].

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬听摆roars] Oh Lord, be merciful to me a sinner! [All start].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆lies down on the bench] Oh, it's dull, it's dull! [To Akoul铆na] Where's the concertina?

础碍翱鲍尝脥狈础.听The concertina? He's bethought himself of it. Why, you took it to be mended. I've poured out your tea. Drink it!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听I don't want it! Put out the light聽...聽Oh, how dull I feel, how dull! [Sobs].

Curtain.

61

Autumn. Evening. The moon is shining. The stage represents the interior of courtyard. The scenery at the back shows, in the middle, the back porch of the hut. To the right the winter half of the hut and the gate; to the left the summer half and the cellar. To the right of the stage is a shed. The sound of tipsy voices and shouts are heard from the hut. Second Neighbour Woman comes out of the hut and beckons to First Neighbour Woman.

SECOND NEIGHBOUR.聽How's it Akoul铆na has not shown herself?

FIRST NEIGHBOUR.聽Why hasn't she shown herself? She'd have been glad to; but she's too ill, you know. The suitor's relatives have come, and want to see the girl; and she, my dear, she's lying in the cold hut and can't come out, poor thing!

SECOND NEIGHBOUR.聽But how's that?

FIRST NEIGHBOUR.聽They say she's been bewitched by an evil eye! She's got pains in the stomach!

SECOND NEIGHBOUR.聽You don't say so?

FIRST NEIGHBOUR.聽What else could it be? [Whispers].

SECOND NEIGHBOUR.聽Dear me! There's a go! But his relatives will surely find it out?

FIRST NEIGHBOUR.聽They find it out! They're all drunk! Besides, they are chiefly after her dowry. Just think what聽62they give with the girl! Two furs, my dear, six dresses, a French shawl, and I don't know how many pieces of linen, and money as well,---two hundred roubles, it's said!

SECOND NEIGHBOUR.聽That's all very well, but even money can't give much pleasure in the face of such a disgrace.

FIRST NEIGHBOUR.聽Hush!... There's his father, I think.

They cease talking, and go into the hut.

The Suitor's Father comes out of the hut hiccoughing.

THE FATHER.聽Oh, I'm all in a sweat. It's awfully hot! Will just cool myself a bit. [Stands puffing] The Lord only knows what---something is not right. I can't feel happy.---Well, it's the old woman's affair.

Enter Matry贸na from hut.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听And I was just thinking, where's the father? Where's the father? And here you are, dear friend.... Well, dear friend, the Lord be thanked! Everything is as honourable as can be! When one's arranging a match one should not boast. And I have never learnt to boast. But as you've come about the right business, so with the Lord's help, you'll be grateful to me all your life! She's a wonderful girl! There's no other like her in all the district!

THE FATHER.聽That's true enough, but how about the money?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Don't you trouble about the money! All she had from her father goes with her. And it's more than one gets easily, as things are nowadays. Three times fifty roubles!

THE FATHER.聽We don't complain, but it's for our own child. Naturally we want to get the best we can.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听I'll tell you straight, friend: if it hadn't been for me, you'd never have found anything like her! They've had an offer from the Karm铆lins, but I stood out against it. And as for the money, I'll tell you truly:聽63when her father, God be merciful to his soul, was dying, he gave orders that the widow should take Nik铆ta into the homestead---of course I know all about it from my son,---and the money was to go to Akoul铆na. Why, another one might have thought of his own interests, but Nik铆ta gives everything clean! It's no trifle. Fancy what a sum it is!

THE FATHER.聽People are saying, that more money was left her? The lad's sharp too!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Oh, dear soul alive! A slice in another's hand always looks big; all she had will be handed over. I tell you, throw doubts to the wind and make all sure! What a girl she is! as fresh as a daisy!

THE FATHER.聽That's so. But my old woman and I were only wondering about the girl; why has she not come out? We've been thinking, suppose she's sickly?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Oh, ah.... Who? She? Sickly? Why, there's none to compare with her in the district. The girl's as sound as a bell; you can't pinch her. But you saw her the other day! And as for work, she's wonderful! She's a bit deaf, that's true, but there are spots on the sun, you know. And her not coming out, you see, it's from an evil eye! A spell's been cast on her! And I know the bitch who's done the business! They know of the betrothal and they bewitched her. But I know a counter-spell. The girl will get up to-morrow. Don't you worry about the girl!

THE FATHER.聽Well, of course, the thing's settled.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Yes, of course! Don't you turn back. And don't forget me, I've had a lot of trouble. Don't forget聽...

A woman's voice from the hut.

VOICE.聽If we are to go, let's go. Come along, Iv谩n!

THE FATHER.聽I'm coming. [Exeunt. Guests crowd together in the passage and prepare to go away].

狈础狈听摆runs out of the hut and calls to An铆sya] Mother!

64础狈脥厂驰础听摆from inside] What d'you want?

NAN.聽Mother, come here, or they'll hear.

An铆sya enters and they go together to the shed.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Well? What is it? Where's Akoul铆na?

NAN.聽She's gone into the barn. It's awful what's she's doing there! I'm blest! "I can't bear it," she says. "I'll scream," she says, "I'll scream out loud." Blest if she didn't.

础狈脥厂驰础.听She'll have to wait. We'll see our visitors off first.

NAN.聽Oh mother! She's so bad! And she's angry too. "What's the good of their drinking my health?" she says. "I shan't marry," she says. "I shall die," she says. Mother, supposing she does die! It's awful. I'm so frightened!

础狈脥厂驰础.听No fear, she'll not die. But don't you go near her. Come along. [Exit An铆sya and Nan].

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬听摆comes in at the gate and begins collecting the scattered hay] Oh Lord! Merciful Nicholas! What a lot of liquor they've been and swilled, and the smell they've made! It smells even out here! But no, I don't want any, drat it! See how they've scattered the hay about. They don't eat it, but only trample it under foot. A truss gone before you know it. Oh, that smell, it seems to be just under my nose! Drat it! [Yawns] It's time to go to sleep! But I don't care to go into the hut. It seems to float just round my nose! It has a strong scent, the damned stuff! [The guests are heard driving off] They're off at last. Oh Lord! Merciful Nicholas! There they go, binding themselves and gulling one another. And it's all gammon!

Enter Nik铆ta.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听M铆tritch, you get off to sleep and I'll put this straight.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听All right, you throw it to the sheep. Well, have you seen 'em all off?

65狈滨碍脥罢础.听Yes, they're off! But things are not right! I don't know what to do!

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听It's a fine mess. But there's the Foundlings'聽for that sort of thing. Whoever likes may drop one there; they'll take 'em all. Give 'em as many as you like, they ask no questions, and even pay---if the mother goes in as a wet-nurse. It's easy enough nowadays.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听But mind, M铆tritch, don't go blabbing.

惭脥罢搁滨罢颁贬.听It's no concern of mine. Cover the tracks as you think best. Dear me, how you smell of liquor! I'll go in. Oh Lord! [Exit, yawning].

Nik铆ta is long silent. Sits down on a sledge.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Here's a go!

Enter An铆sya.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Where are you?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Here.

础狈脥厂驰础.听What are you doing there? There's no time to be lost! We must take it out directly!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What are we to do?

础狈脥厂驰础.听I'll tell you what you are to do. And you'll have to do it!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听You'd better take it to the Foundlings'---if anything.

础狈脥厂驰础.听Then you'd better take it there yourself if you like! You've a hankering for smut, but you're weak when it comes to settling up, I see!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What's to be done?

础狈脥厂驰础.听Go down into the cellar, I tell you, and dig a hole!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Couldn't you manage, somehow, some other way?

础狈脥厂驰础听摆imitating him] "Some other way?" Seems we can't "some other way!" You should have thought about it a year ago. Do what you're told to!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Oh dear, what a go!

66Enter Nan.

NAN.聽Mother! Grandmother's calling! I think sister's got a baby! I'm blest if it didn't scream!

础狈脥厂驰础.听What are you babbling about? Plague take you! It's kittens whining there. Go into the hut and sleep, or I'll give it you!

NAN.聽Mammy dear, truly, I swear聽...

础狈脥厂驰础听摆raising her arm as if to strike] I'll give it you! You be off and don't let me catch sight of you! [Nan runs into hut. To Nik铆ta] Do as you're told, or else mind! [Exit].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆alone. After a long silence] Here's a go! Oh these women! What a fix! Says you should have thought of it a year ago. When's one to think beforehand? When's one to think? Why, last year this An铆sya dangled after me. What was I to do? Am I a monk? The master died; and I covered my sin as was proper, so I was not to blame there. Aren't there lots of such cases? And then those powders. Did I put her up to that? Why, had I known what the bitch was up to, I'd have killed her! I'm sure I should have killed her! She's made me her partner in these horrors---that jade! And she became loathsome to me from that day! She became loathsome, loathsome to me as soon as mother told me about it. I can't bear the sight of her! Well then, how could I live with her? And then it begun.... That wench began hanging round. Well, what was I to do! If I had not done it, someone else would. And this is what comes of it! Still I'm not to blame in this either. Oh, what a go! [Sits thinking] They are bold, these women! What a plan to think of! But I won't have a hand in it!

Enter Matry贸na with a lantern and spade, panting.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Why are you sitting there like a hen on a perch? What did your wife tell you to do? You just get things ready!

67狈滨碍脥罢础.听What do you mean to do?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听We know what to do. You do your share!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听You'll be getting me into a mess!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听What? You're not thinking of backing out, are you? Now it's come to this, and you back out!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Think what a thing it would be! It's a living soul.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听A living soul indeed! Why, it's more dead than alive. And what's one to do with it? Go and take it to the Foundlings'---it will die just the same, and the rumour will get about, and people will talk, and the girl be left on our hands.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听And supposing it's found out?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Not manage to do it in one's own house? We'll manage it so that no one will have an inkling. Only do as I tell you. We women can't do it without a man. There, take the spade, and get it done there,---I'll hold the light.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What am I to get done?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆in a low voice] Dig a hole; then we'll bring it out and get it out of the way in a trice! There, she's calling again. Now then, get in, and I'll go.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Is it dead then?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Of course it is. Only you must be quick, or else people will notice! They'll see or they'll hear! The rascals must needs know everything. And the policeman went by this evening. Well then, you see [gives him the spade], you get down into the cellar and dig a hole right in the corner; the earth is soft there, and you'll smooth it over. Mother earth will not blab to any one; she'll keep it close. Go then; go, dear.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听You'll get me into a mess, bother you! I'll go away! You do it alone as best you can!

础狈脥厂驰础听摆through the doorway] Well? Has he dug it?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Why have you come away? What have you done with it?

68础狈脥厂驰础.听I've covered it with rags. No one can hear it. Well, has he dug it?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听He doesn't want to!

础狈脥厂驰础听摆springs out enraged] Doesn't want to! How will he like feeding vermin in prison! I'll go straight away and tell everything to the police! It's all the same if one must perish. I'll go straight and tell!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆taken aback] What will you tell?

础狈脥厂驰础.听What? Everything! Who took the money? You! [Nik铆ta is silent] And who gave the poison? I did! But you knew! You knew! You knew! We were in agreement!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听That's enough now. Nik铆ta dear, why are you obstinate? What's to be done now? One must take some trouble. Go, honey.

础狈脥厂驰础.听See the fine gentleman! He doesn't like it! You've put upon me long enough! You've trampled me under foot! Now it's my turn! Go, I tell you, or else I'll do what I said.... There, take the spade; there, now go!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Drat you! Can't you leave a fellow alone! [Takes the spade, but shrinks] If I don't choose to, I'll not go!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Not go? [Begins to shout] Neighbours! Heh! heh!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆closes her mouth] What are you about? You're mad! He'll go.... Go, sonnie; go, my own.

础狈脥厂驰础.听I'll cry murder!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Now stop! Oh what people! You'd better be quick.... As well be hung for a sheep as a lamb! [Goes towards the cellar].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Yes, that's just it, honey. If you know how to amuse yourself, you must know how to hide the consequences.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆still excited] He's trampled on me ... he and his slut! But it's enough! I'm not going to be the only one! Let him also be a murderer! Then he'll know how it feels!

69惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听There, there! How she flares up! Don't you be cross, lass, but do things quietly little by little, as it's best. You go to the girl, and he'll do the work. [Follows Nik铆ta to the cellar with a lantern. He descends into the cellar].

础狈脥厂驰础.听And I'll make him strangle his dirty brat! [Still excited] I've worried myself to death all alone, with Peter's bones weighing on my mind! Let him feel it too! I'll not spare myself; I've said I'll not spare myself!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆from the cellar] Show a light!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆holds up the lantern to him. To An铆sya] He's digging. Go and bring it.

础狈脥厂驰础.听You stay with him, or he'll go away, the wretch! And I'll go and bring it.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Mind, don't forget to baptize it, or I will if you like. Have you a cross?

础狈脥厂驰础.听I'll find one. I know how to do it. [Exit].

See at end of Act,聽[Variation] which may be used instead of the following.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听How the woman bristled up! But one must allow she's been put upon. Well, but with the Lord's help, when we've covered this business, there'll be an end of it. We'll shove the girl off without any trouble. My son will live in comfort. The house, thank God, is as full as an egg. They'll not forget me either. Where would they have been without Matry贸na? They'd not have known how to contrive things. [Peering into the cellar] Is it ready, sonnie?

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆puts out his head] What are you about there? Bring it quick! What are you dawdling for? If it is to be done, let it be done.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆goes towards door of the hut and meets An铆sya. An铆sya comes out with a baby wrapped in rags] Well, have you baptized it?

70础狈脥厂驰础.听Why, of course! It was all I could do to take it away---she wouldn't give it up! [Comes forward and hands it to Nik铆ta].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆does not take it] You bring it yourself!

础狈脥厂驰础.听Take it, I tell you! [Throws the baby to him].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆catches it] It's alive! Gracious me, it's moving! It's alive! What am I to聽...

础狈脥厂驰础听摆snatches the baby from him and throws it into the cellar] Be quick and smother it, and then it won't be alive! [Pushes Nik铆ta down] It's your doing, and you must finish it.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆sits on the doorstep of the hut] He's tender-hearted. It's hard on him, poor dear. Well, what of that? Isn't it also his sin?

An铆sya stands by the cellar.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆sits looking at her and discourses] Oh, oh, oh! How frightened he was: well, but what of that? If it聽is聽hard, it's the only thing to be done. Where was one to put it? And just think, how often it happens that people pray to God to have children! But no, God gives them none; or they are all still-born. Look at our priest's wife now.... And here, where it's not wanted, here it lives. [Looks towards the cellar] I suppose he's finished. [To An铆sya] Well?

础狈脥厂驰础听摆looking into the cellar] He's put a board on it and is sitting on it. It must be finished!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Oh, oh! One would be glad not to sin, but what's one to do?

Re-enter Nik铆ta from cellar, trembling all over.

狈滨碍脥罢础.听It's still alive! I can't! It's alive!

础狈脥厂驰础.听If it's alive, where are you off to? [Tries to stop him].

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆rushes at her] Go away! I'll kill you! [Catches hold of her arms; she escapes, he runs after her with the spade. Matry贸na runs towards him and stops him. An铆sya runs into the porch. Matry贸na tries to wrench the spade from him. To his mother] I'll kill you! I'll kill you! Go away!聽71[Matry贸na runs to An铆sya in the porch. Nik铆ta stops] I'll kill you! I'll kill you all!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听That's because he's so frightened! Never mind, it will pass!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What have they made me do? What have they made me do? How it whimpered.... How it crunched under me! What have they done with me?... And it's really alive, still alive! [Listens in silence] It's whimpering ... There, it's whimpering. [Runs to the cellar].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆to An铆sya] He's going; it seems he means to bury it. Nik铆ta, you'd better take the lantern!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆does not heed her, but listens by the cellar door] I can hear nothing! I suppose it was fancy! [Moves away, then stops] How the little bones crunched under me. Krr ... kr ... What have they made me do? [Listens again] Again whimpering! It's really whimpering! What can it be? Mother! Mother, I say! [Goes up to her].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听What is it, sonnie?

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Mother, my own mother, I can't do any more! Can't do any more! My own mother, have some pity on me!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Oh dear, how frightened you are, my darling! Come, come, drink a drop to give you courage!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听Mother, mother! It seems my time has come! What have you done with me? How the little bones crunched, and how it whimpered! My own mother! What have you done with me? [Steps aside and sits down on the sledge].

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Come, my own, have a drink! It certainly does seem uncanny at night-time. But wait a bit. When the day breaks, you know, and one day and another passes, you'll forget even to think of it. Wait a bit; when the girl's married we'll even forget to think of it. But you go and have a drink; have a drink! I'll go and put things straight in the cellar myself.

72狈滨碍脥罢础听摆rouses himself] Is there any drink left? Perhaps I can drink it off! [Exit].

An铆sya, who has stood all the time by the door, silently makes way for him.

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听Go, go, honey, and I'll set to work! I'll go down myself and dig! Where has he thrown the spade to? [Finds the spade, and goes down into the cellar] An铆sya, come here! Hold the light, will you?

础狈脥厂驰础.听And what of him?

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听He's so frightened! You've been too hard with him. Leave him alone, he'll come to his senses. God help him! I'll set to work myself. Put the lantern down here. I can see.

Matry贸na disappears into the cellar.

础狈脥厂驰础听摆looking towards the door by which Nik铆ta entered the hut] Well, have you had enough spree? You've been puffing yourself up, but now you'll know how it feels! You'll lose some of your bluster!

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆rushes out of the hut towards the cellar] Mother! mother, I say!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础听摆puts out her head] What is it, sonnie?

狈滨碍脥罢础听摆listening] Don't bury it, it's alive! Don't you hear? Alive! There---it's whimpering! There ... quite plain!

惭础罢搁驰脱狈础.听How can it whimper? Why, you've flattened it into a pancake! The whole head is smashed to bits!

狈滨碍脥罢础.听What is it then? [Stops his ears] It's still whimpering! I am lost! Lost! What have they done with me?... Where shall I go? [Sits down on the step].

Curtain.

73