NÁDYA. Always singing the same tune! If you fear the wolf, keep out of the woods. LÍZA. But what has happened to you? Before, you didn't talk like this. You used to hide yourself; and now you go to him of your own accord. NÁDYA. Yes, before I ran away from him; now I don't want to. [_She stands musing_] Now I myself don't know what has suddenly happened within me! Just when the mistress said, a short while ago, that I shouldn't dare to argue, but marry the man she said to marry, just then my whole heart revolted. "Oh, Lord, what a life for me!" I thought. [_She weeps_] What's the use in my living purely, guarding myself not merely from every word, but even from every look? Even so, evil seized upon me. "Why," I thought, "should I guard myself?" I don't want to! I don't want to! It was just as if my heart died within me. It seemed that if she said another word, I should die on the spot. LÍZA. What are you saying! Why, I really thought you were coming to the master as a joke. NÁDYA. As a joke! I can't bear an insult! I cannot. [_Silence_] Oh, Líza, if life were better, I shouldn't have come into the garden at night. You know how it used to be, when I would think about myself--I suppose it must have come into your head, too--that here you are, an honest girl; you live like a bird, suddenly you're fascinated by some man, he makes love to you, comes to see you often, kisses you.... You're abashed before him, yet happy to see him. That's the way it always is. Although you may not be rich; although it may be you have to sit with your lover in the servants' room; yet it is as if you were a queen, just as if every day were a holiday for you. Then they marry you, and all congratulate you. Well, then, no matter how hard married life may be, perhaps there may be lots of work, in spite of that you live as if in paradise; just as if you were proud of something. LÍZA. Naturally, my girl. NÁDYA. But when they say to you: "Pack off to this drunkard, and don't you dare argue, and don't you dare cry over yourself!".... Oh, Líza!.... And then you think how that horrid man will make fun of you, will bully you, show his authority, will begin to ruin your life, all for nothing! You grow old by his side without having a chance to live. [_She weeps_] It breaks your heart even to tell about it! [_Waving her hand_] And so, indeed, the young master is better. LÍZA. Oh, Nádya; it would be better if you hadn't spoken, and I hadn't listened! NÁDYA. Stop, Líza! Why are you playing the prude with me? What would you do yourself if the master fell in love with you? LÍZA. [_Stammering_] Well, how should I know? Of course, what shall I say.... the old Nick is strong.