MATRYONA. 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 Karmilins, but I stood out against it. And as for the money, I'll tell you truly: when her father, God be merciful to his soul, was dying, he gave orders that the widow should take Nikita into the homestead--of course I know all about it from my son,--and the money was to go to Akoulina. Why, another one might have thought of his own interests, but Nikita gives everything clean! It's no trifle. Fancy what a sum it is! THE FATHER. People are saying that more money was left her? The lad's sharp too! MATRYONA. 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. 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? MATRYONA. Ah, 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. Well, of course, the thing's settled. MATRYONA. Yes, of course! Don't you turn back. And don't forget me, I've had a lot of trouble. Don't forget.... [A woman's voice from the hut. Voice. If we are to go, let's go. Come along, Ivan! THE FATHER. I'm coming. [Exeunt. Guests crowd together in the passage and prepare to go away. NAN (runs out of the hut and calls to ANISYA). Mother! ANISYA (from inside.) What d'you want? NAN. Mother, come here, or they'll hear. [ANISYA enters and they go together to the shed. ANISYA. Well? What is it? Where's Akoulina? NAN 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. ANISYA. She'll have to wait. We'll see our visitors off first. NAN. 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! ANISYA. No fear, she'll not die. But don't you go near her. Come along. [Exit ANISYA and NAN.