NIKITA. So I must not remember the past? You won't let me? MARINA. It's no use recalling the past! What used to be is over now! NIKITA. And can never come back, you mean? MARINA. And will never come back! But why have you gone away? You, the master,--and to go away from the feast! NIKITA (sits down on the straw). Why have I gone away? Eh, if you knew, if you had any idea.... I'm dull, Marina, so dull that I wish my eyes would not see! I rose from the table and left them, to get away from the people. If I could only avoid seeing any one! MARINA (coming nearer to him). How's that? NIKITA. This is how it is: when I eat, it's there! When I drink, it's there! When I sleep, it's there! I'm so sick of it--so sick! But it's chiefly because I'm all alone that I'm so sick, Marina. I have no one to share my trouble. MARINA. You can't live your life without trouble, Nikita. However, I've wept over mine and wept it away. NIKITA. The former, the old trouble! Ah, dear friend, you've wept yours away, and I've got mine up to there! [Puts his hand to his throat. MARINA. But why? NIKITA. Why, I'm sick of my whole life! I am sick of myself! Ah, MARINA, why did you not know how to keep me? You've ruined me, and yourself too! Is this life? MARINA (stands by the barn crying, but restrains herself). I do not complain of my life, Nikita! God grant every one a life like mine. I do not complain. I confessed to my old man at the time, and he forgave me. And he does not reproach me. I'm not discontented with my life. The old man is quiet, and is fond of me, and I keep his children clothed and washed! He is really kind to me. Why should I complain? It seems God willed it so. And what's the matter with your life? You are rich.... NIKITA. My life!... It's only that I don't wish to disturb the wedding feast, or I'd take this rope here (takes hold of the rope on the straw) and throw it across that rafter there. Then I'd make a noose and stretch it out, and I'd climb on to that rafter and jump down with my head in the noose! That's what my life is! MARINA. That's enough! Lord help you! NIKITA. You think I'm joking? You think I'm drunk? I'm not drunk! To-day even drink takes no hold on me! I'm devoured by misery! Misery is eating me up completely, so that I care for nothing! Oh little Marina, it's only with you I ever lived! Do you remember how we used to while away the nights together at the railway? MARINA. Don't you rub the sores, Nikita! I'm bound legally now, and you too. My sin has been forgiven, don't disturb... NIKITA. What shall I do with my heart? Where am I to turn to? MARINA. What's there to be done? You've got a wife. Don't go looking at others, but keep to your own! You loved Anisya, then go on loving her! NIKITA. Oh, that Anisya, she's gall and wormwood to me, but she's round my feet like rank weeds!