NIKITA. I know, I know! But who is it I am to bless? What have I done to her? MATRYONA. What have you done? Eh, now he's going to remember it! Why, who knows anything about it? Not a soul! And the girl is going of her own accord. NIKITA. Yes, but how? MATRYONA. Because she's afraid, of course. But still she's going. Besides, what's to be done now? She should have thought sooner! Now she can't refuse. And his kinsfolks can't take offense either. They saw the girl twice, and get money with her too! It's all safe and sound! NIKITA. Yes, but what's in the cellar? MATRYONA (laughs). In the cellar? Why, cabbages, mushrooms, potatoes, I suppose! Why remember the past? NIKITA. I'd be only too glad to forget it; but I can't! When I let my mind go, it's just as if I heard.... Oh, what have you done with me? MATRYONA. Now, what are you humbugging for? NIKITA (turns face downward). Mother! Don't torment me! I've got it up to there! [Puts his hand to his throat. MATRYONA. Still it has to be done! As it is, people are talking. "The master's gone away and won't come; he can't make up his mind to give his blessing." They'll be putting two and two together. As soon as they see you're frightened they'll begin guessing. "The thief none suspect who walks bold and erect!" But you'll be getting out of the frying-pan into the fire! Above all, lad, don't show it; don't lose courage, else they'll find out all the more! NIKITA. Oh dear! You have snared me into a trap! MATRYONA. That'll do, I tell you; come along! Come in and give your blessing, as is right and honorable;--and there's an end of the matter! NIKITA (lies face down). I can't! MATRYONA (aside). What has come over him? He seemed all right, and suddenly this comes over him! It seems he's bewitched! Get up, Nikita! See! There's Anisya coming; she's left her guests! [ANISYA enters, dressed up, red and tipsy. ANISYA. Oh, how nice it is, mother! So nice, so respectable! And how the people are pleased.... But where is he? MATRYONA. Here, honey, he's here; he's laid down on the straw and there he lies! He won't come! NIKITA (looking at his wife). Just see, she's tipsy too! When I look at her my heart seems to turn! How can one live with her? (Turns on his face.) I'll kill her some day! It'll be worse then! ANISYA. Only look, how he's got all among the straw! Is it the drink? (Laughs.) I'd not mind lying down there with you, but I've no time! Come, I'll lead you! It is so nice in the house! It's a treat to look on! A concertina! And the women singing so well! All tipsy! Everything so respectable, so nice! NIKITA. What's nice? ANISYA. The wedding--such a jolly wedding! They all say it's quite an uncommon fine wedding. All so respectable, so nice! Come along! We'll go together! I have had a drop, but I can give you a hand yet! [Takes his hand. NIKITA. (pulls it back with disgust). Go alone! I'll come!