ANISYA. What, are you humbugging for? We've got rid of all the bother, we've got rid of her as came between us; now we have nothing to do but to live and be merry! And all so respectable, and quite legal! I'm so pleased! I have no words for it! It's just as if I were going to marry you over again! And oh, the people, they are pleased! They're all thanking us! And the guests are all of the best: Ivan Mosevitch is there, and the Police Officer; they've also been singing songs of praise! NIKITA. Then you should have stayed with them! What have you come for? ANISYA. True enough, I must go back! Else what does it look like! The hosts both go and leave the visitors! And the guests are all of the best! NIKITA (gets up and brushes the straw off himself). Go, and I'll come at once! MATRYONA. Just see! He listens to the young bird, but wouldn't listen to the old one! He would not hear me, but he follows his wife at once! (MATRYONA and ANISYA turn to go.) Well, are you coming? NIKITA. I'll come directly! You go and I'll follow! I'll come and give my blessing! (The women stop.) Go on! I'll follow! Now then, go! (Exit women. Sits down and takes his boots off.) Yes, I'm going! A likely thing! No, you'd better look at the rafter for me! I'll fix the noose and jump with it from the rafter, then you can look for me! And the rope is here just handy. (Ponders.) I'd have got over it, over any sorrow--I'd have got over that. But this now--here it is, deep in my heart, and I can't get over it! (Looks towards the yard.) Surely she's not coming back? (Imitates ANISYA.) "So nice, so nice. I'd lie down here with you." Oh, the baggage! Well, then, here I am! Come and cuddle when they've taken me down from the rafter! There's only one way! [Takes the rope and pulls it. [MITRITCH, who is tipsy, sits up and won't let go of the rope. MITRITCH. Shan't give it up! Shan't give it to no one! I'll bring it myself! I said I'd bring the straw--and so I will! Nikita, is that you? (Laughs.) Oh, the devil! Have you come to get the straw? NIKITA. Give me the rope! Mitrich. No, you wait a bit! The peasants sent me! I'll bring it.... (Rises to his feet and begins getting the straw together, but reels for a time, then falls.) It has beaten me. It's stronger.... NIKITA. Give me the rope!