I don't like that seminarist. Always nosing about where there are dead around. What does he want? He is a dreadfully disagreeable fellow. Never misses a funeral. He smells death miles away. LIPA He is an unhappy creature. FRIAR Unhappy? Why is he unhappy? Even the dogs in the village are afraid of him. You don't believe it? It's so, upon my word! They bark at him, and then slink away behind the gate. LIPA What does all this matter anyway, Vassya? It's of no account, mere trifles. To-day they are going to sing: "Christ is arisen from the dead. Death has conquered death." Do you understand? "Death has conquered death." FRIAR I understand. I understand. But why does he say "All will become silent" and that sort of stuff? I don't like it, I don't like it. They have crushed a woman to death--perhaps others too. _(Shaking his head)_ I don't like it. In the woods everything is so quiet and nice, and here--I'd prefer that no miracle had happened. I'd rather have things nice and pleasant. What's the use of it? What's the use of the miracle? There is no need of a miracle. LIPA What are you talking about, Vassya? FRIAR Savva Tropinin! The idea. It shouldn't have been done. There was no need of it. He said he'd go with me to the woods and then--I liked him a lot, but now I am afraid of him. Why did he do it? Why? My, what a fearful crowd! More cripples coming, and more and more. LIPA What is the matter, Vassya? What are you so excited about? FRIAR Everything was so nice and fine. Oh, my! Why _don't_ you go home, Miss Olympiada? Do go, please. You have seen all there is to be seen. It's enough. What can you gain by staying here? Come, I'll go with you. Oh, God, there comes Mr. Savva again! LIPA Where? FRIAR There he is. For heaven's sake! SAVVA _(enters and sits down)_ Has Kondraty been here? FRIAR No, Mr. Savva. _[Pause. Again the piteous singing of the blind can be heard._ SAVVA Got a cigarette, Vassya? FRIAR No, I haven't. I don't smoke. LIPA _(harshly)_ What are you waiting for, Savva? Go away. You are not wanted here. Look at yourself. You are a terrible sight. Your face is black. SAVVA I didn't sleep all last night. That's why it's black. LIPA What are you waiting for? SAVVA For an explanation. LIPA You don't believe in the miracle? SAVVA _(smiling)_ Vassya, do you believe in the miracle? FRIAR Yes, of course I do, Mr. Savva. SAVVA Wait. You'll find out. What are they doing down there? They have already crushed three to death. FRIAR Three? SAVVA And they'll kill many more. And they all keep shouting: "A miracle, a miracle!" At last it has come. They have got what they have been waiting for at last. LIPA And it's you, Savva, who gave them the miracle. It's you who are to be thanked for it. SAVVA _(gloomily)_ Well, Vassya, the monks are glad, aren't they? Tell me, don't be afraid. FRIAR They are very glad, Mr. Savva. They are crying. SAVVA _(looking at him)_ _Crying?_ Why are they crying? FRIAR