MÍTRITCH. It's a fine mess. But there's the Foundlings'[6] for that sort of thing. Whoever likes may drop one there; they'll take 'em all. Give 'em as many as you like, they ask no questions, and even pay--if the mother goes in as a wet-nurse. It's easy enough nowadays. [6] The Foundlings' Hospital in Moscow, where 80 to 90 per cent. of the children die. NIKÍTA. But mind, Mítritch, don't go blabbing. MÍTRITCH. It's no concern of mine. Cover the tracks as you think best. Dear me, how you smell of liquor! I'll go in. Oh Lord! [Exit, yawning]. Nikíta is long silent. Sits down on a sledge. NIKÍTA. Here's a go! Enter Anísya. ANÍSYA. Where are you? NIKÍTA. Here. ANÍSYA. What are you doing there? There's no time to be lost! We must take it out directly! NIKÍTA. What are we to do? ANÍSYA. I'll tell you what you are to do. And you'll have to do it! NIKÍTA. You'd better take it to the Foundlings'--if anything. ANÍSYA. Then you'd better take it there yourself if you like! You've a hankering for smut, but you're weak when it comes to settling up, I see! NIKÍTA. What's to be done? ANÍSYA. Go down into the cellar, I tell you, and dig a hole! NIKÍTA. Couldn't you manage, somehow, some other way? ANÍSYA [imitating him] "Some other way?" Seems we can't "some other way!" You should have thought about it a year ago. Do what you're told to! NIKÍTA. Oh dear, what a go! Enter Nan. NAN. Mother! Grandmother's calling! I think sister's got a baby! I'm blest if it didn't scream! ANÍSYA. What are you babbling about? Plague take you! It's kittens whining there. Go into the hut and sleep, or I'll give it you! NAN. Mammy dear, truly, I swear ... ANÍSYA [raising her arm as if to strike] I'll give it you! You be off and don't let me catch sight of you! [Nan runs into hut. To Nikíta] Do as you're told, or else mind! [Exit]. NIKÍTA [alone. After a long silence] Here's a go! Oh these women! What a fix! Says you should have thought of it a year ago. When's one to think beforehand? When's one to think? Why, last year this Anísya dangled after me. What was I to do? Am I a monk? The master died; and I covered my sin as was proper, so I was not to blame there. Aren't there lots of such cases? And then those powders. Did I put her up to that? Why, had I known what the bitch was up to, I'd have killed her! I'm sure I should have killed her! She's made me her partner in these horrors--that jade! And she became loathsome to me from that day! She became loathsome, loathsome to me as soon as mother told me about it. I can't bear the sight of her! Well then, how could I live with her? And then it begun.... That wench began hanging round. Well, what was I to do! If I had not done it, someone else would. And this is what comes of it! Still I'm not to blame in this either. Oh, what a go! [Sits thinking] They are bold, these women! What a plan to think of! But I won't have a hand in it! Enter Matryóna with a lantern and spade, panting.