MATRYÓNA. Why are you sitting there like a hen on a perch? What did your wife tell you to do? You just get things ready! NIKÍTA. What do you mean to do? MATRYÓNA. We know what to do. You do your share! NIKÍTA. You'll be getting me into a mess! MATRYÓNA. What? You're not thinking of backing out, are you? Now it's come to this, and you back out! NIKÍTA. Think what a thing it would be! It's a living soul. MATRYÓNA. A living soul indeed! Why, it's more dead than alive. And what's one to do with it? Go and take it to the Foundlings'--it will die just the same, and the rumour will get about, and people will talk, and the girl be left on our hands. NIKÍTA. And supposing it's found out? MATRYÓNA. Not manage to do it in one's own house? We'll manage it so that no one will have an inkling. Only do as I tell you. We women can't do it without a man. There, take the spade, and get it done there,--I'll hold the light. NIKÍTA. What am I to get done? MATRYÓNA [in a low voice] Dig a hole; then we'll bring it out and get it out of the way in a trice! There, she's calling again. Now then, get in, and I'll go. NIKÍTA. Is it dead then? MATRYÓNA. Of course it is. Only you must be quick, or else people will notice! They'll see or they'll hear! The rascals must needs know everything. And the policeman went by this evening. Well then, you see [gives him the spade], you get down into the cellar and dig a hole right in the corner; the earth is soft there, and you'll smooth it over. Mother earth will not blab to any one; she'll keep it close. Go then; go, dear. NIKÍTA. You'll get me into a mess, bother you! I'll go away! You do it alone as best you can! ANÍSYA [through the doorway] Well? Has he dug it? MATRYÓNA. Why have you come away? What have you done with it? ANÍSYA. I've covered it with rags. No one can hear it. Well, has he dug it? MATRYÓNA. He doesn't want to! ANÍSYA [springs out enraged] Doesn't want to! How will he like feeding vermin in prison! I'll go straight away and tell everything to the police! It's all the same if one must perish. I'll go straight and tell! NIKÍTA [taken aback] What will you tell? ANÍSYA. What? Everything! Who took the money? You! [Nikíta is silent] And who gave the poison? I did! But you knew! You knew! You knew! We were in agreement! MATRYÓNA. That's enough now. Nikíta dear, why are you obstinate? What's to be done now? One must take some trouble. Go, honey. ANÍSYA. See the fine gentleman! He doesn't like it! You've put upon me long enough! You've trampled me under foot! Now it's my turn! Go, I tell you, or else I'll do what I said.... There, take the spade; there, now go! NIKÍTA. Drat you! Can't you leave a fellow alone! [Takes the spade, but shrinks] If I don't choose to, I'll not go! ANÍSYA. Not go? [Begins to shout] Neighbours! Heh! heh! MATRYÓNA [closes her mouth] What are you about? You're mad! He'll go.... Go, sonnie; go, my own. ANÍSYA. I'll cry murder!