MARÍNA [alone, stands thinking] I might go in, but I don't like to, because I have not met him since that day he threw me over. It's more than a year now. But I'd have liked to have a peep and see how he lives with his Anísya. People say they don't get on. She's a coarse woman, and with a character of her own. I should think he's remembered me more than once. He's been caught by the idea of a comfortable life and has changed me for it. But, God help him, I don't cherish ill-will! Then it hurt! Oh dear, it was pain! But now it's worn away and been forgotten. But I'd like to have seen him. [Looks towards hut and sees Nikíta] Look there! Why, he is coming here! Have the girls told him? How's it he has left his guests? I'll go away! [Nikíta approaches, hanging his head down, swinging his arms, and muttering] And how sullen he looks! NIKÍTA [sees and recognises Marína] Marína, dearest friend, little Marína, what do you want? MARÍNA. I have come for my old man. NIKÍTA. Why didn't you come to the wedding? You might have had a look round, and a laugh at my expense! MARÍNA. What have I to laugh at? I've come for my husband. NIKÍTA. Ah, Marína dear! [Tries to embrace her]. MARÍNA [steps angrily aside] You'd better drop that sort of thing, Nikíta! What has been, is past! I've come for my husband. Is he in your house? NIKÍTA. So I must not remember the past? You won't let me? MARÍNA. It's no use recalling the past! What used to be is over now! NIKÍTA. And can never come back, you mean? MARÍNA. And will never come back! But why have you gone away? You, the master,--and to go away from the feast! NIKÍTA [sits down on the straw] Why have I gone away? Eh, if you knew, if you had any idea ... I'm dull, Marína, so dull that I wish my eyes would not see! I rose from the table and left them, to get away from the people. If I could only avoid seeing any one! MARÍNA [coming nearer to him] How's that? NIKÍTA. This is how it is: when I eat, it's there! When I drink, it's there! When I sleep, it's there! I'm so sick of it--so sick! But it's chiefly because I'm all alone that I'm so sick, little Marína. I have no one to share my trouble. MARÍNA. You can't live your life without trouble, Nikíta. However, I've wept over mine and wept it away. NIKÍTA. The former, the old trouble! Ah, dear friend, you've wept yours away, and I've got mine up to there! [Puts his hand to his throat]. MARÍNA. But why? NIKÍTA. Why, I'm sick of my whole life! I am sick of myself! Ah, Marína, why did you not know how to keep me? You've ruined me, and yourself too! Is this life?