MARÍNA [stands by the barn crying, but restrains herself] I do not complain of my life, Nikíta! God grant every one a life like mine. I do not complain. I confessed to my old man at the time, and he forgave me. And he does not reproach me. I'm not discontented with my life. The old man is quiet, and is fond of me, and I keep his children clothed and washed! He is really kind to me. Why should I complain? It seems God willed it so. And what's the matter with your life? You are rich ... NIKÍTA. My life!... It's only that I don't wish to disturb the wedding feast, or I'd take this rope here [takes hold of the rope on the straw] and throw it across that rafter there. Then I'd make a noose and stretch it out, and I'd climb on to that rafter and jump down with my head in the noose! That's what my life is! MARÍNA. That's enough! Lord help you! NIKÍTA. You think I'm joking? You think I'm drunk? I'm not drunk! To-day even drink takes no hold on me! I'm devoured by misery! Misery is eating me up completely, so that I care for nothing! Oh, little Marína, it's only with you I ever lived! Do you remember how we used to while away the nights together at the railway? MARÍNA. Don't you rub the sores, Nikíta! I'm bound legally now, and you too. My sin has been forgiven, don't disturb ... NIKÍTA. What shall I do with my heart? Where am I to turn to? MARÍNA. What's there to be done? You've got a wife. Don't go looking at others, but keep to your own! You loved Anísya, then go on loving her! NIKÍTA. Oh, that Anísya, she's gall and wormwood to me, but she's round my feet like rank weeds! MARÍNA. Whatever she is, still she's your wife.... But what's the use of talking; you'd better go to your visitors, and send my husband to me. NIKÍTA. Oh dear, if you knew the whole business ... but there's no good talking! Enter Marína's husband, red and tipsy, and Nan. MARÍNA'S HUSBAND. Marína! Missis! My old woman! are you here? NIKÍTA. There's your husband calling you. Go! MARÍNA. And you? NIKÍTA. I? I'll lie down here for a bit! [Lies down on the straw]. HUSBAND. Where is she then? NAN. There she is, near the barn. HUSBAND. What are you standing there for? Come to the feast! The hosts want you to come and do them honour! The wedding party is just going to start, and then we can go too. MARÍNA [going towards her husband] I didn't want to go in. HUSBAND. Come on, I tell you! You'll drink a glass to our nephew Peter's health, the rascal! Else the hosts might take offence! There's plenty of time for our business. [Marína's husband puts his arm around her, and goes reeling out with her]. NIKÍTA [rises and sits down on the straw] Ah, now that I've seen her, life seems more sickening than ever! It was only with her that I ever really lived! I've ruined my life for nothing! I've done for myself! [Lies down] Where can I go? If mother earth would but open and swallow me!