MME. KABANOVA. Very well; do as you like, only mind you don't keep me waiting! You know I don't like that. KABANOV. Oh no, mamma! God forbid! MME. KABANOVA. Mind you don't then! [_Goes_. SCENE VI The Same, except MME. KABANOVA. KABANOV. There, you see how I always catch it from mamma on your account! A nice sort of life I lead! KATERINA. Is it my fault? KABANOV. I don't know whose fault it is. VARVARA. Is it likely you would know? KABANOV. She used to keep on at me, "You must get a wife, you must get a wife, I'm longing to see you a married man." And now she worries my life out, and gives me no peace--all on your account. VARVARA. Well, it's not her fault! Mother attacks her, and you too. And then you say you love your wife. It makes me sick to look at you. (_Turns away_.) KABANOV. Talk away! What am I to do? VARVARA. Mind your own business--hold your tongue, if you can't do anything better. Why do you stand there shilly-shallying? I can see by your face what's in your mind. KABANOV. Why, what? VARVARA. What?--Why, that you want to go in and have a drink with Saviol Prokofitch. Eh? isn't that it? KABANOV. You've hit it, old girl. KATERINA. Come back quickly, Tihon dear, or mamma will be scolding again. VARVARA. Yes, indeed, you must look sharp, or you'll know what to expect. KABANOV. I should think I do! VARVARA. We've no great desire to get into a row for your sake either. KABANOV. I'll fly. Wait for me! [_Goes_. SCENE VII KATERINA and VARVARA. KATERINA. So you are sorry for me, Varia? VARVARA (_looking away_). Of course, I am. KATERINA. Then you love me, don't you? (_Kisses her warmly._) VARVARA. Love you? Of course. KATERINA. Thank you! you are so sweet, I love you dearly. (_Silence_) Do you know what I'm thinking? VARVARA. What? KATERINA. What a pity people can't fly! VARVARA. I don't know what you mean. KATERINA. What a pity people can't fly like birds. Do you know I sometimes fancy I'm a bird. When one stands on a high hill, one feels a longing to fly. One would take a little run, throw up one's arms, and fly away! Couldn't we try it now? (_Makes as though she would run._) VARVARA. What will you make up next? KATERINA (_sighs_). How I used to love play and frolic! But in your house I'm growing old and spiritless. VARVARA. Do you suppose I don't see it?