KATERINA (_alone, dreamily_). Well, now, peace reigns in our house! Ah, the dreariness. If only there were children! That's the saddest thing! I have no children; I should sit with them and amuse them all day. I love talking to little children--they are angels, really. (_Silence._) If I had died when I was little, it would have been better. I should have looked down on to the earth from Heaven and been delighted with everything. I should have flown unseen wherever I liked. I would have floated into the country and fluttered from flower to flower, like a butterfly. (_Sinks into a reverie_) I know what I will do; I will begin some piece of work, as an offering to God. I will go to the bazaar, and buy some stuff and make some clothes to give to the poor. They will remember me in their prayers. And so I'll sit sewing with Varvara, and we shall not notice how the time passes; and soon Tisha will be back. [_Enter Varvara_. SCENE IX KATERINA and VARVARA. VARVARA (_putting a kerchief on her head before the looking-glass_). I am just going out for a walk now; Glasha's putting our beds in the summer house now, mamma's consented to let us sleep there. Mamma always keeps the little gate in the garden behind the raspberries locked up and hides the key. I've taken it and put another one in its place for her, so she won't notice it. Here, see, maybe, it will be wanted (_gives the key_). If I see him, I shall tell him to come to the little gate. KATERINA (_with horror, pushing away the key_). What for! what for! No! no! VARVARA. If you don't want it, I do; take it, it won't bite you! KATERINA. But what are you plotting, wicked girl? It's impossible! Do you know what you're doing? It's dreadful, dreadful! VARVARA. Well, well--Least said is soonest mended; and I've no time to stay either. It's time for my walk. [_Goes._ SCENE X