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THE POWER OF DARKNESS

OR

IF A CLAW IS CAUGHT THE BIRD IS LOST

A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS

(1886)



CHARACTERS

PETER IGNTITCH. A well-to-do peasant, 42 years old, married for the second time, and sickly.

ANSYA. His wife, 32 years old, fond of dress.

AKOULNA. Peter's daughter by his first marriage, 16 years old, hard of hearing, mentally undeveloped.

NAN (ANNA PETRVNA). His daughter by his second marriage, 10 years old.

NIKTA. Their labourer, 26 years old, fond of dress.

AKM. Nikta's father, 50 years old, a plain-looking, God-fearing peasant.

MATRYNA. His wife and Nikta's mother, 50 years old.

MARNA. An orphan girl, 22 years old.

MARTHA. Peter's sister.

MTRITCH. An old labourer, ex-soldier.

SIMON. Marna's husband.

BRIDEGROOM. Engaged to Akoulna.

IVN. His father.

A NEIGHBOUR.

FIRST GIRL.

SECOND GIRL.

POLICE OFFICER.

DRIVER.

BEST-MAN.

MATCHMAKER.

VILLAGE ELDER.

VISITORS, WOMEN, GIRLS, AND PEOPLE come to see the wedding.

N.B.—The 'oven' mentioned is the usual large, brick, Russian baking-oven. The top of it outside is flat, so that more than one person can lie on it.



THE POWER OF DARKNESS



ACT I

The Act takes place in autumn in a large village. The Scene represents Peter's roomy hut. Peter is sitting on a wooden bench, mending a horse-collar. Ansya and Akoulna are spinning, and singing a part-song.

PETER [looking out of the window] The horses have got loose again. If we don't look out they'll be killing the colt. Nikta! Hey, Nikta! Is the fellow deaf? [Listens. To the women] Shut up, one can't hear anything.

NIKTA [from outside] What?

PETER. Drive the horses in.

NIKTA. We'll drive 'em in. All in good time.

PETER [shaking his head] Ah, these labourers! If I were well, I'd not keep one on no account. There's nothing but bother with 'em. [Rises and sits down again] Nikta!... It's no good shouting. One of you'd better go. Go, Akol, drive 'em in.

AKOULNA. What? The horses?

PETER. What else?

AKOULNA. All right. [Exit].

PETER. Ah, but he's a loafer, that lad ... no good at all. Won't stir a finger if he can help it.

ANSYA. You're so mighty brisk yourself. When you're not sprawling on the top of the oven you're squatting on the bench. To goad others to work is all you're fit for.

PETER. If one weren't to goad you on a bit, one'd have no roof left over one's head before the year's out. Oh what people!

ANSYA. You go shoving a dozen jobs on to one's shoulders, and then do nothing but scold. It's easy to lie on the oven and give orders.

PETER [sighing] Oh, if 'twere not for this sickness that's got hold of me, I'd not keep him on another day.

AKOULNA [off the scene] Gee up, gee, woo. [A colt neighs, the stamping of horses' feet and the creaking of the gate are heard].

PETER. Bragging, that's what he's good at. I'd like to sack him, I would indeed.

ANSYA [mimicking him] "Like to sack him." You buckle to yourself, and then talk.

AKOULNA [enters] It's all I could do to drive 'em in. That piebald always will...

PETER. And where's Nikta?

AKOULNA. Where's Nikta? Why, standing out there in the street.

PETER. What's he standing there for?

AKOULNA. What's he standing there for? He stands there jabbering.

PETER. One can't get any sense out of her! Who's he jabbering with?

AKOULNA [does not hear] Eh, what?

Peter waves her off. She sits down to her spinning.

NAN [running in to her mother] Nikta's father and mother have come. They're going to take him away. It's true!

ANSYA. Nonsense!

NAN. Yes. Blest if they're not! [Laughing] I was just going by, and Nikta, he says, "Good-bye, Anna Petrvna," he says, "you must come and dance at my wedding. I'm leaving you," he says, and laughs.

ANSYA [to her husband] There now. Much he cares. You see, he wants to leave of himself. "Sack him" indeed!

PETER. Well, let him go. Just as if I couldn't find somebody else.

ANSYA. And what about the money he's had in advance?

Nan stands listening at the door for awhile, and then exit.

PETER [frowning] The money? Well, he can work it off in summer, anyhow.

ANSYA. Well, of course you'll be glad if he goes and you've not got to feed him. It's only me as'll have to work like a horse all the winter. That lass of yours isn't over fond of work either. And you'll be lying up on the oven. I know you.

PETER. What's the good of wearing out one's tongue before one has the hang of the matter?

ANSYA. The yard's full of cattle. You've not sold the cow, and have kept all the sheep for the winter: feeding and watering 'em alone takes all one's time, and you want to sack the labourer. But I tell you straight, I'm not going to do a man's work! I'll go and lie on the top of the oven same as you, and let everything go to pot! You may do what you like.

PETER [to Akoulna] Go and see about the feeding, will you? it's time.

AKOULNA. The feeding? All right. [Puts on a coat and takes a rope].

ANSYA. I'm not going to work for you. You go and work yourself. I've had enough of it, so there!

PETER. That'll do. What are you raving about? Like a sheep with the staggers!

ANSYA. You're a crazy cur, you are! One gets neither work nor pleasure from you. Eating your fill, that's all you do, you palsied cur, you!

PETER [spits and puts on coat] Faugh! The Lord have mercy! I'd better go myself and see what's up. [Exit].

ANSYA [after him] Scurvy long-nosed devil!

AKOULNA. What are you swearing at dad for?

ANSYA. Hold your noise, you idiot!

AKOULNA [going to the door] I know why you're swearing at him. You're an idiot yourself, you bitch. I'm not afraid of you.

ANSYA. What do you mean? [Jumps up and looks round for something to hit her with] Mind, or I'll give you one with the poker.

AKOULNA [opening the door] Bitch! devil! that's what you are! Devil! bitch! bitch! devil! [Runs off].

ANSYA [ponders] "Come and dance at my wedding!" What new plan is this? Marry? Mind, Nikta, if that's your intention, I'll go and ... No, I can't live without him. I won't let him go.

NIKTA [enters, looks round, and seeing Ansya alone approaches quickly. In a low tone] Here's a go; I'm in a regular fix! That governor of mine wants to take me away,—tells me I'm to come home. Says quite straight I'm to marry and live at home.

ANSYA. Well, go and marry! What's that to me?

NIKTA. Is that it? Why, here am I reckoning how best to consider matters, and just hear her! She tells me to go and marry. Why's that? [Winking] Has she forgotten?

ANSYA. Yes, go and marry! What do I care?

NIKTA. What are you spitting for? Just see, she won't even let me stroke her.... What's the matter?

ANSYA. This! That you want to play me false.... If you do,—why, I don't want you either. So now you know!

NIKTA. That'll do, Ansya. Do you think I'll forget you? Never while I live! I'll not play you false, that's flat. I've been thinking that supposing they do go and make me marry, I'd still come back to you. If only he don't make me live at home.

ANSYA. Much need I'll have of you, once you're married.

NIKTA. There's a go now. How is it possible to go against one's father's will?

ANSYA. Yes, I daresay, shove it all on your father. You know it's your own doing. You've long been plotting with that slut of yours, Marna. It's she has put you up to it. She didn't come here for nothing t'other day.

NIKTA. Marna? What's she to me? Much I care about her!... Plenty of them buzzing around.

ANSYA. Then what has made your father come here? It's you have told him to. You've gone and deceived me. [Cries].

NIKTA. Ansya, do you believe in a God or not? I never so much as dreamt of it. I know nothing at all about it. I never even dreamt of it—that's flat! My old dad has got it all out of his own pate.

ANSYA. If you don't wish it yourself who can force you? He can't drive you like an ass.

NIKTA. Well, I reckon it's not possible to go against one's parent. But it's not by my wish.

ANSYA. Don't you budge, that's all about it!

NIKTA. There was a fellow wouldn't budge, and the village elder gave him such a hiding.... That's what it might come to! I've no great wish for that sort of thing. They say it touches one up....

ANSYA. Shut up with your nonsense. Nikta, listen to me: if you marry that Marna I don't know what I won't do to myself.... I shall lay hands on myself! I have sinned, I have gone against the law, but I can't go back now. If you go away I'll...

NIKTA. Why should I go? Had I wanted to go—I should have gone long ago. There was Ivn Semynitch t'other day—offered me a place as his coachman.... Only fancy what a life that would have been! But I did not go. Because, I reckon, I am good enough for any one. Now if you did not love me it would be a different matter.

ANSYA. Yes, and that's what you should remember. My old man will die one of these fine days, I'm thinking; then we could cover our sin, make it all right and lawful, and then you'll be master here.

NIKTA. Where's the good of making plans? What do I care? I work as hard as if I were doing it for myself. My master loves me, and his missus loves me. And if the wenches run after me, it's not my fault, that's flat.

ANSYA. And you'll love me?

NIKTA [embracing her] There, as you have ever been in my heart...

MATRYNA [enters, and crosses herself a long time before the icn. Nikta and Ansya step apart] What I saw I didn't perceive, what I heard I didn't hearken to. Playing with the lass, eh? Well,—even a calf will play. Why shouldn't one have some fun when one's young? But your master is out in the yard a-calling you, sonnie.

NIKTA. I only came to get the axe.

MATRYNA. I know, sonnie, I know; them sort of axes are mostly to be found where the women are.

NIKTA [stooping to pick up axe] I say, mother, is it true you want me to marry? As I reckon, that's quite unnecessary. Besides, I've got no wish that way.

MATRYNA. Eh, honey! why should you marry? Go on as you are. It's all the old man. You'd better go, sonnie, we can talk these matters over without you.

NIKTA. It's a queer go! One moment I'm to be married, the next, not. I can't make head or tail of it. [Exit].

ANSYA. What's it all about then? Do you really wish him to get married?

MATRYNA. Eh, why should he marry, my jewel? It's all nonsense, all my old man's drivel. "Marry, marry." But he's reckoning without his host. You know the saying, "From oats and hay, why should horses stray?" When you've enough and to spare, why look elsewhere? And so in this case. [Winks] Don't I see which way the wind blows?

ANSYA. Where's the good of my pretending to you, Mother Matryna? You know all about it. I have sinned. I love your son.

MATRYNA. Dear me, here's news! D'you think Mother Matryna didn't know? Eh, lassie,—Mother Matryna's been ground, and ground again, ground fine! This much I can tell you, my jewel: Mother Matryna can see through a brick wall three feet thick. I know it all, my jewel! I know what young wives need sleeping draughts for, so I've brought some along. [Unties a knot in her handkerchief and brings out paper-packets] As much as is wanted, I see, and what's not wanted I neither see nor perceive! There! Mother Matryna has also been young. I had to know a thing or two to live with my old fool. I know seventy-and-seven dodges. But I see your old man's quite seedy, quite seedy! How's one to live with such as him? Why, if you pricked him with a hay-fork it wouldn't fetch blood. See if you don't bury him before the spring. Then you'll need some one in the house. Well, what's wrong with my son? He'll do as well as another. Then where's the advantage of my taking him away from a good place? Am I my child's enemy?

ANSYA. Oh, if only he does not go away.

MATRYNA. He won't go away, birdie. It's all nonsense. You know my old man. His wits are always wool-gathering; yet sometimes he takes a thing into his pate, and it's as if it were wedged in, you can't knock it out with a hammer.

ANSYA. And what started this business?

MATRYNA. Well, you see, my jewel, you yourself know what a fellow with women the lad is,—and he's handsome too, though I say it as shouldn't. Well, you know, he was living at the railway, and they had an orphan wench there to cook for them. Well, that same wench took to running after him.

ANSYA. Marna?

MATRYNA. Yes, the plague seize her! Whether anything happened or not, anyhow something got to my old man's ears. Maybe he heard from the neighbours, maybe she's been and blabbed...

ANSYA. Well, she is a bold hussy!

MATRYNA. So my old man—the old blockhead—off he goes: "Marry, marry," he says, "he must marry her and cover the sin," he says. "We must take the lad home," he says, "and he shall marry," he says. Well, I did my best to make him change his mind, but, dear me, no. So, all right, thinks I,—I'll try another dodge. One always has to entice them fools in this way, just pretend to be of their mind, and when it comes to the point one goes and turns it all one's own way. You know, a woman has time to think seventy-and-seven thoughts while falling off the oven, so how's such as he to see through it? "Well, yes," says I, "it would be a good job,—only we must consider well beforehand. Why not go and see our son, and talk it over with Peter Igntitch and hear what he has to say?" So here we are.

ANSYA. Oh dear, oh dear, how will it all end? Supposing his father just orders him to marry her?

MATRYNA. Orders, indeed. Chuck his orders to the dogs! Don't you worry; that affair will never come off. I'll go to your old man myself, and sift and strain this matter clear—there will be none of it left. I have come here only for the look of the thing. A very likely thing! Here's my son living in happiness and expecting happiness, and I'll go and match him with a slut! No fear, I'm not a fool!

ANSYA. And she—this Marna—came dangling after him here! Mother, would you believe, when they said he was going to marry, it was as if a knife had gone right through my heart. I thought he cared for her.

MATRYNA. Oh, my jewel! Why, you don't think him such a fool, that he should go and care for a homeless baggage like that? Nikta is a sensible fellow, you see. He knows whom to love. So don't you go and fret, my jewel. We'll not take him away, and we won't marry him. No, we'll let him stay on, if you'll only oblige us with a little money.

ANSYA. All I know is, that I could not live if Nikta went away.

MATRYNA. Naturally, when one's young it's no easy matter! You, a wench in full bloom, to be living with the dregs of a man like that husband of yours.

ANSYA. Mother Matryna, would you believe it? I'm that sick of him, that sick of this long-nosed cur of mine, I can hardly bear to look at him.

MATRYNA. Yes, I see, it's one of them cases. Just look here, [looks round and whispers] I've been to see that old man, you know—he's given me simples of two kinds. This, you see, is a sleeping draught. "Just give him one of these powders," he says, "and he'll sleep so sound you might jump on him!" And this here, "This is that kind of simple," he says, "that if you give one some of it to drink it has no smell whatever, but its strength is very great. There are seven doses here, a pinch at a time. Give him seven pinches," he says, "and she won't have far to look for freedom," he says.

ANSYA. O-o-oh! What's that?

MATRYNA. "No sign whatever," he says. He's taken a rouble for it. "Can't sell it for less," he says. Because it's no easy matter to get 'em, you know. I paid him, dearie, out of my own money. If she takes them, thinks I, it's all right; if she don't, I can let old Michael's daughter have them.

ANSYA. O-o-oh! But mayn't some evil come of them? I'm frightened!

MATRYNA. What evil, my jewel? If your old man was hale and hearty, 'twould be a different matter, but he's neither alive nor dead as it is. He's not for this world. Such things often happen.

ANSYA. O-o-oh, my poor head! I'm afeared, Mother Matryna, lest some evil come of them. No. That won't do.

MATRYNA. Just as you like. I might even return them to him.

ANSYA. And are they to be used in the same way as the others? Mixed in water?

MATRYNA. Better in tea, he says. "You can't notice anything," he says, "no smell nor nothing." He's a cute old fellow too.



ANSYA. [taking the powder] O-oh, my poor head! Could I have ever thought of such a thing if my life were not a very hell?

MATRYNA. You'll not forget that rouble? I promised to take it to the old man. He's had some trouble, too.

ANSYA. Of course? [Goes to her box and hides the powders].

MATRYNA. And now, my jewel, keep it as close as you can, so that no one should find it out. Heaven defend that it should happen, but if any one notices it, tell 'em it's for the black-beetles. [Takes the rouble] It's also used for beetles. [Stops short].

Enter Akm, who crosses himself in front of the icn, and then Peter, who sits down.

PETER. Well then, how's it to be, Daddy Akm?

AKM. As it's best, Peter Igntitch, as it's best ... I mean—as it's best. 'Cos why? I'm afeared of what d'you call 'ems, some tomfoolery, you know. I'd like to, what d'you call it ... to start, you know, start the lad honest, I mean. But supposing you'd rather, what d'you call it, we might, I mean, what's name? As it's best...

PETER. All right. All right. Sit down and let's talk it over. [Akm sits down] Well then, what's it all about? You want him to marry?

MATRYNA. As to marrying, he might bide a while, Peter Igntitch. You know our poverty, Peter Igntitch. What's he to marry on? We've hardly enough to eat ourselves. How can he marry then?...

PETER. You must consider what will be best.

MATRYNA. Where's the hurry for him to get married? Marriage is not that sort of thing, it's not like ripe raspberries that drop off if not picked in time.

PETER. If he were to get married, 'twould be a good thing in a way.

AKM. We'd like to ... what d'you call it? 'Cos why, you see. I've what d'you call it ... a job. I mean, I've found a paying job in town, you know.

MATRYNA. And a fine job too—cleaning out cesspools. The other day when he came home, I could do nothing but spew and spew. Faugh!

AKM. It's true, at first it does seem what d'you call it ... knocks one clean over, you know,—the smell, I mean. But one gets used to it, and then it's nothing, no worse than malt grain, and then it's, what d'you call it, ... pays, pays, I mean. And as to the smell being, what d'you call it, it's not for the likes of us to complain. And one changes one's clothes. So we'd like to take what's his name ... Nikta I mean, home. Let him manage things at home while I, what d'you call it,—earn something in town.

PETER. You want to keep your son at home? Yes, that would be well: but how about the money he has had in advance?

AKM. That's it, that's it! It's just as you say, Igntitch, it's just what d'you call it. 'Cos why? If you go into service, it's as good as if you had sold yourself, they say. That will be all right. I mean he may stay and serve his time, only he must, what d'you call it, get married. I mean—so: you let him off for a little while, that he may, what d'you call it?

PETER. Yes, we could manage that.

MATRYNA. Ah, but it's not yet settled between ourselves, Peter Igntitch. I'll speak to you as I would before God, and you may judge between my old man and me. He goes on harping on that marriage. But just ask—who it is he wants him to marry. If it were a girl of the right sort now— I am not my child's enemy, but the wench is not honest.

AKM. No, that's wrong! Wrong, I say. 'Cos why? She, that same girl—it's my son as has offended, offended the girl I mean.

PETER. How offended?

AKM. That's how. She's what d'you call it, with him, with my son, Nikta. With Nikta, what d'you call it, I mean.

MATRYNA. You wait a bit, my tongue runs smoother—let me tell it. You know, this lad of ours lived at the railway before he came to you. There was a girl there as kept dangling after him. A girl of no account, you know, her name's Marna. She used to cook for the men. So now this same girl accuses our son, Nikta, that he, so to say, deceived her.

PETER. Well, there's nothing good in that.

MATRYNA. But she's no honest girl herself; she runs after the fellows like a common slut.

AKM. There you are again, old woman, and it's not at all what d'you call it, it's all not what d'you call it, I mean...

MATRYNA. There now, that's all the sense one gets from my old owl—"what d'you call it, what d'you call it," and he doesn't know himself what he means. Peter Igntitch, don't listen to me, but go yourself and ask any one you like about the girl, everybody will say the same. She's just a homeless good-for-nothing.

PETER. You know, Daddy Akm, if that's how things are, there's no reason for him to marry her. A daughter-in-law's not like a shoe, you can't kick her off.

AKM [excitedly] It's false, old woman, it's what d'you call it, false; I mean, about the girl; false! 'Cos why? The lass is a good lass, a very good lass, you know. I'm sorry, sorry for the lassie, I mean.

MATRYNA. It's an old saying: "For the wide world old Miriam grieves, and at home without bread her children she leaves." He's sorry for the girl, but not sorry for his own son! Sling her round your neck and carry her about with you! That's enough of such empty cackle!

AKM. No, it's not empty.

MATRYNA. There, don't interrupt, let me have my say.

AKM [interrupts] No, not empty! I mean, you twist things your own way, about the lass or about yourself. Twist them, I mean, to make it better for yourself; but God, what d'you call it, turns them His way. That's how it is.

MATRYNA. Eh! One only wears out one's tongue with you.

AKM. The lass is hard-working and spruce, and keeps everything round herself ... what d'you call it. And in our poverty, you know, it's a pair of hands, I mean; and the wedding needn't cost much. But the chief thing's the offence, the offence to the lass, and she's a what d'you call it, an orphan, you know; that's what she is, and there's the offence.

MATRYNA. Eh! they'll all tell you a tale of that sort...

ANSYA. Daddy Akm, you'd better listen to us women; we can tell you a thing or two.

AKM. And God, how about God? Isn't she a human being, the lass? A what d'you call it,—also a human being I mean, before God. And how do you look at it?

MATRYNA. Eh!... started off again?...

PETER. Wait a bit, Daddy Akm. One can't believe all these girls say, either. The lad's alive, and not far away; send for him, and find out straight from him if it's true. He won't wish to lose his soul. Go and call the fellow, [Ansya rises] and tell him his father wants him. [Exit Ansya].

MATRYNA. That's right, dear friend; you've cleared the way clean, as with water. Yes, let the lad speak for himself. Nowadays, you know, they'll not let you force a son to marry; one must first of all ask the lad. He'll never consent to marry her and disgrace himself, not for all the world. To my thinking, it's best he should go on living with you and serving you as his master. And we need not take him home for the summer either; we can hire a help. If you would only give us ten roubles now, we'll let him stay on.

PETER. All in good time. First let us settle one thing before we start another.

AKM. You see, Peter Igntitch, I speak. 'Cos why? you know how it happens. We try to fix things up as seems best for ourselves, you know; and as to God, we what d'you call it, we forget Him. We think it's best so, turn it our own way, and lo! we've got into a fix, you know. We think it will be best, I mean; and lo! it turns out much worse—without God, I mean.

PETER. Of course one must not forget God.

AKM. It turns out worse! But when it's the right way—God's way—it what d'you call it, it gives one joy; seems pleasant, I mean. So I reckon, you see, get him, the lad, I mean, get him to marry her, to keep him from sin, I mean, and let him what d'you call it at home, as it's lawful, I mean, while I go and get the job in town. The work is of the right sort—it's payin', I mean. And in God's sight it's what d'you call it—it's best, I mean. Ain't she an orphan? Here, for example, a year ago some fellows went and took timber from the steward,—thought they'd do the steward, you know. Yes, they did the steward, but they couldn't what d'you call it—do God, I mean. Well, and so...

Enter Nikta and Nan.

NIKTA. You called me? [Sits down and takes out his tobacco-pouch].

PETER [in a low, reproachful voice] What are you thinking about—have you no manners? Your father is going to speak to you, and you sit down and fool about with tobacco. Come, get up!

Nikta rises, leans carelessly with his elbow on the table, and smiles.

AKM. It seems there's a complaint, you know, about you, Nikta—a complaint, I mean, a complaint.

NIKTA. Who's been complaining?

AKM. Complaining? It's a maid, an orphan maid, complaining, I mean. It's her, you know—a complaint against you, from Marna, I mean.

NIKTA [laughs] Well, that's a good one. What's the complaint? And who's told you—she herself?

AKM. It's I am asking you, and you must now, what d'you call it, give me an answer. Have you got mixed up with the lass, I mean—mixed up, you know?

NIKTA. I don't know what you mean. What's up?

AKM. Foolin', I mean, what d'you call it? foolin'. Have you been foolin' with her, I mean?

NIKTA. Never mind what's been! Of course one does have some fun with a cook now and then to while away the time. One plays the concertina and gets her to dance. What of that?

PETER. Don't shuffle, Nikta, but answer your father straight out.

AKM [solemnly] You can hide it from men but not from God, Nikta. You, what d'you call it—think, I mean, and don't tell lies. She's an orphan; so, you see, any one is free to insult her. An orphan, you see. So you should say what's rightest.

NIKTA. But what if I have nothing to say? I have told you everything—because there isn't anything to tell, that's flat! [Getting excited] She can go and say anything about me, same as if she was speaking of one as is dead. Why don't she say anything about Fdka Mikshin? Besides, how's this, that one mayn't even have a bit of fun nowadays? And as for her, well, she's free to say anything she likes.

AKM. Ah, Nikta, mind! A lie will out. Did anything happen?

NIKTA [aside] How he sticks to it; it's too bad. [To Akm] I tell you, I know nothing more. There's been nothing between us. [Angrily] By God! and may I never leave this spot [crosses himself] if I know anything about it. [Silence. Then still more excitedly] Why! have you been thinking of getting me to marry her? What do you mean by it?—it's a confounded shame. Besides, nowadays you've got no such rights as to force a fellow to marry. That's plain enough. Besides, haven't I sworn I know nothing about it?

MATRYNA [to her husband] There now, that's just like your silly pate, to believe all they tell you. He's gone and put the lad to shame all for nothing. The best thing is to let him live as he is living, with his master. His master will help us in our present need, and give us ten roubles, and when the time comes...

PETER. Well, Daddy Akm, how's it to be?

AKM [looks at his son, clicking his tongue disapprovingly] Mind, Nikta, the tears of one that's been wronged never, what d'you call it—never fall beside the mark but always on, what's name—the head of the man as did the wrong. So mind, don't what d'you call it.

NIKTA [sits down] What's there to mind? mind yourself.

NAN [aside] I must run and tell mother. [Exit].

MATRYNA [to Peter] That's always the way with this old mumbler of mine, Peter Igntitch. Once he's got anything wedged in his pate there's no knocking it out. We've gone and troubled you all for nothing. The lad can go on living as he has been. Keep him; he's your servant.

PETER. Well, Daddy Akm, what do you say?

AKM. Why, the lad's his own master, if only he what d'you call it.... I only wish that, what d'you call it, I mean.

MATRYNA. You don't know yourself what you're jawing about. The lad himself has no wish to leave. Besides, what do we want with him at home? We can manage without him.

PETER. Only one thing, Daddy Akm—if you are thinking of taking him back in summer, I don't want him here for the winter. If he is to stay at all, it must be for the whole year.

MATRYNA. And it's for a year he'll bind himself. If we want help when the press of work comes, we can hire help, and the lad shall remain with you. Only give us ten roubles now....

PETER. Well then, is it to be for another year?

AKM. [sighing] Yes, it seems, it what d'you call it ... if it's so, I mean, it seems that it must be what d'you call it.

MATRYNA. For a year, counting from St. Dimtry's day. We know you'll pay him fair wages. But give us ten roubles now. Help us out of our difficulties. [Gets up and bows to Peter].

Enter Nan and Ansya. The latter sits down at one side.

PETER. Well, if that's settled we might step across to the inn and have a drink. Come, Daddy Akm, what do you say to a glass of vdka?

AKM. No, I never drink that sort of thing.

PETER. Well, you'll have some tea?

AKM. Ah, tea! yes, I do sin that way. Yes, tea's the thing.

PETER. And the women will also have some tea. Come. And you, Nikta, go and drive the sheep in and clear away the straw.

NIKTA. All right. [Exeunt all but Nikta. Nikta lights a cigarette. It grows darker] Just see how they bother one. Want a fellow to tell 'em how he larks about with the wenches! It would take long to tell 'em all those stories—"Marry her," he says. Marry them all! One would have a good lot of wives! And what need have I to marry? Am as good as married now! There's many a chap as envies me. Yet how strange it felt when I crossed myself before the icn. It was just as if some one shoved me. The whole web fell to pieces at once. They say it's frightening to swear what's not true. That's all humbug. It's all talk, that is. It's simple enough.

AKOULNA [enters with a rope, which she puts down. She takes off her outdoor things and goes into closet] You might at least have got a light.

NIKTA. What, to look at you? I can see you well enough without.

AKOULNA. Oh, bother you!

Nan enters and whispers to Nikta.

NAN. Nikta, there's a person wants you. There is!

NIKTA. What person?

NAN. Marna from the railway; she's out there, round the corner.

NIKTA. Nonsense!

NAN. Blest if she isn't!

NIKTA. What does she want?

NAN. She wants you to come out. She says, "I only want to say a word to Nikta." I began asking, but she won't tell, but only says, "Is it true he's leaving you?" And I say, "No, only his father wanted to take him away and get him to marry, but he won't, and is going to stay with us another year." And she says, "For goodness' sake send him out to me. I must see him," she says, "I must say a word to him somehow." She's been waiting a long time. Why don't you go?

NIKTA. Bother her! What should I go for?

NAN. She says, "If he don't come, I'll go into the hut to him." Blest if she didn't say she'd come in!

NIKTA. Not likely. She'll wait a bit and then go away.

NAN. "Or is it," she says, "that they want him to marry Akoulna?"

Re-enter Akoulna, passing near Nikta to take her distaff.

AKOULNA. Marry whom to Akoulna?

NAN. Why, Nikta.

AKOULNA. A likely thing! Who says it?

NIKTA [looks at her and laughs] It seems people do say it. Would you marry me, Akoulna?

AKOULNA. Who, you? Perhaps I might have afore, but I won't now.

NIKTA. And why not now?

AKOULNA. 'Cos you wouldn't love me.

NIKTA. Why not?

AKOULNA. 'Cos you'd be forbidden to. [Laughs].

NIKTA. Who'd forbid it?

AKOULNA. Who? My step-mother. She does nothing but grumble, and is always staring at you.

NIKTA [laughing] Just hear her! Ain't she cute?

AKOULNA. Who? Me? What's there to be cute about? Am I blind? She's been rowing and rowing at dad all day. The fat-muzzled witch! [Goes into closet].

NAN [looking out of the window] Look, Nikta, she's coming! I'm blest if she isn't! I'll go away. [Exit].

MARNA [enters] What are you doing with me?

NIKTA. Doing? I'm not doing anything.

MARNA. You mean to desert me.

NIKTA [gets up angrily] What does this look like, your coming here?

MARNA. Oh, Nikta!

NIKTA. Well, you are strange! What have you come for?

MARNA. Nikta!

NIKTA. That's my name. What do you want with Nikta? Well, what next? Go away, I tell you!

MARNA. I see, you do want to throw me over.

NIKTA. Well, and what's there to remember? You yourself don't know. When you stood out there round the corner and sent Nan for me, and I didn't come, wasn't it plain enough that you're not wanted? It seems pretty simple. So there—go!

MARNA. Not wanted! So now I'm not wanted! I believed you when you said you would love me. And now that you've ruined me, I'm not wanted.

NIKTA. Where's the good of talking? This is quite improper. You've been telling tales to father. Now, do go away, will you?

MARNA. You know yourself I never loved any one but you. Whether you married me or not, I'd not have been angry. I've done you no wrong, then why have you left off caring for me? Why?

NIKTA. Where's the use of baying at the moon? You go away. Goodness me! what a duffer!

MARNA. It's not that you deceived me when you promised to marry me that hurts, but that you've left off loving. No, it's not that you've stopped loving me either, but that you've changed me for another, that's what hurts. I know who it is!

NIKTA [comes up to her viciously] Eh! what's the good of talking to the likes of you, that won't listen to reason? Be off, or you'll drive me to do something you'll be sorry for.

MARNA. What, will you strike me, then? Well then, strike me! What are you turning away for? Ah, Nikta!

NIKTA. Supposing some one came in. Of course, it's quite improper. And what's the good of talking?

MARNA. So this is the end of it! What has been has flown. You want me to forget it? Well then, Nikta, listen. I kept my maiden honour as the apple of my eye. You have ruined me for nothing, you have deceived me. You have no pity on a fatherless and motherless girl! [Weeping] You have deserted, you have killed me, but I bear you no malice. God forgive you! If you find a better one you'll forget me, if a worse one you'll remember me. Yes, you will remember, Nikta! Good-bye, then, if it is to be. Oh, how I loved you! Good-bye for the last time. [Takes his head in her hands and tries to kiss him].

NIKTA [tossing his head back] I'm not going to talk with the likes of you. If you won't go away I will, and you may stay here by yourself.

MARNA [screams] You are a brute. [In the doorway] God will give you no joy. [Exit, crying].

AKOULNA [comes out of closet] You're a dog, Nikta!

NIKTA. What's up?

AKOULNA. What a cry she gave! [Cries].

NIKTA. What's up with you?

AKOULNA. What's up? You've hurt her so. That's the way you'll hurt me also. You're a dog. [Exit into closet].

Silence.

NIKTA. Here's a fine muddle. I'm as sweet as honey on the lasses, but when a fellow's sinned with 'em it's a bad look-out!

Curtain.



ACT II

The scene represents the village street. To the left the outside of Peter's hut, built of logs, with a porch in the middle; to the right of the hut the gates and a corner of the yard buildings. Ansya is beating hemp in the street near the corner of the yard. Six months have elapsed since the First Act.

ANSYA [stops and listens] Mumbling something again. He's probably got off the stove.

Akoulna enters, carrying two pails on a yoke.

ANSYA. He's calling. You go and see what he wants, kicking up such a row.

AKOULNA. Why don't you go?

ANSYA. Go, I tell you! [Exit Akoulna into hut] He's bothering me to death. Won't let out where the money is, and that's all about it. He was out in the passage the other day. He must have been hiding it there. Now, I don't know myself where it is. Thank goodness he's afraid of parting with it, so that at least it will stay in the house. If only I could manage to find it. He hadn't it on him yesterday. Now I don't know where it can be. He has quite worn the life out of me.

Enter Akoulna, tying her kerchief over her head.

ANSYA. Where are you off to?

AKOULNA. Where? Why, he's told me to go for Aunt Martha. "Fetch my sister," he says. "I am going to die," he says. "I have a word to say to her."

ANSYA [aside] Asking for his sister? Oh my poor head! Sure he wants to give it her. What shall I do? Oh! [To Akoulna] Don't go! Where are you off to?

AKOULNA. To call Aunt.

ANSYA. Don't go I tell you, I'll go myself. You go and take the clothes to the river to rinse. Else you'll not have finished by the evening.

AKOULNA. But he told me to go.

ANSYA. You go and do as you're bid. I tell you I'll fetch Martha myself. Take the shirts off the fence.

AKOULNA. The shirts? But maybe you'll not go. He's given the order.

ANSYA. Didn't I say I'd go? Where's Nan?

AKOULNA. Nan? Minding the calves.

ANSYA. Send her here. I dare say they'll not run away. [Akoulna collects the clothes, and exit].

ANSYA. If one doesn't go he'll scold. If one goes he'll give the money to his sister. All my trouble will be wasted. I don't myself know what I'm to do. My poor head's splitting. [Continues to work].

Enter Matryna, with a stick and a bundle, in outdoor clothes.

MATRYNA. May the Lord help you, honey.

ANSYA [looks round, stops working, and claps her hands with joy] Well, I never expected this! Mother Matryna, God has sent the right guest at the right time.

MATRYNA. Well, how are things?

ANSYA. Ah, I'm driven well-nigh crazy. It's awful!

MATRYNA. Well, still alive, I hear?

ANSYA. Oh, don't talk about it. He doesn't live and doesn't die!

MATRYNA. But the money—has he given it to anybody?

ANSYA. He's just sending for his sister Martha—probably about the money.

MATRYNA. Well, naturally! But hasn't he given it to any one else?

ANSYA. To no one. I watch like a hawk.

MATRYNA. And where is it?

ANSYA. He doesn't let out. And I can't find out in any way. He hides it now here, now there, and I can't do anything because of Akoulna. Idiot though she is, she keeps watch, and is always about. Oh my poor head! I'm bothered to death.

MATRYNA. Oh, my jewel, if he gives the money to any one but you, you'll never cease regretting it as long as you live! They'll turn you out of house and home without anything. You've been worriting, and worriting all your life with one you don't love, and will have to go a-begging when you are a widow.

ANSYA. No need to tell me, mother. My heart's that weary, and I don't know what to do. No one to get a bit of advice from. I told Nikta, but he's frightened of the job. The only thing he did was to tell me yesterday it was hidden under the floor.

MATRYNA. Well, and did you look there?

ANSYA. I couldn't. The old man himself was in the room. I notice that sometimes he carries it about on him, and sometimes he hides it.

MATRYNA. But you, my lass, must remember that if once he gives you the slip there's no getting it right again! [Whispering] Well, and did you give him the strong tea?

ANSYA. Oh! oh!... [About to answer, but sees neighbour and stops].

The neighbour (a woman) passes the hut, and listens to a call from within.

NEIGHBOUR [to Ansya] I say, Ansya! Eh, Ansya! There's your old man calling, I think.

ANSYA. That's the way he always coughs,—just as if he were screaming. He's getting very bad.

NEIGHBOUR [approaches Matryna] How do you do, granny? Have you come far?

MATRYNA. Straight from home, dear. Come to see my son. Brought him some shirts—can't help thinking of these things, you see, when it's one's own child.

NEIGHBOUR. Yes, that's always so. [To Ansya] And I was thinking of beginning to bleach the linen, but it is a bit early, no one has begun yet.

ANSYA. Where's the hurry?

MATRYNA. Well, and has he had communion?

ANSYA. Oh dear yes, the priest was here yesterday.

NEIGHBOUR. I had a look at him yesterday. Dearie me! one wonders his body and soul keep together. And, O Lord, the other day he seemed just at his last gasp, so that they laid him under the holy icns.[1] They started lamenting and got ready to lay him out.

[1] It is customary to place a dying person under the icn. One or more icns hang in the hut of each Orthodox peasant.

ANSYA. He came to, and creeps about again.

MATRYNA. Well, and is he to have extreme unction?

ANSYA. The neighbours advise it. If he lives till to-morrow we'll send for the priest.

NEIGHBOUR. Oh, Ansya dear, I should think your heart must be heavy. As the saying goes, "Not he is sick that's ill in bed, but he that sits and waits in dread."

ANSYA. Yes, if it were only over one way or other!

NEIGHBOUR. Yes, that's true, dying for a year, it's no joke. You're bound hand and foot like that.

MATRYNA. Ah, but a widow's lot is also bitter. It's all right as long as one's young, but who'll care for you when you're old? Oh yes, old age is not pleasure. Just look at me. I've not walked very far, and yet am so footsore I don't know how to stand. Where's my son?

ANSYA. Ploughing. But you come in and we'll get the samovr ready; the tea'll set you up again.

MATRYNA [sitting down] Yes, it's true, I'm quite done up, my dears. As to extreme unction, that's absolutely necessary. Besides, they say it's good for the soul.

ANSYA. Yes, we'll send to-morrow.

MATRYNA. Yes, you had better. And we've had a wedding down in our parts.

NEIGHBOUR. What, in spring?[2]

[2] Peasant weddings are usually in autumn. They are forbidden in Lent, and soon after Easter the peasants become too busy to marry till harvest is over.

MATRYNA. Ah, now if it were a poor man, then, as the saying is, it's always unseasonable for a poor man to marry. But it's Simon Matvyitch, he's married that Marna.

ANSYA. What luck for her!

NEIGHBOUR. He's a widower. I suppose there are children?

MATRYNA. Four of 'em. What decent girl would have him! Well, so he's taken her, and she's glad. You see, the vessel was not sound, so the wine trickled out.

NEIGHBOUR. Oh my! And what do people say to it? And he, a rich peasant!

MATRYNA. They are living well enough so far.

NEIGHBOUR. Yes, it's true enough. Who wants to marry where there are children? There now, there's our Michael. He's such a fellow, dear me...

PEASANT'S VOICE. Hullo, Mvra. Where the devil are you? Go and drive the cow in.

Exit Neighbour.

MATRYNA [while the Neighbour is within hearing speaks in her ordinary voice] Yes, lass, thank goodness, she's married. At any rate my old fool won't go bothering about Nikta. Now [suddenly changing her tone], she's gone! [Whispers] I say, did you give him the tea?

ANSYA. Don't speak about it. He'd better die of himself. It's no use—he doesn't die, and I have only taken a sin on my soul. O-oh, my head, my head! Oh, why did you give me those powders?

MATRYNA. What of the powders? The sleeping powders, lass,—why not give them? No evil can come of them.

ANSYA. I am not talking of the sleeping ones, but the others, the white ones.

MATRYNA. Well, honey, those powders are medicinal.

ANSYA [sighs] I know, yet it's frightening. Though he's worried me to death.

MATRYNA. Well, and did you use many?

ANSYA. I gave two doses.

MATRYNA. Was anything noticeable?

ANSYA. I had a taste of the tea myself—just a little bitter. And he drank them with the tea and says, "Even tea disgusts me," and I say, "Everything tastes bitter when one's sick." But I felt that scared, mother.

MATRYNA. Don't go thinking about it. The more one thinks the worse it is.

ANSYA. I wish you'd never given them to me and led me into sin. When I think of it something seems to tear my heart. Oh dear, why did you give them to me?

MATRYNA. What do you mean, honey? Lord help you! Why are you turning it on to me? Mind, lass, don't go twisting matters from the sick on to the healthy. If anything were to happen, I stand aside! I know nothing! I'm aware of nothing! I'll kiss the cross on it; I never gave you any kind of powders, never saw any, never heard of any, and never knew there were such powders. You think about yourself, lass. Why, we were talking about you the other day. "Poor thing, what torture she endures. The step-daughter an idiot; the old man rotten, sucking her life-blood. What wouldn't one be ready to do in such a case!"

ANSYA. I'm not going to deny it. A life such as mine could make one do worse than that. It could make you hang yourself or throttle him. Is this a life?

MATRYNA. That's just it. There's no time to stand gaping; the money must be found one way or other, and then he must have his tea.

ANSYA. O-oh, my head, my head! I can't think what to do. I am so frightened; he'd better die of himself. I don't want to have it on my soul.

MATRYNA [viciously] And why doesn't he show the money? Does he mean to take it along with him? Is no one to have it? Is that right? God forbid such a sum should be lost all for nothing. Isn't that a sin? What's he doing? Is he worth considering?

ANSYA. I don't know anything. He's worried me to death.

MATRYNA. What is it you don't know? The business is clear. If you make a slip now, you'll repent it all your life. He'll give the money to his sister and you'll be left without.

ANSYA. O-oh dear! Yes, and he did send for her—I must go.

MATRYNA. You wait a bit and light the samovr first. We'll give him some tea and search him together—we'll find it, no fear.

ANSYA. Oh dear, oh dear; supposing something were to happen.

MATRYNA. What now? What's the good of waiting? Do you want the money to slip from your hand when it's just in sight? You go and do as I say.

ANSYA. Well, I'll go and light the samovr.

MATRYNA. Go, honey, do the business so as not to regret it afterwards. That's right! [Ansya turns to go. Matryna calls her back].

MATRYNA. Just a word. Don't tell Nikta about the business. He's silly. God forbid he should find out about the powders. The Lord only knows what he would do. He's so tender-hearted. D'you know, he usen't to be able to kill a chicken. Don't tell him. 'Twould be a fine go, he wouldn't understand things. [Stops horror-struck as Peter appears in the doorway].

PETER [holding on to the wall, creeps out into the porch and calls with a faint voice] How's it one can't make you hear? Oh, oh, Ansya! Who's there? [Drops on the bench].

ANSYA [steps from behind the corner] Why have you come out? You should have stayed where you were lying.

PETER. Has the girl gone for Martha? It's very hard.... Oh, if only death would come quicker!

ANSYA. She had no time. I sent her to the river. Wait a bit, I'll go myself when I'm ready.

PETER. Send Nan. Where's she? Oh, I'm that bad! Oh, death's at hand!

ANSYA. I've sent for her already.

PETER. Oh dear! Then where is she?

ANSYA. Where's she got to, the plague seize her!

PETER. Oh, dear! I can't bear it. All my inside's on fire. It's as if a gimlet were boring me. Why have you left me as if I were a dog?... no one to give me a drink.... Oh ... send Nan to me.

ANSYA. Here she is. Nan, go to father.

Nan runs in. Ansya goes behind the corner of the house.

PETER. Go you. Oh ... to Aunt Martha, tell her father wants her; say she's to come, I want her.

NAN. All right.

PETER. Wait a bit. Tell her she's to come quick. Tell her I'm dying. O-oh!

NAN. I'll just get my shawl and be off. [Runs off].

MATRYNA [winking] Now then, mind and look sharp, lass. Go into the hut, hunt about everywhere, like a dog that's hunting for fleas: look under everything, and I'll search him.

ANSYA [to Matryna] I feel a bit bolder, somehow, now you're here. [Goes up to porch. To Peter] Hadn't I better light the samovr? Here's Mother Matryna come to see her son; you'll have a cup of tea with her?

PETER. Well then, light it. [Ansya goes into the house. Matryna comes up to the porch].

PETER. How do you do?

MATRYNA [bowing] How d'you do, my benefactor; how d'you do, my precious ... still ill, I see. And my old man, he's that sorry! "Go," says he, "see how he's getting on." He sends his respects to you. [Bows again].

PETER. I'm dying.

MATRYNA. Ah yes, Peter Igntitch, now I look at you I see, as the saying has it, "Sickness lives where men live." You've shrivelled, shrivelled, all to nothing, poor dear, now I come to look at you. Seems illness does not add to good looks.

PETER. My last hour has come.

MATRYNA. Oh well, Peter Igntitch, it's God's will you know, you've had communion, and you'll have unction, God willing. Your missus is a wise woman, the Lord be thanked; she'll give you a good burial, and have prayers said for your soul, all most respectable! And my son, he'll look after things meanwhile.

PETER. There'll be no one to manage things! She's not steady. Has her head full of folly—why, I know all about it, I know. And my girl is silly and young. I've got the homestead together, and there's no one to attend to things. One can't help feeling it. [Whimpers].

MATRYNA. Why, if it's money, or something, you can leave orders.

PETER [to Ansya inside the house] Has Nan gone?

MATRYNA [aside] There now, he's remembered!

ANSYA [from inside] She went then and there. Come inside, won't you? I'll help you in.

PETER. Let me sit here a bit for the last time. The air's so stuffy inside. Oh, how bad I feel! Oh, my heart's burning.... Oh, if death would only come.

MATRYNA. If God don't take a soul, the soul can't go out. Death and life are in God's will, Peter Igntitch. You can't be sure of death either. Maybe you'll recover yet. There was a man in our village just like that, at the very point of death...

PETER. No, I feel I shall die to-day, I feel it. [Leans back and shuts his eyes].

ANSYA [enters] Well now, are you coming in or not? You do keep one waiting. Peter! eh, Peter!

MATRYNA [steps aside and beckons to Ansya with her finger] Well?

ANSYA [comes down the porch steps] Not there.

MATRYNA. But have you searched everywhere? Under the floor?

ANSYA. No, it's not there either. In the shed perhaps; he was rummaging there yesterday.

MATRYNA. Go, search, search for all you're worth. Go all over everywhere, as if you licked with your tongue! But I see he'll die this very day, his nails are turning blue and his face looks earthy. Is the samovr ready?

ANSYA. Just on the boil.

NIKTA [comes from the other side, if possible on horseback, up to the gate, and does not see Peter. To Matryna] How d'you do, mother, is all well at home?

MATRYNA. The Lord be thanked, we're all alive and have a crust to bite.

NIKTA. Well, and how's master?

MATRYNA. Hush, there he sits. [Points to porch].

NIKTA. Well, let him sit. What's it to me?

PETER [opens his eyes] Nikta, I say, Nikta, come here! [Nikta approaches. Ansya and Matryna whisper together].

PETER. Why have you come back so early?

NIKTA. I've finished ploughing.

PETER. Have you done the strip beyond the bridge?

NIKTA. It's too far to go there.

PETER. Too far? From here it's still farther. You'll have to go on purpose now. You might have made one job of it. [Ansya, without showing herself, stands and listens].

MATRYNA [approaches] Oh, sonnie, why don't you take more pains for your master? Your master is ill and depends on you; you should serve him as you would your own father, straining every muscle just as I always tell you to.

PETER. Well then—o-oh!... Get out the seed potatoes, and the women will go and sort them.

ANSYA [aside] No fear, I'm not going. He's again sending every one away; he must have the money on him now, and wants to hide it somewhere.

PETER. Else ... o-oh! when the time comes for planting, they'll all be rotten. Oh, I can't stand it! [Rises].

MATRYNA [runs up into the porch and holds Peter up] Shall I help you into the hut?

PETER. Help me in. [Stops] Nikta!

NIKTA [angrily] What now?

PETER. I shan't see you again ... I'll die to-day.... Forgive me,[3] for Christ's sake, forgive me if I have ever sinned against you ... If I have sinned in word or deed ... There's been all sorts of things. Forgive me!

[3] A formal request for forgiveness is customary among Russians, but it is often no mere formality. Nikta's first reply is evasive; his second reply, "God will forgive you," is the correct one sanctioned by custom.

NIKTA. What's there to forgive? I'm a sinner myself.

MATRYNA. Ah, sonnie, have some feeling.

PETER. Forgive me, for Christ's sake. [Weeps].

NIKTA [snivels] God will forgive you, Daddy Peter. I have no cause to complain of you. You've never done me any wrong. You forgive me; maybe I've sinned worse against you. [Weeps].

Peter goes in whimpering, Matryna supporting him.

ANSYA. Oh, my poor head! It's not without some reason he's hit on that. [Approaches Nikta] Why did you say the money was under the floor? It's not there.

NIKTA [does not answer, but cries] I have never had anything bad from him, nothing but good, and what have I gone and done!

ANSYA. Enough now! Where's the money?

NIKTA [angrily] How should I know? Go and look for it yourself!

ANSYA. What's made you so tender?

NIKTA. I am sorry for him,—that sorry. How he cried! Oh dear!

ANSYA. Look at him,—seized with pity! He has found someone to pity too! He's been treating you like a dog, and even just now was giving orders to have you turned out of the house. You'd better show me some pity!

NIKTA. What are you to be pitied for?

ANSYA. If he dies, and the money's been hidden away...

NIKTA. No fear, he'll not hide it...

ANSYA. Oh, Nikta darling! he's sent for his sister, and wants to give it to her. It will be a bad lookout for us. How are we going to live, if he gives her the money? They'll turn me out of the house! You try and manage somehow! You said he went to the shed last night.

NIKTA. I saw him coming from there, but where he's shoved it to, who can tell?

ANSYA. Oh, my poor head! I'll go and have a look there. [Nikta steps aside].

MATRYNA [comes out of the hut and down the steps of the porch to Ansya and Nikta] Don't go anywhere. He's got the money on him. I felt it on a string round his neck.

ANSYA. Oh my head, my head!

MATRYNA. If you don't keep wide awake now, then you may whistle for it. If his sister comes—then good-bye to it!

ANSYA. That's true. She'll come and he'll give it her. What's to be done? Oh my poor head!

MATRYNA. What is to be done? Why, look here; the samovr is boiling, go and make the tea and pour him out a cup, and then [whispers] put in all that's left in the paper. When he's drunk the cup, then just take it. He'll not tell, no fear.

ANSYA. Oh! I'm afeared!

MATRYNA. Don't be talking now, but look alive, and I'll keep his sister off if need be. Mind, don't make a blunder! Get hold of the money and bring it here, and Nikta will hide it.

ANSYA. Oh my head, my head! I don't know how I'm going to...

MATRYNA. Don't talk about it I tell you, do as I bid you. Nikta!

NIKTA. What is it?

MATRYNA. You stay here—sit down—in case something is wanted.

NIKTA [waves his hand] Oh these women, what won't they be up to? Muddle one up completely. Bother them! I'll really go and fetch out the potatoes.

MATRYNA [catches him by the arm] Stay here, I tell you.

Nan enters.

ANSYA. Well?

NAN. She was down in her daughter's vegetable plot—she's coming.

ANSYA. Coming! What shall we do?

MATRYNA. There's plenty of time if you do as I tell you.

ANSYA. I don't know what to do; I know nothing, my brain's all in a whirl. Nan! Go, daughter, and see to the calves, they'll have run away, I'm afraid.... Oh dear, I haven't the courage.

MATRYNA. Go on! I should think the samovr's boiling over.

ANSYA. Oh my head, my poor head! [Exit].

MATRYNA [approaches Nikta] Now then, sonnie. [Sits down beside him] Your affairs must also be thought about, and not left anyhow.

NIKTA. What affairs?

MATRYNA. Why, this affair—how you're to live your life.

NIKTA. How to live my life? Others live, and I shall live!

MATRYNA. The old man will probably die to-day.

NIKTA. Well, if he dies, God give him rest! What's that to me?

MATRYNA [keeps looking towards the porch while she speaks] Eh, sonnie! Those that are alive have to think about living. One needs plenty of sense in these matters, honey. What do you think? I've tramped all over the place after your affairs, I've got quite footsore bothering about matters. And you must not forget me when the time comes.

NIKTA. And what's it you've been bothering about?

MATRYNA. About your affairs, about your future. If you don't take trouble in good time you'll get nothing. You know Ivn Mositch? Well, I've been to him too. I went there the other day. I had something else to settle, you know. Well, so I sat and chatted awhile and then came to the point. "Tell me, Ivn Mositch," says I, "how's one to manage an affair of this kind? Supposing," says I, "a peasant as is a widower married a second wife, and supposing all the children he has is a daughter by the first wife, and a daughter by the second. Then," says I, "when that peasant dies, could an outsider get hold of the homestead by marrying the widow? Could he," says I, "give both the daughters in marriage and remain master of the house himself?" "Yes, he could," says he, "but," says he, "it would mean a deal of trouble; still the thing could be managed by means of money, but if there's no money it's no good trying."

NIKTA [laughs] That goes without saying, only fork out the money. Who does not want money?

MATRYNA. Well then, honey, so I spoke out plainly about the affair. And he says, "First and foremost, your son will have to get himself on the register of that village—that will cost something. The elders will have to be treated. And they, you see, they'll sign. Everything," says he, "must be done sensibly." Look, [unwraps her kerchief and takes out a paper] he's written out this paper; just read it, you're a scholar, you know. [Nikta reads].

NIKTA. This paper's only a decision for the elders to sign. There's no great wisdom needed for that.

MATRYNA. But you just hear what Ivn Mositch bids us do. "Above all," he says, "mind and don't let the money slip away, dame. If she don't get hold of the money," he says, "they'll not let her do it. Money's the great thing!" So look out, sonnie, things are coming to a head.

NIKTA. What's that to me? The money's hers—so let her look out.

MATRYNA. Ah, sonnie, how you look at it! How can a woman manage such affairs? Even if she does get the money, is she capable of arranging it all? One knows what a woman is! You're a man anyhow. You can hide it, and all that. You see, you've after all got more sense, in case of anything happening.

NIKTA. Oh, your woman's notions are all so inexpedient!

MATRYNA. Why inexpedient? You just collar the money, and the woman's in your hands. And then should she ever turn snappish you'd be able to tighten the reins!

NIKTA. Bother you all,—I'm going.

ANSYA [quite pale, runs out of the hut and round the corner to Matryna] So it was, it was on him! Here it is! [Shows that she has something under her apron].

MATRYNA. Give it to Nikta, he'll hide it. Nikta, take it and hide it somewhere.

NIKTA. All right, give here!

ANSYA. O-oh, my poor head! No, I'd better do it myself. [Goes towards the gate].

MATRYNA [seizing her by the arm] Where are you going to? You'll be missed. There's the sister coming; give it him; he knows what to do. Eh, you blockhead!

ANSYA [stops irresolutely] Oh, my head, my head!

NIKTA. Well, give it here. I'll shove it away somewhere.

ANSYA. Where will you shove it to?

NIKTA [laughing] Why, are you afraid?

Enter Akoulna, carrying clothes from the wash.

ANSYA. O-oh, my poor head! [Gives the money] Mind, Nikta.

NIKTA. What are you afraid of? I'll hide it so that I'll not be able to find it myself. [Exit].

ANSYA [stands in terror] Oh dear, and supposing he...

MATRYNA. Well, is he dead?

ANSYA. Yes, he seems dead. He did not move when I took it.

MATRYNA. Go in, there's Akoulna.

ANSYA. Well there, I've done the sin and he has the money....

MATRYNA. Have done and go in! There's Martha coming!

ANSYA. There now, I've trusted him. What's going to happen now? [Exit].

MARTHA [enters from one side, Akoulna enters from the other. To Akoulna] I should have come before, but I was at my daughter's. Well, how's the old man? Is he dying?

AKOULNA [puts down the clothes] Don't know, I've been to the river.

MARTHA [pointing to Matryna] Who's that?

MATRYNA. I'm from Zoevo. I'm Nikta's mother from Zoevo, my dearie. Good afternoon to you. He's withering, withering away, poor dear—your brother, I mean. He came out himself. "Send for my sister," he said, "because," said he ... Dear me, why, I do believe, he's dead!

ANSYA [runs out screaming. Clings to a post, and begins wailing][4] Oh, oh, ah! who-o-o-m have you left me to, why-y-y have you dese-e-e-e-rted me—a miserable widow ... to live my life alone ... Why have you closed your bright eyes...

[4] Loud public wailing of this kind is customary, and considered indispensable, among the peasants.

Enter Neighbour. Matryna and Neighbour catch hold of Ansya under the arms to support her. Akoulna and Martha go into the hut. A crowd assembles.

A VOICE IN THE CROWD. Send for the old women to lay out the body.

MATRYNA [rolls up her sleeves] Is there any water in the copper? But I daresay the samovr is still hot. I'll also go and help a bit.

Curtain.



ACT III

The same hut. Winter. Nine months have passed since Act II. Ansya, plainly dressed, sits before a loom weaving. Nan is on the oven.

MTRITCH [an old labourer, enters, and slowly takes off his outdoor things] Oh Lord, have mercy! Well, hasn't the master come home yet?

ANSYA. What?

MTRITCH. Nikta isn't back from town, is he?

ANSYA. No.

MTRITCH. Must have been on the spree. Oh Lord!

ANSYA. Have you finished in the stackyard?

MTRITCH. What d'you think? Got it all as it should be, and covered everything with straw! I don't like doing things by halves! Oh Lord! holy Nicholas! [Picks at the corns on his hands] But it's time he was back.

ANSYA. What need has he to hurry? He's got money. Merry-making with that girl, I daresay...

MTRITCH. Why shouldn't one make merry if one has the money? And why did Akoulna go to town?

ANSYA. You'd better ask her. How do I know what the devil took her there!

MTRITCH. What! to town? There's all sorts of things to be got in town if one's got the means. Oh Lord!

NAN. Mother, I heard myself. "I'll get you a little shawl," he says, blest if he didn't; "you shall choose it yourself," he says. And she got herself up so fine; she put on her velveteen coat and the French shawl.

ANSYA. Really, a girl's modesty reaches only to the door. Step over the threshold and it's forgotten. She is a shameless creature.

MTRITCH. Oh my! What's the use of being ashamed? While there's plenty of money make merry. Oh Lord! It is too soon to have supper, eh? [Ansya does not answer] I'll go and get warm meanwhile. [Climbs on the stove] Oh Lord! Blessed Virgin Mother! holy Nicholas!

NEIGHBOUR [enters] Seems your goodman's not back yet?

ANSYA. No.

NEIGHBOUR. It's time he was. Hasn't he perhaps stopped at our inn? My sister, Thekla, says there's heaps of sledges standing there as have come from the town.

ANSYA. Nan! Nan, I say!

NAN. Yes?

ANSYA. You run to the inn and see! Mayhap, being drunk, he's gone there.

NAN [jumps down from the oven and dresses] All right.

NEIGHBOUR. And he's taken Akoulna with him?

ANSYA. Else he'd not have had any need of going. It's because of her he's unearthed all the business there. "Must go to the bank," he says; "it's time to receive the payments," he says. But it's all her fooling.

NEIGHBOUR [shakes her head] It's a bad look-out. [Silence].

NAN [at the door] And if he's there, what am I to say?

ANSYA. You only see if he's there.

NAN. All right. I'll be back in a winking. [Long silence].

MTRITCH [roars] Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas!

NEIGHBOUR [starting] Oh, how he scared me? Who is it?

ANSYA. Why, Mtritch, our labourer.

NEIGHBOUR. Oh dear, oh dear, what a fright he did give me! I had quite forgotten. But tell me, dear, I've heard someone's been wooing Akoulna?

ANSYA [gets up from the loom and sits down by the table] There was some one from Ddlovo; but it seems the affair's got wind there too. They made a start, and then stopped; so the thing fell through. Of course, who'd care to?

NEIGHBOUR. And the Lizounfs from Zoevo?

ANSYA. They made some steps too, but it didn't come off either. They won't even see us.

NEIGHBOUR. Yet it's time she was married.

ANSYA. Time and more than time! Ah, my dear, I'm that impatient to get her out of the house; but the matter does not come off. He does not wish it, nor she either. He's not yet had enough of his beauty, you see.

NEIGHBOUR. Eh, eh, eh, what doings! Only think of it. Why, he's her step-father!

ANSYA. Ah, friend, they've taken me in completely. They've done me so fine it's beyond saying. I, fool that I was, noticed nothing, suspected nothing, and so I married him. I guessed nothing, but they already understood one another.

NEIGHBOUR. Oh dear, what goings on!

ANSYA. So it went on from bad to worse, and I see they begin hiding from me. Ah, friend, I was that sick—that sick of my life! It's not as if I didn't love him.

NEIGHBOUR. That goes without saying.

ANSYA. Ah, how hard it is to bear such treatment from him! Oh, how it hurts!

NEIGHBOUR. Yes, and I've heard say he's becoming too free with his fists?

ANSYA. And that too! There was a time when he was gentle when he'd had a drop. He used to hit out before, but of me he was always fond! But now when he's in a temper he goes for me and is ready to trample me under his feet. The other day he got both hands entangled in my hair so that I could hardly get away. And the girl's worse than a serpent; it's a wonder the earth bears such furies.

NEIGHBOUR. Ah, ah, my dear, now I look at you, you are a sufferer! To suffer like that is no joke. To have given shelter to a beggar, and he to lead you such a dance! Why don't you pull in the reins?

ANSYA. Ah, but my dear, if it weren't for my heart! Him as is gone was stern enough, still I could twist him about any way I liked; but with this one I can do nothing. As soon as I see him all my anger goes. I haven't a grain of courage before him; I go about like a drowned hen.

NEIGHBOUR. Ah, neighbour, you must be under a spell. I've heard that Matryna goes in for that sort of thing. It must be her.

ANSYA. Yes, dear; I think so myself sometimes. Gracious me, how hurt I feel at times! I'd like to tear him to pieces. But when I set eyes on him, my heart won't go against him.

NEIGHBOUR. It's plain you're bewitched. It don't take long to blight a body. There now, when I look at you, what you have dwindled to!

ANSYA. Growing a regular spindle-shanks. And just look at that fool Akoulna. Wasn't the girl a regular untidy slattern, and just look at her now! Where has it all come from? Yes, he has fitted her out. She's grown so smart, so puffed up, just like a bubble that's ready to burst. And, though she's a fool, she's got it into her head, "I'm the mistress," she says; "the house is mine; it's me father wanted him to marry." And she's that vicious! Lord help us, when she gets into a rage she's ready to tear the thatch off the house.

NEIGHBOUR. Oh dear, what a life yours is, now I come to look at you. And yet there's people envying you: "They're rich," they say; but it seems that gold don't keep tears from falling.

ANSYA. Much reason for envy indeed! And the riches, too, will soon be made ducks and drakes of. Dear me, how he squanders money!

NEIGHBOUR. But how's it, dear, you've been so simple to give up the money? It's yours.

ANSYA. Ah, if you knew all! The thing is that I've made one little mistake.

NEIGHBOUR. Well, if I were you, I'd go straight and have the law of him. The money's yours; how dare he squander it? There's no such rights.

ANSYA. They don't pay heed to that nowadays.

NEIGHBOUR. Ah, my dear, now I come to look at you, you've got that weak.

ANSYA. Yes, quite weak, dear, quite weak. He's got me into a regular fix. I don't myself know anything. Oh, my poor head!

NEIGHBOUR [listening] There's someone coming, I think. [The door opens and Akm enters].

AKM [crosses himself, knocks the snow off his feet, and takes off his coat] Peace be to this house! How do you do? Are you well, daughter?

ANSYA. How d'you do, father? Do you come straight from home?

AKM. I've been a-thinking, I'll go and see what's name, go to see my son, I mean,—my son. I didn't start early—had my dinner, I mean; I went, and it's so what d'you call it—so snowy, hard walking, and so there I'm what d'you call it—late, I mean. And my son—is he at home? At home? My son, I mean.

ANSYA. No; he's gone to the town.

AKM [sits down on a bench] I've some business with him, d'you see, some business, I mean. I told him t'other day, told him I was in need—told him, I mean, that our horse was done for, our horse, you see. So we must what d'ye call it, get a horse, I mean, some kind of a horse, I mean. So there, I've come, you see.

ANSYA. Nikta told me. When he comes back you'll have a talk. [Goes to the oven] Have some supper now, and he'll soon come. Mtritch, eh Mtritch, come have your supper.

MTRITCH. Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas!

ANSYA. Come to supper.

NEIGHBOUR. I shall go now. Good-night. [Exit].

MTRITCH [gets down from the oven] I never noticed how I fell asleep. Oh Lord! gracious Nicholas! How d'you do, Daddy Akm?

AKM. Ah, Mtritch! What are you, what d'ye call it, I mean?...

MTRITCH. Why, I'm working for your son, Nikta.

AKM. Dear me! What d'ye call ... working for my son, I mean. Dear me!

MTRITCH. I was living with a tradesman in town, but drank all I had there. Now I've come back to the village. I've no home, so I've gone into service. [Gapes] Oh Lord!

AKM. But how's that, what d'you call it, or what's name, Nikta, what does he do? Has he some business, I mean besides, that he should hire a labourer, a labourer I mean, hire a labourer?

ANSYA. What business should he have? He used to manage, but now he's other things on his mind, so he's hired a labourer.

MTRITCH. Why shouldn't he, seeing he has money?

AKM. Now that's what d'you call it, that's wrong, I mean, quite wrong, I mean. That's spoiling oneself.

ANSYA. Oh, he has got spoilt, that spoilt, it's just awful.

AKM. There now, what d'you call it, one thinks how to make things better, and it gets worse I mean. Riches spoil a man, spoil, I mean.

MTRITCH. Fatness makes even a dog go mad; how's one not to get spoilt by fat living? Myself now; how I went on with fat living. I drank for three weeks without being sober. I drank my last breeches. When I had nothing left, I gave it up. Now I've determined not to. Bother it!

AKM. And where's what d'you call, your old woman?

MTRITCH. My old woman has found her right place, old fellow. She's hanging about the gin-shops in town. She's a swell too; one eye knocked out, and the other black, and her muzzle twisted to one side. And she's never sober; drat her!

AKM. Oh, oh, oh, how's that?

MTRITCH. And where's a soldier's wife to go? She has found her right place. [Silence].

AKM [to Ansya] And Nikta,—has he what d'you call it, taken anything up to town? I mean, anything to sell?

ANSYA [laying the table and serving up] No, he's taken nothing. He's gone to get money from the bank.

AKM [sitting down to supper] Why? D'you wish to put it to another use, the money I mean?

ANSYA. No, we don't touch it. Only some twenty or thirty roubles as have come due; they must be taken.

AKM. Must be taken. Why take it, the money I mean? You'll take some to-day I mean, and some to-morrow; and so you'll what d'you call it, take it all, I mean.

ANSYA. We get this besides. The money is all safe.

AKM. All safe? How's that, safe? You take it, and it what d'you call it, it's all safe. How's that? You put a heap of meal into a bin, or a barn, I mean, and go on taking meal, will it remain there what d'you call it, all safe I mean? That's, what d'you call it, it's cheating. You'd better find out, or else they'll cheat you. Safe indeed! I mean you what d'ye call ... you take it and it remains all safe there?

ANSYA. I know nothing about it. Ivn Mositch advised us at the time. "Put the money in the bank," he said, "the money will be safe, and you'll get interest," he said.

MTRITCH [having finished his supper] That's so. I've lived with a tradesman. They all do like that. Put the money in the bank, then lie down on the oven and it will keep coming in.

AKM. That's queer talk. How's that—what d'ye call, coming in, how's that coming in, and they, who do they get it from I mean, the money I mean?

ANSYA. They take the money out of the bank.

MTRITCH. Get along! 'Tain't a thing a woman can understand! You look here, I'll make it all clear to you. Mind and remember. You see, suppose you've got some money, and I, for instance, have spring coming on, my land's idle, I've got no seeds, or I have to pay taxes. So, you see, I go to you. "Akm," I say, "give us a ten-rouble note, and when I've harvested in autumn I'll return it, and till two acres for you besides, for having obliged me!" And you, seeing I've something to fall back on—a horse say, or a cow—you say, "No, give two or three roubles for the obligation," and there's an end of it. I'm stuck in the mud, and can't do without. So I say, "All right!" and take a tenner. In the autumn, when I've made my turnover, I bring it back, and you squeeze the extra three roubles out of me.

AKM. Yes, but that's what peasants do when they what d'ye call it, when they forget God. It's not honest, I mean, it's no good, I mean.

MTRITCH. You wait. You'll see it comes just to the same thing. Now don't forget how you've skinned me. And Ansya, say, has got some money lying idle. She does not know what to do with it, besides, she's a woman, and does not know how to use it. She comes to you. "Couldn't you make some profit with my money too?" she says. "Why not?" say you, and you wait. Before the summer I come again and say, "Give me another tenner, and I'll be obliged." Then you find out if my hide isn't all gone, and if I can be skinned again you give me Ansya's money. But supposing I'm clean shorn,—have nothing to eat,—then you see I can't be fleeced any more, and you say, "Go your way, friend," and you look out for another, and lend him your own and Ansya's money and skin him. That's what the bank is. So it goes round and round. It's a cute thing, old fellow!

AKM [excitedly] Gracious me, whatever is that like? It's what d'ye call it, it's filthy! The peasants—what d'ye call it, the peasants do so I mean, and know it's, what d'ye call it, a sin! It's what d'you call, not right, not right, I mean. It's filthy! How can people as have learnt ... what d'ye call it...

MTRITCH. That, old fellow, is just what they're fond of! And remember, them that are stupid, or the women folk, as can't put their money into use themselves, they take it to the bank, and they there, deuce take 'em, clutch hold of it, and with this money they fleece the people. It's a cute thing!

AKM [sighing] Oh dear, I see, what d'ye call it, without money it's bad, and with money it's worse! How's that? God told us to work, but you, what d'ye call ... I mean you put money into the bank and go to sleep, and the money will what d'ye call it, will feed you while you sleep. It's filthy, that's what I call it; it's not right.

MTRITCH. Not right? Eh, old fellow, who cares about that nowadays? And how clean they pluck you, too! That's the fact of the matter.

AKM [sighs] Ah yes, seems the time's what d'ye call it, the time's growing ripe. There, I've had a look at the closets in town. What they've come to! It's all polished and polished I mean, it's fine, it's what d'ye call it, it's like inside an inn. And what's it all for? What's the good of it? Oh, they've forgotten God. Forgotten, I mean. We've forgotten, forgotten God, God I mean! Thank you, my dear, I've had enough. I'm quite satisfied. [Rises. Mtritch climbs on to the oven].

ANSYA [eats, and collects the dishes] If his father would only take him to task! But I'm ashamed to tell him.

AKM. What d'you say?

ANSYA. Oh! it's nothing.

Enter Nan.

AKM. Here's a good girl, always busy! You're cold, I should think?

NAN. Yes, I am, terribly. How d'you do, grandfather?

ANSYA. Well? Is he there?

NAN. No. But Andriyn is there. He's been to town, and he says he saw them at an inn in town. He says Dad's as drunk as drunk can be!

ANSYA. Do you want anything to eat? Here you are.

NAN [goes to the oven] Well, it is cold. My hands are quite numb. [Akm takes off his leg-bands and bast-shoes. Ansya washes up].

ANSYA. Father!

AKM. Well, what is it?

ANSYA. And is Marna living well?

AKM. Yes, she's living all right. The little woman is what d'ye call it, clever and steady; she's living, and what d'ye call it, doing her best. She's all right; the little woman's of the right sort I mean; painstaking and what d'ye call it, submissive; the little woman's all right I mean, all right, you know.

ANSYA. And is there no talk in your village that a relative of Marna's husband thinks of marrying our Akoulna? Have you heard nothing of it?

AKM. Ah; that's Mirnof. Yes, the women did chatter something. But I didn't pay heed, you know. It don't interest me I mean, I don't know anything. Yes, the old women did say something, but I've a bad memory, bad memory, I mean. But the Mirnofs are what d'ye call it, they're all right, I mean they're all right.

ANSYA. I'm that impatient to get her settled.

AKM. And why?

NAN [listens] They've come!

ANSYA. Well, don't you go bothering them. [Goes on washing the spoons without turning her head].

NIKTA [enters] Ansya! Wife! who has come? [Ansya looks up and turns away in silence].

NIKTA [severely] Who has come? Have you forgotten?

ANSYA. Now don't humbug. Come in!

NIKTA [still more severely] Who's come?

ANSYA [goes up and takes him by the arm] Well then, husband has come. Now then, come in!

NIKTA [holds back] Ah, that's it! Husband! And what's husband called? Speak properly.

ANSYA. Oh bother you! Nikta!

NIKTA. Where have you learnt manners? The full name.

ANSYA. Nikta Akmitch! Now then!

NIKTA [still in the doorway] Ah, that's it! But now—the surname?

ANSYA [laughs and pulls him by the arm] Tchilkin. Dear me, what airs!

NIKTA. Ah, that's it. [Holds on to the door-post] No, now say with which foot Tchilkin steps into this house!

ANSYA. That's enough! You're letting the cold in!

NIKTA. Say with which foot he steps? You've got to say it,—that's flat.

ANSYA [aside] He'll go on worrying. [To Nikta] Well then, with the left. Come in!

NIKTA. Ah, that's it.

ANSYA. You look who's in the hut!

NIKTA. Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I'm not ashamed of my parent. I can pay my respects to my parent. How d'you do, father? [Bows and puts out his hand] My respects to you.



AKM [does not answer] Drink, I mean drink, what it does! It's filthy!

NIKTA. Drink, what's that? I've been drinking? I'm to blame, that's flat! I've had a glass with a friend, drank his health.

ANSYA. Go and lie down, I say.

NIKTA. Wife, say where am I standing?

ANSYA. Now then, it's all right, lie down!

NIKTA. No, I'll first drink a samovr with my parent. Go and light the samovr. Akoulna, I say, come here!

Enter Akoulna, smartly dressed and carrying their purchases.

AKOULNA. Why have you thrown everything about? Where's the yarn?

NIKTA. The yarn? The yarn's there. Hullo, Mtritch, where are you? Asleep? Asleep? Go and put the horse up.

AKM [not seeing Akoulna but looking at his son] Dear me, what is he doing? The old man's what d'ye call it, quite done up, I mean,—been thrashing,—and look at him, what d'ye call it, putting on airs! Put up the horse! Faugh, what filth!

MTRITCH [climbs down from the oven, and puts on felt boots] Oh, merciful Lord! Is the horse in the yard? Done it to death, I dare say. Just see how he's been swilling, the deuce take him. Up to his very throat. Oh Lord, holy Nicholas! [Puts on sheepskin, and exit].

NIKTA [sits down] You must forgive me, father. It's true I've had a drop; well, what of that? Even a hen will drink. Ain't it true? So you must forgive me. Never mind Mtritch, he doesn't mind, he'll put it up.

ANSYA. Shall I really light the samovr?

NIKTA. Light it! My parent has come. I wish to talk to him, and shall drink tea with him. [To Akoulna] Have you brought all the parcels?

AKOULNA. The parcels? I've brought mine, the rest's in the sledge. Hi, take this, this isn't mine!

Throws a parcel on the table and puts the others into her box. Nan watches her while she puts them away. Akm does not look at his son, but puts his leg-bands and bast-shoes on the oven.

ANSYA [going out with the samovr] Her box is full as it is, and still he's bought more!



NIKTA [pretending to be sober] You must not be cross with me, father. You think I'm drunk? I am all there, that's flat! As they say, "Drink, but keep your wits about you." I can talk with you at once, father. I can attend to any business. You told me about the money; your horse is worn-out,—I remember! That can all be managed. That's all in our hands. If it was an enormous sum that's wanted, then we might wait; but as it is I can do everything. That's the case.

AKM [goes on fidgeting with the leg-bands] Eh, lad, "It's ill sledging when the thaw has set in."

NIKTA. What d'you mean by that? "And it's ill talking with one who is drunk"? But don't you worry, let's have some tea. And I can do anything; that's flat! I can put everything to rights.

AKM [shakes his head] Eh, eh, eh!

NIKTA. The money, here it is. [Puts his hand in his pocket, pulls out pocket-book, handles the notes in it and takes out a ten-rouble note] Take this to get a horse; I can't forget my parent. I shan't forsake him, that's flat. Because he's my parent! Here you are, take it! Really now, I don't grudge it. [Comes up and pushes the note towards Akm who won't take it. Nikta catches hold of his father's hand] Take it, I tell you. I don't grudge it.

AKM. I can't, what d'you call it, I mean, can't take it! And can't what d'ye call it, talk to you, because you're not yourself, I mean.

NIKTA. I'll not let you go! Take it! [Puts the money into Akm's hand].

ANSYA [enters, and stops] You'd better take it, he'll give you no peace!

AKM [takes it, and shakes his head] Oh! that liquor. Not like a man, I mean!

NIKTA. That's better! If you repay it you'll repay it, if not I'll make no bother. That's what I am! [Sees Akoulna] Akoulna, show your presents.

AKOULNA. What?

NIKTA. Show your presents.

AKOULNA. The presents, what's the use of showing 'em? I've put 'em away.

NIKTA. Get them, I tell you. Nan will like to see 'em. Undo the shawl. Give it here.

AKM. Oh, oh! It's sickening! [Climbs on the oven].

AKOULNA [gets out the parcels and puts them on the table] Well, there you are,—what's the good of looking at 'em?

NAN. Oh how lovely! It's as good as Stepanda's.

AKOULNA. Stepanda's? What's Stepanda's compared to this? [Brightening up and undoing the parcels] Just look here,—see the quality! It's a French one.

NAN. The print is fine! Mary has a dress like it, only lighter on a blue ground. This is pretty.

NIKTA. Ah, that's it!

Ansya passes angrily into the closet, returns with a tablecloth and the chimney of the samovr, and goes up to the table.

ANSYA. Drat you, littering the table!

NIKTA. You look here!

ANSYA. What am I to look at? Have I never seen anything? Put it away! [Sweeps the shawl on to the floor with her arm].

AKOULNA. What are you pitching things down for? You pitch your own things about! [Picks up the shawl].

NIKTA. Ansya! Look here!

ANSYA. Why am I to look?

NIKTA. You think I have forgotten you? Look here! [Shows her a parcel and sits down on it] It's a present for you. Only you must earn it! Wife, where am I sitting?

ANSYA. Enough of your humbug. I'm not afraid of you. Whose money are you spreeing on and buying your fat wench presents with? Mine!

AKOULNA. Yours indeed? No fear! You wished to steal it, but it did not come off! Get out of the way! [Pushes her while trying to pass].

ANSYA. What are you shoving for? I'll teach you to shove!

AKOULNA. Shove me? You try! [Presses against Ansya].

NIKTA. Now then, now then, you women. Have done now! [Steps between them].

AKOULNA. Comes shoving herself in! You ought to keep quiet and remember your doings! You think no one knows!

ANSYA. Knows what? Out with it, out with it! What do they know?

AKOULNA. I know something about you!

ANSYA. You're a slut who goes with another's husband!

AKOULNA. And you did yours to death!

ANSYA [throwing herself on Akoulna] You're raving!

NIKTA [holding her back] Ansya, you seem to have forgotten!

ANSYA. Want to frighten me! I'm not afraid of you!

NIKTA [turns Ansya round and pushes her out] Be off!

ANSYA. Where am I to go? I'll not go out of my own house!

NIKTA. Be off, I tell you, and don't dare to come in here!

ANSYA. I won't go! [Nikta pushes her, Ansya cries and screams and clings to the door] What! am I to be turned out of my own house by the scruff of the neck? What are you doing, you scoundrel? Do you think there's no law for you? You wait a bit!

NIKTA. Now then!

ANSYA. I'll go to the Elder! To the policeman!

NIKTA. Off, I tell you! [Pushes her out].

ANSYA [behind the door] I'll hang myself!

NIKTA. No fear!

NAN. Oh, oh, oh! Mother, dear, darling! [Cries].

NIKTA. Me frightened of her! A likely thing! What are you crying for? She'll come back, no fear. Go and see to the samovr. [Exit Nan].

AKOULNA [collects and folds her presents] The mean wretch, how she's messed it up. But wait a bit, I'll cut up her jacket for her! Sure I will!

NIKTA. I've turned her out, what more do you want?

AKOULNA. She's dirtied my new shawl. If that bitch hadn't gone away, I'd have torn her eyes out!

NIKTA. That's enough. Why should you be angry? Now if I loved her...

AKOULNA. Loved her? She's worth loving, with her fat mug! If you'd have given her up, then nothing would have happened. You should have sent her to the devil. And the house was mine all the same, and the money was mine! Says she is the mistress, but what sort of mistress is she to her husband? She's a murderess, that's what she is! She'll serve you the same way!

NIKTA. Oh dear, how's one to stop a woman's jaw? You don't yourself know what you're jabbering about!

AKOULNA. Yes, I do. I'll not live with her! I'll turn her out of the house! She can't live here with me. The mistress indeed! She's not the mistress,—that jailbird!

NIKTA. That's enough! What have you to do with her? Don't mind her. You look at me! I am the master! I do as I like. I've ceased to love her, and now I love you. I love who I like! The power is mine, she's under me. That's where I keep her. [Points to his feet] A pity we've no concertina. [Sings].

"We have loaves on the stoves, We have porridge on the shelf. So we'll live and be gay, Making merry every day, And when death comes, Then we'll die! We have loaves on the stoves, We have porridge on the shelf..."

Enter Mtritch. He takes off his outdoor things and climbs on the oven.

MTRITCH. Seems the women have been fighting again! Tearing each other's hair. Oh Lord, gracious Nicholas!

AKM [sitting on the edge of the oven, takes his leg-bands and shoes and begins putting them on] Get in, get into the corner.

MTRITCH. Seems they can't settle matters between them. Oh Lord!

NIKTA. Get out the liquor, we'll have some with our tea.

NAN [to Akoulna] Sister, the samovr is just boiling over.

NIKTA. And where's your mother?

NAN. She's standing and crying out there in the passage.

NIKTA. Oh, that's it! Call her, and tell her to bring the samovr. And you, Akoulna, get the tea things.

AKOULNA. The tea things? All right. [Brings the things].

NIKTA [unpacks spirits, rusks, and salt herrings] That's for myself. This is yarn for the wife. The paraffin is out there in the passage, and here's the money. Wait a bit, [takes a counting-frame] I'll add it up. [Adds] Wheat-flour, 80 kopykas, oil ... Father, 10 roubles.... Father, come let's have some tea!

Silence. Akm sits on the oven and winds the bands round his legs. Enter Ansya with samovr.

ANSYA. Where shall I put it?

NIKTA. Here on the table. Well! have you been to the Elder? Ah, that's it! Have your say and then eat your words. Now then, that's enough. Don't be cross, sit down and drink this. [Fills a wine-glass for her] And here's your present. [Gives her the parcel he had been sitting on. Ansya takes it silently and shakes her head].

AKM [gets down and puts on his sheepskin, then comes up to the table and puts down the money] Here, take your money back! Put it away.

NIKTA [does not see the money] Why have you put on your things?

AKM. I'm going, going I mean; forgive me for the Lord's sake. [Takes up his cap and belt].

NIKTA. My gracious! Where are you going to at this time of night?

AKM. I can't, I mean what d'ye call 'em, in your house, what d'ye call 'em, can't stay I mean, stay, can't stay, forgive me.

NIKTA. But are you going without having any tea?

AKM [fastens his belt] Going, because, I mean, it's not right in your house, I mean, what d'you call it, not right, Nikta, in the house, what d'ye call it, not right! I mean, you are living a bad life, Nikta, bad,—I'll go.

NIKTA. Eh now! Have done talking! Sit down and drink your tea!

ANSYA. Why, father, you'll shame us before the neighbours. What has offended you?

AKM. Nothing what d'ye call it, nothing has offended me, nothing at all! I mean only, I see, what d'you call it, I mean, I see my son, to ruin I mean, to ruin, I mean my son's on the road to ruin, I mean.

NIKTA. What ruin? Just prove it!

AKM. Ruin, ruin; you're in the midst of it! What did I tell you that time?

NIKTA. You said all sorts of things!

AKM. I told you, what d'ye call it, I told you about the orphan lass. That you had wronged an orphan—Marna, I mean, wronged her!

NIKTA. Eh! he's at it again. Let bygones be bygones ... All that's past!

AKM [excited] Past! No, lad, it's not past. Sin, I mean, fastens on to sin—drags sin after it, and you've stuck fast, Nikta, fast in sin! Stuck fast in sin! I see you're fast in sin. Stuck fast, sunk in sin, I mean!

NIKTA. Sit down and drink your tea, and have done with it!

AKM. I can't, I mean can't what d'ye call it, can't drink tea. Because of your filth, I mean; I feel what d'ye call it, I feel sick, very sick! I can't what d'ye call it, I can't drink tea with you.

NIKTA. Eh! There he goes rambling! Come to the table.

AKM. You're in your riches same as in a net—you're in a net, I mean. Ah, Nikta, it's the soul that God needs!