MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Go away!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. [Weeping] I can't keep back my tears when I look at you! My heart bleeds that they don't respect you, that they don't respect you even in your own house! In your honorable house, in such pious premises as these, to do such things!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. [Frowning] You silly crow! You want to croak about something or other. Well, croak away!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Benefactress, I'm afraid it might upset you.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. You've upset me already. Talk!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. [Glances about in all directions and sits down on a stool at the feet of MADAM ULANBÉKOV] Yesterday, benefactress, I was ending my evening prayer to the Heavenly Creator, and went out to stroll in the garden, and to occupy myself for the night with pious meditations.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Well!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. And what did I see there, benefactress! How my legs held me up, I don't know! That Líza of yours was running through the bushes with a depraved look; it must be she was seeking her lovers. Our master, the little angel! was rowing in the boat on the pond, and Nádya, also with a depraved expression, was clinging to him with her arms about his neck, and was kissing him. And it was easy to see that he, because of his purity, was trying to thrust her away; but she kept clasping him about the neck, kissing and tempting him.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Are you lying?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. You may quarter me, benefactress.