VARVARA. He is so sad and unhappy....
KATERINA. Don't speak to me of him, for goodness' sake, don't speak of him! I don't want to know him even. I will love my husband: Tisha, my dear one, no one shall ever take your place! I did not want to think of him, you tempt me.
VARVARA. All right, don't think of him; no one compels you to.
KATERINA. You have no mercy on me! You say: don't think of him, and you mention him yourself! Do you suppose I want to think of him; but what can I do, when I can't get him out of my mind? Whatever I try to think, he seems always standing before my eyes. And I try to be different, and I can't. Do you know, last night, the evil one tempted me again. I was almost walking straight out of the house.
VARVARA. You are such a fantastical creature, God bless you! What I think is: one should do what one likes, only be sure it's kept dark!
KATERINA. I don't like that. What good can come of it! I had much better bear it as long as I can bear it.
VARVARA. And when you can't bear it, what will you do?
KATERINA. What shall I do?
VARVARA. Yes, what will you do?
KATERINA. Whatever I long to do, I will do.