KATERINA. Ah! Why feel for me, it's no one's fault. I have come to this of myself. Don't think of me! Anyone may know, anyone may see what I do! (Takes Boris in her arms.) Since I have not feared to do wrong for you, am I likely to fear the judgment of men? They do say, it will be better for one, if one has to suffer here on earth for any sin.
BORIS. Come, why think of that, when we are happy now!
KATERINA. Why, truly! I shall have long years to weep enough hereafter.
BORIS. And I was so frightened, I thought you would send me away.
KATERINA (smiling). Send you away! How could I? Not with my heart. If you had not come, think I should have gone to you myself.
BORIS. I never even guessed you loved me.
KATERINA. I have loved you for so long. It's as though, for my sins, you came here to torment me. Directly I saw you I ceased to belong to myself. From the first moment, I believe, if you had beckoned to me, I would have followed you; to the ends of the earth I would have followed you, and never looked back.
BORIS. Has your husband gone away for long?
KATERINA. For a fortnight.
BORIS. O, then we will be happy! that is a long time.