Nikíta. Who'd forbid it?

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

Nikíta (laughing). Just hear her! Ain't she cute?

Akoulína. 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, Nikíta, she's coming! I'm blest if she isn't! I'll go away.

[Exit.

Marína (enters). What are you doing with me?

Nikíta. Doing? I'm not doing anything.

Marína. You mean to desert me.