Anísya (enters). Well, now, are you coming in or not? You do keep one waiting. Peter! eh, Peter!
Matryóna (steps aside and beckons to ANÍSYA with her finger). Well?
Anísya (comes down the porch steps). Not there.
Matryóna. But have you searched everywhere? Under the floor?
Anísya. No, it's not there either. In the shed perhaps; he was rummaging there yesterday.
Matryóna. 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 samovár ready?
Anísya. Just on the boil.
Nikíta (comes from the other side, if possible on horse-back, up to the gate, and does not see PETER. To MATRYÓNA). How d'you do, mother, is all well at home?
Matryóna. The Lord be thanked, we're all alive and have a crust to bite.
Nikíta. Well and how's master?