Nikíta. Bother you all,—I'm going.

Anísya (quite pale, runs out of the hut and round the corner to MATRYÓNA). So it was, it was on him! Here it is!

[Shows that she has something under her apron.

Matryóna. Give it to Nikíta; he'll hide it. Nikíta, take it and hide it somewhere.

Nikíta. All right, give here!

Anísya. O—oh, my poor head! No, I'd better do it myself.

[Goes towards the gate.

Matryóna (seizing her by the arm). Where are you going to? You'll be missed. There's the sister coming; give it him; he knows what to do. Eh, you blockhead!

Anísya (stops irresolutely). Oh, my head, my head!

Nikíta. Well, give it here. I'll shove it away somewhere.