A voice in the crowd. Send for the old women to lay out the body.
Matryóna (rolls up her sleeves). Is there any water in the copper? But I daresay the samovár is still hot. I'll also go and help a bit.
CURTAIN
ACT III
The same hut. Winter. Nine months have passed since Act II. ANÍSYA, plainly dressed, sits before a loom weaving. NAN is on the oven.
Mítritch (an old laborer, enters and slowly takes off his outdoor things). Oh Lord, have mercy! Well, hasn't the master come home yet?
Anísya. What?
Mítritch. Nikíta isn't back from town, is he?
Anísya. No.
Mítritch. Must have been on the spree. Oh Lord!