Anísya. Have you finished in the stackyard?
Mítritch. What d'you think? Got it all as it should be, and covered everything with straw! I don't like doing things by halves! Oh Lord! holy Nicholas! (Picks at the corns on his hands.) But it's time he was back.
Anísya. What need has he to hurry? He's got money. Merry-making with that girl, I daresay....
Mítritch. Why shouldn't one make merry if one has the money? And why did Akoulína go to town?
Anísya. You'd better ask her. How do I know what the devil took her there!
Mítritch. What! to town? There's all sorts of things to be got in town if one's got the means. Oh Lord!
Nan. Mother, I heard myself. "I'll get you a little shawl," he says, blest if he didn't; "you shall choose it yourself," he says. And she got herself up so fine; she put on her velveteen coat and the French shawl.
Anísya. Really, a girl's modesty reaches only to the door. Step over the threshold and it's forgotten. She is a shameless creature.
Mítritch. Oh my! What's the use of being ashamed? While there's plenty of money make merry. Oh Lord! It is too soon to have supper, eh? (ANÍSYA does not answer.) I'll go and get warm meanwhile. (Climbs on the stove.) Oh, Lord! Blessed Virgin Mother! Holy Nicholas!
Neighbor (enters). Seems your good man's not back yet?