Matryóna. Mind, don't forget to baptize it, or I will if you like. Have you a cross?
Anísya. I'll find one. Ï know how to do it.
[Exit.
See at end of Act, [VARIATION], which may be used instead of the following.
Matryóna. How the woman bristled up! But one must allow she's been put upon. Well, but with the Lord's help, when we've covered this business, there'll be an end of it. We'll shove the girl off without any trouble. My son will live in comfort. The house, thank God, is as full as an egg. They'll not forget me either. Where would they have been without Matryóna? They'd not have known how to contrive things. (Peering into the cellar.) Is it ready, sonny?
Nikíta (puts out his head). What are you about there? Bring it quick! What are you dawdling for? If it is to be done, let it be done.
Matryóna (goes towards door of the hut and meets ANÍSYA. ANÍSYA comes out with a baby wrapped in rags). Well, have you baptized it?
Anísya. Why, of course. It was all I could do to take it away—she wouldn't give it up!