Mítritch (laughs). All right, all right. (Sits down by her.) What's there to be afraid of?
Nan. How can one help being frightened, daddy! Sister did go on so! She was beating her head against the box! (Whispers.) You know, I know ... a little baby is going to be born.... It's already born, I think....
Mítritch. Eh, what a little busybody it is! May the frogs tick her! Must needs know everything. Lie down and sleep! (NAN lies down.) That's right! (Tucks her up.) That's right! There now, if you know too much you'll grow old too soon.
Nan. And you are going to lie on the oven?
Mitrich. Well, of course! What a little silly you are, now I come to look at you! Must needs know everything. (Tucks her up again, then stands up to go.) There now, lie still and sleep!
[Goes up to the oven.
Nan. It gave just one cry, and now there's nothing to be heard.
Mítritch. Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas! What is it you can't hear?
Nan. The baby.
Mítritch. There is none, that's why you can't hear it.