Nikíta. It's whining! It's whining! It is really—there, there, quite plain! She'll bury it, really she will! (Runs to the door.) Mother, don't bury it, it's alive....
[Enter MATRYÓNA.
Matryóna (whispers). Now then, what is it? Heaven help you! Why won't you get to rest? How can it be alive? All its bones are crushed!
Nikíta. Give me more drink.
[Drinks.
Matryóna. Now go, sonny. You'll fall asleep now all right.
Nikíta (stands listening). Still alive ... there ... it's whining! Don't you hear?... There!
Matryóna (whispers). No! I tell you!
Nikíta. Mother! My own mother! I've ruined my life! What have you done with me? Where am I to go?
[Runs out of the hut; MATRYÓNA follows him.