In front of scene a stack-stand, to the left a thrashing ground, to the right a barn. The barn doors are open. Straw is strewn about in the doorway. The hut with yard and out-buildings is seen in the background, whence proceed sounds of singing and of a tambourine. Two GIRLS are walking past the barn towards the hut.
First Girl. There, you see we've managed to pass without so much as getting our boots dirty! But to come by the street is terribly muddy! (Stop and wipe their boots on the straw. FIRST GIRL looks at the straw and sees something .) What's that?
Second Girl (looks where the straw lies and sees some one). It's Mítritch, their laborer. Just look how drunk he is!
First Girl. Why, I thought be didn't drink.
Second Girl. It seems he didn't, until it was going around. First Girl. Just see! He must have come to fetch some straw. Look! he's got a rope in his hand, and he's fallen asleep.
Second Girl (listening). They're still singing the [praises.][9] So I s'pose the bride and bridegroom have not yet been blessed! They say Akoulína didn't even [lament!][10]
First Girl. Mammie says she is marrying against her will. Her stepfather threatened her, or else she'd not have done it for the world! Why, you know what they've been saying about her?
Marína (catching up the GIRLS). How d'you you do, lassies?
Girls. How d'you do?
Marína. Going to the wedding, my dears?