Nikíta (rises). You tell me not to fear men?
Mítritch. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the bath-house! All made of one paste! One has a bigger belly, another a smaller; that's all the difference there is! Fancy being afraid of 'em! Deuce take 'em!
Matryóna (from the yard). Well, are you coming?
Nikíta. Ah! Better so! I'm coming!
[Goes towards yard.
SCENE II
Interior of hut, full of people, some sitting round tables and others standing. In the front corner AKOULÍNA and the BRIDEGROOM. On one of the tables an Icon and a loaf of rye-bread. Among the visitors are MARÍNA, her husband, and a POLICE OFFICER, also a HIRED DRIVER, the MATCHMAKER, and the BEST MAN. The women are singing. ANÍSYA carries round the drink. The singing stops.
The Driver. If we are to go, let's go! The church ain't so near.
The Best Man. All right; you wait a bit till the step-father has given his blessing. But where is he?
Anísya. He is coming—coming at once, dear friends! Have another glass, all of you; don't refuse!